Photo Success

A Place to Grow

3 warning signs your photography sucks….and why getting a USP is not the answer…..

By Leave a Comment

First off, let me say this. USP as a strategy is way overrated.

USP=Unique Selling Proposition in case you didn’t know.

Sure, it sounds cool when someone mentions it at some photography workshop when speaking on photography marketing.

But it makes little sense.
Why?

The best comparison that comes to mind is the overused term “commitment” in a relationship.

As if commitment is something you pursue. And chase after.

Truth is, it’s something that occurs organically, as a natural by-product because of your beliefs, discipline (think grown up), your actions and because overall, in spite of any flaws, you like the other person.

And you WANT to be with them. It’s organic.

You don’t go get a USP and then push it onto your clients.

It’s something that reveals itself because you work at creating great offers and at building a great following for your photographic services.

Which leads me to the bare bones essence of any promotion. ( A promotion has at it’s core the essence of your USP….this is also known as “brand”. In other words, what do your clients and prospects feel, know, understand and get about you and your service?)

Here it is in a nutshell:
*Your list is 50% what makes an offer work. In other words, WHO you pitch your offer to matters….a lot!
*The offer makes up 30%
*The copy, the “message/offer”, makes up 20%

Notice nothing about having a USP? Notice the numero uno item that rocks this?
The list!

Your past clients. And, more importantly, your relationship to them.

And that my friend, you can take to the bank.

A USP is about as valuable as a mile high stack of worthless penny stocks.

So, here goes…..

3 warning signs your Unique Selling Proposition has tubes up its nose and is being kept alive by a machine:

1) You wrack your brain for hours trying to create offers for your photography business and nothing works.
2) The cost of advertising goes up and up. Like a patient in a coma, you wonder if you should just pull the plug.
3) You worry way too much about competitors. One or two rivals really get under your skin. You agonize over a few key competitors and spend way too much time thinking about them.

Listen. These are merely symptoms.

And they mean something much deeper is going on.

What you need to do is fix the owner of the business.

Fix the boss, fix the business.

You don’t need another USP. What you need is a complete medical and marketing overhaul.

One of the best strategies for health, wealth and prosperity is learning from others who been there, ‘dun dat.

And it’s why we created a place where many photographers go to access some of most effective, tested, proven and street level smart advice on marketing, shooting and success.

It’s called NoBs Photo Success Inc™

If you have the passion, the desire and drive to grow your photography business, and are open to advice that makes sense, then this could be just the prescription the doctor ordered.

Robert N. Provencher – Your Master Coach Marketer
“If you want to be a profitable and successful photographer, then study profitable and successful photographers.”

Join us…Content, Coaching & Community

Ever wish you had “X-Ray” vision?

By Leave a Comment

I’m not talking about seeing through walls here. Or seeing through girls clothes (well, there was a time when I did….hey, I was young, and, like most dudes, I was hornier than a two peckered billy goat.)

I’m talking about being able “see” how a successful studio, well, succeeded.

How all my favorite mentors and gurus got their mojo on when it came to growing a successful photography business.

Not only the technical stuff, like lighting, posing and all that stuff….but the real deal.
Yes, yes…I wanted to know all that techie stuff.

But….

I always wanted to know the cold hard truth. Even the ugly side.

The pains, the agonies. The near death experiences that so many businesses go through.

But I mostly wanted to know how to grow MY BUSINESS. What marketing strategies to use.

What steps to take. What promotions, ads and specials would connect with my clients and prospects?

I wanted to “see” the inner world of marketing. See with deep inner vision.

It’s why I succeeded eventually. Why my photography studio grew to well over six-figures like a shot out of a cannon.

I’m confounded by photographers who don’t get this. Yes, I can see how we all want to take the easy road. The path of least resistance.

It’s human. Natural.

But some things need to be risen above. Like taking the easy lazy road.

All you gotta do is ask yourself, like I asked myself…: “Is this goal, and the road I have to travel on, worth the work, pain, turmoil, fears and anxieties in order to achieve it?”

Or do I go back working for the “man”?

