My husband and I have started a "generalized" photography business and have operated for the last 5 years. We've decided to take a step back and re-define our business plan and look toward specializing in Commercial Photography.
What suggestions do you have for "networking" and getting our name "out there"? So far, all of our business has come from "word of mouth".
We definitely plan to start attending the Chamber of Commerce events, but we're hoping to hear from you seasoned folks on other suggested activities to get out and meet the right people.
Other clubs such as Lions club usually have business people. Check them out, ask questions about membership, etc.
Here in this area there's a "Young Entrepreneurs" association.
Also, there are women's groups for women in business.
Google it, or check the yellow pages. Or ask your local business people what they do.
(Wish I had time to do that...)
I belong to a group called BNI, Business Networking International. It's specifically designed to generate word of mouth advertising. I've heard a lot of mixed reviews about it (and other similar groups) from here and other boards but the bottom line is I've made far more then I have spent in dues and whatnot from business generated directly from the members in my chapter. I just shot a job this morning actually from a referral I got yesterday from a member. It's probably cheaper then your local chambers also. Look up the website (bni.com), find a chapter in your area, drop by for breakfast and check it out. Visit a couple chapters until you find one where you click with the people.
The difference between BNI and social/business associations is BNI's purpose is to make you money, not talk about current events or celebrate the newest business to open up. It's there to generate solid referrals for you to turn into business.
msnumbers wrote:
My husband and I have started a "generalized" photography business and have operated for the last 5 years. We've decided to take a step back and re-define our business plan and look toward specializing in Commercial Photography.
What suggestions do you have for "networking" and getting our name "out there"? So far, all of our business has come from "word of mouth".
We definitely plan to start attending the Chamber of Commerce events, but we're hoping to hear from you seasoned folks on other suggested activities to get out and meet the right people.
In today's economic climate, I don't think specializing in one form of photography is the way to go...unless you are very, very good.
Most of the other professional photographers that I know are branching out into other territories...areas they never dreamed of before...but...with some...they have no financial leg to stand on....so they take what they can get just to keep the doors open.
I got my start in the advertising field so I had an established reputation when I decided to specialize in action photography, I found more commercial, school, team/individuals and senior/family/portrait work coming my way because most of the clients had kids in sports and were coaches, CEO's, marketing directors, refs, umpires, administrators, entrepeneurs, spectators, school officials, board members, elected officials, policemen, firemen, postal workers...etc.
That's networking at its finest.
Now...I have to turn work away because I can't fit it into my schedule....so I pick and choose the projects I want.
+1 for the BNI Networking group. I belong to a chapter and have made plenty of money from being a part of BNI. One thing not mentioned about it above is that only one seat per profession is allowed. That pretty much eliminates competition within the chapter. You really should ceck it out.
