mauriceramirez wrote:
True, we are training our competition with our blogs and sites to an extent but its still your choice to whom you give out things like your interactive style, client repoire, marketing, sales techniques, etc. And THOSE are the things that make the biggest difference anyway.
-m
The longer I shoot, the more I realize interaction and client repoire make a HUGE difference. and sales/marketing are basically what run your business. Great post, Maurice.
What about folding them into your own business for days your booked after they have been trained? I've been playing around with the idea of working with some of the guys in town that are good at the photography part but not the biz side of things.
dpun wrote:
You are training your competition...that's the long and short of it.
Dave
Nobody learns in a vacuum. Although not a wedding photographer I assisted people who years later I was bidding against. It was good for me because I felt I had become a 'real photographer' and good for him because he knew I had good business practices and wouldn't lowball him.
I am in the process of a tag-a-long w/ a local pro.
The pro's business is growing.
if it goes well - then work as a 2nd for the rest of the year.
That is part of the deal.
I have shot 2nd and really enjoy the process and interacting w/ people.
Since i am by myself i have several thoughts:
-I want to network and build a relationship with several photogs as working colleagues, there-by helping each other.
-I will eventually become competition - probably. Since i live in a big metroplex - I think there is plenty to go around - at least from what i have seen.
-I am hoping if the pro needs help - they will feel very confident calling for assistance or to fill in.
Since this is not my main source of income - i am not pressing any time tables or to 'steal' anybodies secrets.
Do I want to be successful - heck yeah.
I guess i will have to add a follow-up to see how the next coming months turn out.
I know i'm grateful for the opportunity and i'm jazzed.
As i'm also grateful to help another member on FM in his wedding business by shooting 2nd.
I am very against it... I didnt used to be but then I had someone who I had agreed to help call me the night before a wedding and flake. Having to explain that to a client put me in a bind. Lucky for me I didnt sell them as a third photog or additional coverage I had just ok'd it with the couple for this person to attend as well. I won't do it again though...