(by ‘man’ I mean any boss, man or woman, who controls us and our destinies as we’re tied to jobs we hate, can’t stand, resist with every ounce of our being even though we eagerly took it on because we wanted the security and instant gratification that comes with a steady paycheck….even if we’re paying daily by the cold, slow erosion and deadening of our creative souls and aspirations…)

This drive, this urge and ultimate success is the reason I created what I consider to be the best online photography, marketing and success forum found anywhere out there.

And why I brought to the members a specific and clearly defined library of success tools.

Tools like:
*success and marketing interviews with big names and not so big names, but successful photographers…..over ten years worth so far… each one interviewed by me. Because dammit, I’m curious as hell and I want Xray vision…!
*marketing…more than any hot blooded ambitious photographer can handle. Videos, systems and manuals. I literally ripped open every conceivable idea, strategy and tactic and poured it on with no-holds barred
*videos on everything…shooting, photoshop workflow, website optimization, weddings, fairies, families, seniors and way, way, way more…too much to mention here because there simply isn’t enough room. But it’s all in there, including many presentations by some of the best photographers working today.
*coaching, meetings and questions….members who are open, without huge ass egos and prima donna attitudes that gives everyone the impression they have god like powers and ‘how dare you even look at me’ stupidity. We’re real, authentic and genuine. This, for some reason, always surprises many…

That, my friend is what I call X-Ray vision. And I’m only scratching the surface. There’s way, way more….

But I’m talking about seeing ALL OF IT…as CLEAR AS DAY…

This is “X-RAY” Vision that ANY photographer can have (and achieve near miraculous results using) once he or she learns how to get their mojo on.

This, by the way, applies to all. Newbies and old timers like me. Photography is like a unicycle….you gotta keep peddling. Or you fall off….
Robert N. Provencher – Your Master Coach Marketer

“If you want to be a profitable and successful photographer, then study profitable and successful photographers.”

Join us…Content, Coaching & Community

“I told you to back off….”

By Leave a Comment

True story. It was in the middle of the ceremony. Church was packed, bride and groom anxiously waiting to exchange their vows. And the video dude, yea, that dang video dude. The same one I tried to offer some advice the week before: “Try not to get so close to the bride and groom during the ceremony. Besides, you’re blocking my view, and the guests view too.”

My words fell on deaf ears. Here he goes again, in their face.

Then it happened. My perfect “I told you so” moment.

The priest stopped, looked directly at the video guy with a stare that would scare satan himself, pointed and sternly ordered: “I told you to back off.”

I tried to warn him. I did. And I almost felt bad for him. The embarassement must’ve been brutal.

Whenever I am photographing a wedding, I always, always get to the ceremony early enough to have a quick chat with the officiant. This is especially important when it’s at a traditional religious location, say, in  a traditional church. The priests can sometimes be a little ornery, have their ways and rules. Or not. I ain’t taking any chances.

I need to respect them. For the couple too. Who needs an embarrassing moment like the one that video guy tarnished his reputation with?
BUT…there’s always a but….I will sneak onto the altar, or wherever, to “get the shot” when I feel it’s safe to do so.

I don’t like going against the rules. But I will when I feel confident enough I won’t get caught. Makes me feel like a kid again.

In this shot, you can see me clearly trespassing. Over to the left is the back of the priest, busy doling out communion. Stay quiet, get the shot, move on.

No one the wiser. The results….

Yours in photography,

Rob

“If you want to be a profitable and successful photographer, then study profitable and successful photographers.”

Frontline webinar with Thomas Dodd December 3rd, 9:00PM EST

By Leave a Comment

JOIN US….December 3rd, 9:00PM EST

OPEN to everyone….REGISTER HERE

Thomas Dodd is a visual artist and photographer based out of Atlanta, Georgia who has developed a style that he calls “painterly photo montage” – a method he employs in editing software in which he crafts elaborately textured pieces that have a very organic and decidedly non-digital look to them. His work often has mythic and quasi-religious themes that pay homage to Old Master art traditions while at the same time drawing from psychological archetypes that evoke a strong emotional response from the viewer.
Although his artwork resembles paintings, his pieces are entirely photographic in nature, fusing many images into a cohesive whole. His larger works are often presented in a mixed media form that adds a depth and texture that complements the photography beautifully. Thomas has had numerous exhibitions of his works in many cities in the USA and around the world.

