10 Keys to a Successful Photography Business

There is one quality which one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it.

~ Napoleon Hill ~

This post is for all those photographers out there who ever got bogged down in the day-to-day distractions of life. For everyone who lost track of the main purpose of why they got into photography and set up their own business in the first place.

There are two main aspects of being a successful photographer:

1. A creative aspect - this is our ability to express who we are, an ability to create art that will captivate and inspire others.

2. A business aspect – which is an art in itself and stretches far beyond than just taking beautiful photographs.

So – the 10 key attributes of a successful photographer and a successful businessperson are:

1) Have a Vision

“If you’re not sure where you’re going, you’ll probably end up somewhere else.”

~Yogi Berra~

Dane Sanders in his book “Fast Track Photographer Business Plan” states it quite simply:

“A vision means having a clear idea of the following:
– Who you are uniquely as a photographer
– How your business will embody and leverage that uniqueness
– The target market you plan to attract
– The size and scope of the impact you intend to make in the photo world

Dane talks in great details about how to define your vision and offers a step by step exercise to guide you through.

2) Take Leadership

Don’t be a follower – be a leader, be the captain of your ship and know where you are steering it.  Flexibility and potential financial independence are probably the main reasons why you want to have your own business.  But you need to make sure you’re the CEO and not the hourly labour worker of your business.  The points below will give you some ideas about your business leadership.

3) Set Goals

One should have clear and measurable goals – both financial and non-financials.  Clear means short and precise – measurable means tangible outcomes by defined time frames.  E.g. I have X number of clients by Y date.  I earn X$ by Y date.  Create your goals only as positive statements and in present tense – as if it is already a fact.  Make sure your review your goals on a daily basis in order to be focused on achieving them.

“Your goals are the road maps that guide you and show you what is possible for your life.”
~Les Brown~

“A man without a goal is like a ship without a rudder.”
~Thomas Carlyle~

“The goal you set must be challenging. At the same time, it should be realistic and attainable, not impossible to reach. It should be challenging enough to make you stretch, but not so far that you break.”
~Rick Hansen~

4) Action is the Key

Take actions – every day, every minute… Action is the key.  One can go to endless seminars and workshops generate unique ideas, but all is nothing without actions. Get up, get dressed and get going. Or like Chase Jarvis says : “Get sh!t done” read more here…

“Dreams are fulfilled only through action, not through endless planning to take action.”
~David J. Schwartz~

“To will is to select a goal, determine a course of action that will bring one to that goal, and then hold to that action until the goal is reached. The key is action.
~ Michael Hanson ~

5) Know Your Financials

Have a strong understanding of your financial ins and outs – you should know how much it costs you, how much you value your services and products, and how much you are making.  And what’s most important is that you must separate your personal and your business finances.

6) Outsourcing

Spend your time on earning dollars not saving pennies.  You might think that it contradicts with number 5, but the point is to spend your valuable time on marketing and expanding your business; on winning clients and creating valuable relationships; practising your craft; and spending time with your family.  Outsource anything that could be done better and cheaper by someone else.

7) Have a System

You should have a system in place that will run like a machine and carry you and your business to higher grounds.  Systemise everything. Don’t waste your time on doing the same task twice – set up templates.   Don’t’ try to save a penny where you can earn a dollar.  Outsource and free yourself up for what you are meant to be doing and for what suits you the best – creating and leading!!

8) Define Your Products & Services

Be clear, be simple and believe in what you are worth! Here I support the idea of simplicity.  Have a limited number of products to choose from.  Don’t place the responsibility of choices on your client.  Make the decision to buy easy.  Some successful photographers support the idea of ONE product only.  Have a look at what someone as amazing as the Sydney glamour photographer Sue Bryce says about her approach to how many products we should offer.  Sue Bryce – Simplify – ONE PRODUCT

9) Practice Your Craft

Practice not on your clients but on practice shoots.  Hire models, hire props, allocate some time and practice, practice, practice.  Become better every day and not at your clients expense.  They are paying you to be an expert not to use them to become one.

10) Do Your Best at All Times

Even if you are sick or tired – make sure you do your best at all times.  Then there will be no regrets no blame, no judgement.  And remember – bad news spreads ten times faster than good!

Cool Books:

Dane Sanders “Fast Track Photographer”

Dane Sanders “Fast Track Photographer Business Plan”

Cool Sites:

Sue Bryce educational Blog: www.inbedwithsue.com

Chase Javas Educational Blog: www.http://blog.chasejarvis.com/blog/

Fast Track Photographer Business Plan Blog http://blog.fasttrackphotographer.com/ a lot of educational information and interviews

I hope you enjoyed the read.  Please click “Like” to support!

Thank you!

Lena