morby Offline Upload & Sell: Off
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friscoron wrote:
I really can't imagine that you're saying that I should be able to go from 7 low-end weddings in 2012 to a TRR-esque year in 2013, unless I'm creating my own obstacles? I don't mean to come across as defensive, just dealing in my reality. I see what inquiries come through for me, maybe 4-8 month. For me, my plan has been growth year over year. 2014 will be a good year. 2015 will be an exciting year. But I can't snap my fingers and surround myself with everything I need to be in position to have that exciting year in 2013. If you know of a way I can do it, I'm all ears! Dumbo-sized!...Show more →
My strategy for growth was exactly the same as yours. It was slow growth. My base price point changes were $500, $800, $1200, $1500, $1900, $3000 and $3500. I only shot a handful of weddings from 2001-2009, and my big growth years were 2010, 2011 & 2012. I didn't go full time until July 2012. In the greater Philadelphia area there are thousands of "wedding photographers" (many which are really good) and because of that I feel slow growth is the way to go. There are a select few that blow up over night, but I think it's rare. My business has been built on producing quality work, having good relationships with my clients and partnerships with vendors. If I would have priced myself at my desired price point in 2010, without anything to back that up, I feel I'd get overlooked because there are so many photographers to choose from. I wouldn't have shot the number of weddings I have, gained experience, built a portfolio I'm proud of or connected with so many other vendors. My belief is that experience is really important for building a successful business. My referrals come from (in this order)...
1. Past couples
2. Vendors
3. Other Photographers
4. Social Media
5. Google Searches
It's taken time to build a sustainable network from which I generate referrals. Many couples pass me by, but because I have a wide reach I'm still able to generate a large amount of referrals. Because of that I'm able to book the amount of weddings I need at the average price that keeps my business profitable.
A side note, Malcom Gladwell has a book called "The Tipping Point" (great read for business owners). In there he talks about connectors. They are the types of people that know a lot of people on a surface level (the people you see with thousands of friends on Facebook). Connectors are vital in making a business successful (what he calls the tipping point for a business). I've found that my "connector brides" have brought in more business than anything else. I can count on one hand who my connector brides are and from them I've received hundreds of referrals. That point might discount everything I said above about "slow growth", but it's good food for thought.
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