He has had recent shows in Germany, Romania, Argentina, New York City, Mexico City, Orlando, Miami, New Orleans, Tokyo, San Antonio, Seattle, Paris and in his hometown of Atlanta. Dodd’s photographs have been featured in many magazines, on book and album covers and he frequently teaches workshops and webinars on photo-editing and marketing for artists.

Thomas began his career as a visual artist in 2005. Before that, he was best known as the harpist and songwriter for the 1990s musical group Trio Nocturna, a Celtic Gothic ensemble that put out three critically-acclaimed albums (“Morphia”, “Tears of Light” and “Songs of the Celtic Night”) and performed at author Anne Rice’s annual Halloween balls in New Orleans, as well as spawning an offshoot band called the Changelings. Mythic themes and their relation to emotions and psychological states continue to be his primary subjects and motivations.

JOIN US….December 3rd, 9:00PM EST

OPEN to everyone….REGISTER HERE

You gotta pay if you wanna play…

By Leave a Comment

You ever wonder: “Am I doing the right thing?”

Often late at night these monsters called fears and doubts sneak up and attack in a constant barrage of unrelenting ambushes.

Sometimes I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing. I don’t have a solid plan in place. Just an idea. And faith that it will all work out. So the attacks are expected.

No big deal. I just deal with it, not letting them win.

Most of the time, it’s somewhat calculated, and not entirely risky.

Just yesterday I was chatting with Tina, my wife, and I told her that most folks couldn’t live the way we live.

Most folks need too much back up. A secure, solid pay check. Certainty and security.
I get it and appreciate it. Maybe it’s just not for me.

I’m okay with certainty that it will all work out. Even while being uncertain.

We’re in it on a wing and a prayer. Like most entrepreneurial start ups.

It’s great to do the stuff you love, at have control over your freedom, your time.

This my friend doesn’t come easy. You gotta pay if you wanna play. And part of the price is facing fears.

It’s also called freedom. But freedom isn’t guaranteed nor are we entitled.

It’s something you have to work at, fight for, and constantly struggle to keep as a valued part to your life.

Arnold said it best:

“For me life is continuously being hungry. The meaning of life is not simply to exist, to survive, but to move ahead, to go up, to achieve, to conquer.”
~Arnold Schwarzenegger~

When you’re hungry, you’re focused. Clear. Scared. Calculated. Cautious yet willing.

Be brave my friend. But stay hungry.
Robert N. Provencher – Your Master Coach Marketer

“If you want to be a profitable and successful photographer, then study profitable and successful photographers.”

Join us…Content, Coaching & Community

Marketing is all about coming up with offers and creating products that clients want.

By Leave a Comment

Family by the falls photo promotion…

What is the family by the falls photo promotion you ask?
I dunno…I made it up. Last year.
And it worked. So, we tweaked, modified and ran it again this year. Kaching.
Marketing is all about coming up with offers and creating products that clients want. Products that have very desirable benefits. The benefits will be your main marketing message.

A blend of good value, attractive features and easy to respond to. With a deadline of course (hey, you gotta add some pressure).

I talked about this promotion in last years Marketing Mastermind meeting.
And will be talking about it some more, as update, in the next, soon to be announced, November marketing mastermind.
The point it, you need to try different ideas.
No orders or instructions will come down from over yonder or above with marketing direction. You, I, we all, as professional photographers who rely on our photography marketing to live, need to create and be responsible for marketing.
It’s what makes the wheels turn.
The family by the falls promotion was just one of many strategies I hammered away at this fall. This, among many others.
I love the saying from Dan Kennedy: “Don’t look for one strategy to get 100 clients. Use 100 strategies to get 1 client.”
I’ll admit, this lifestyle is not for everyone. It’s too uncertain and unstable for many.
I get it.
But know this, in order to succeed in business you need to become a marketer. And it’s a skill, not something you’re born with. You get better with time.
ABOVE…my VAL….voice activated lights stand….
Tina , the boss and queen bee, and Danielle, the princess and millennial padawan in training, trying to adjust the Octodome….and doing their best not to fly away like a kite.
Below…a sample of the promotional image. To be discussed. Stay tuned….
Yours in photography,
Rob

“If you want to be a profitable and successful photographer, then study profitable and successful photographers.”

My first wedding and first near nervous breakdown….(how I got through it)

By Leave a Comment

“Self-belief is the catalyst for spectacular achievement.”
~Robin Sharma~

My heart was pounding.

My legs were like rubber. My brain was exploding in a flurry of stress and fear…all cascading down onto my young fragile and vulnerable soul.

I was freaking out in a big way.

I tried as best I could to keep up the illusion of control while inside me I was like a duck paddling furiously under the water, trying to stay afloat, looking sorta calm on the surface.

All an illusion.

This by the way wasn’t my first wedding. This was my first year. My first 5 years to be honest.

When I started shooting schools, families and especially weddings, and, well, people…. I was so close to having an all out nervous breakdown I have no idea how I got through it all.

But get though it I did. It’s hard to say where the drive, the inner fortitude comes from that keeps one going. I can’t say.

Maybe, just maybe it has something to do with having goals and a vision for something bigger and better for oneself. Yea, let’s go with that one.

In the best self-help business book ever written, Think and Grow Rich, there are 13 key fundamentals.

The first one is “Desire”.

From the book:
“The starting point of all achievement is DESIRE. Keep this constantly in mind. Weak desire brings weak results, just as a small fire makes a small amount of heat.”

I suppose I had two choices. Let the fear dominate and let the chips fall where they may. Or, make a decision as to what I wanted for myself. Desire.

You can get far in any and most endeavors, including a photography business, or photography marketing, or in trying to enhance your photographic skills, by simply asking yourself this one easy question: “What do I want?”

If you have that knowledge, you now have a map, so to speak. And having a map may give you the edge you need to keep going on your journey.

I created some goal setting forms to help others create self-awareness and a strong personal vision. These forms have helped me immensely in my lifetime.

You’re welcome to them. Download HERE

If you’re a member of noBs photosuccess you can also watch/download the video replay HERE.

Either way, download and print out the PDF forms and sit down for 20 minutes.

This is some of THE MOST IMPORTANT work you can ever do in your life.
I guarantee it!

The choice is yours.

Robert N. Provencher – Your Master Coach Marketer

“If you want to be a profitable and successful photographer, then study profitable and successful photographers.”

Join us…Content, Coaching & Community

Marilyn Sholin-How to brand yourself as artist instead of “photographer” in your market…REPLAY

By 2 Comments

How to brand yourself as artist instead of “photographer” in your market.

Marilyn gave us many insightful and practical ideas on branding and growing a business selling photography based art.

    • She showed us how she completely retooled and overhauled her personal website
    • She showed resources that detail where to sell art
    • Quote: “I’d rather compete in the market of green dollars.” In other words, it’s all about business and marketing first.
    • The value of connecting and buying from other local artists
    • Quote: “I don’t teach art, you’re learning a software.”

And much more…check it out:

CLICK HERE FOR HER 3 DAY 2017-18 Painter Tutorials OFFER

Yours in success and in photography,
Robert Provencher

“If you want to be a profitable and successful photographer, then study profitable and successful photographers.”

Does your photo booth display look more like a yard sale rather than a professional showing? 25 essential tips for bridal show success

By Leave a Comment

Two years ago in the noBs forum, Marian, our resident “Howard Cosell” replied to a wedding display booth post and started a meandering, info rich thread based on his observations, critiques and rants on photo displays at wedding shows. Good stuff.

Marian attended many wedding shows since then, and has posted many, many on going samples, ideas, strategies, tips, what to do, what NOT to do…..

Here’s a SMALL sampling of this thread. If you’re a member, GO HERE and  check out the entire thread. It’s massive.

1. Tables- Are yours “bare” or skirted already? Some places don’t provide skirts. It looks “cheesy” if the table is not skirted. Bring something or call ahead of time.

2. Do you have separators between you and the next vendor? I have seen photographers put up extra walls, so it’s more of an an enclosed area, for their own booth.

3. Can you swap tables if you find that you are next to another photographer? You will find it hard to “compete” with 2 side by side photographers. People will think you are all one company and you will be passed by.

4. If your table can be “pulled in,” this will create an area that customers can “walk into” and you can devote your attention.

5. Electricity- If you need it for your table for anything, is it included? Yes, we have been “whacked” with $100 fees right on convention floors, if you want power! Attendants with IPads walk around and check to see if you have power and/or “stealing” from someone else. (YES!) At the same time, if the hall is smaller, check to see if your table has a WORKING outlet near you. Worst case scenario, bring an extension cord with a strip outlet. It has saved us many times!

6. Your display- Show products that you produced and can sell! If a couple wants to see a parent’s album, have one there so they can look at. People who browse albums with liquids in their hand need to politely told to be very careful. We have had people spill things on the table. Bring paper towels, rags, etc. Obviosuly, tuck these things under the table.

7. Your give away material. – Price lists, flyers, etc. Do your homework and produce something that easy to read just for the tradeshow. There is NO time for them to be reading an extensive price list/flyer, etc. It confuses them and you want to (important here) make eye contact and speak with them briefly. Let them take additional material and place it in their bags or a member of their “posse.”

8. Talk to the people who are PAYING FOR THE WEDDING. – If a bride & groom are there and parents are there, quickly (jokingly) include the folks in your 2-3 min “sales pitch.” Mom and Dad are paying, so make sure they hear the information.

9. Depending on traffic flow, don’t waste a lot of time on a couple that you feel you will “lose.” Ask quickly, where/when is the wedding. If it’s a “losing” situation for you then abandon the conversation. There will be others walking by also.

10. Your enemy is your friend. (The competition will be there!) So when you set up in a hall, get there early to set up and walk around see what are photographers are there. You could strike up a conversation, you could possibly get a price list, you could possibly get work from them down the road. Extend your hand and meet people!

11. Questions- You will be asked these…
a. What is the coverage? 6-7-xx hours?
b. What about a 2nd photographer?
c. Do I get all the digital files?
d. Are they watermarked?

12. Freebies- Does the bridal show give away prizes? They have raffles at the end for services that the vendors provide. In another words, someone wins a free engagement session from Ben’s Photography. The bride will go to your booth for the specifics. Do your homework on where/when and how much this will cost you personally for the session, to get them to book you. Keep in mind that other vendors will do this also.

13. Table placement – (I just remembered this.) Try NOT to be next to someone (bakery) that gives away free samples. Girls will plug the walking aisle while they are sampling and will walk past your booth while eating.

14. Breath! – Yours and the customers. (I’m not joking here.) So help me,I have almost been bowled over by some people. So, bring some breath mints, breath drops for yourself as you talk to clients. We often put out a small bowl of those chewable sugar candies. Girls (like bees) have walked straight into our booth first for the candy and then we start talking to them.

15. Gather names somehow! Some bridal shows automatically give the names of all the participants who show up. If yours doesn’t, put some index cards out and offer someone a free “whatever” that you will choose after the wedding day. Make sure you get their EMAIL ADDRESS. You could send flyers, specials to them later…

16. Sample images– Can you put up a small computer screen/LCD panel with a USB Stick to show a slide show? During some shows I have purposely advanced the pictures to show pictures of black weddings, oriental weddings, etc as the individuals approached. Why? Because they take an interest in you, knowing that you have done these weddings.

17. DON’T sit down at all! You may have chairs, but suck it up. It may be tiring on your feet but be active with people as they walk by. “Engage” these brides by giving them a compliment on their hair, clothing, virtually anyhting that they can smile and head over your way.

18. Have pens in your pocket to write with. Some bridal shows want you to to initial a form that the bride gives to you. That way, the vendor knows that she has stopped at each booth.

19. Your booth setup. Are you bringing large prints, 16×20 and above ? Where do you hang or place these? We have used lights stand with a horizontal bar (Covered with a large white or black background) to hold the prints up. Make sure they are at just above your head, when when someone is speaking with you, so they can SEE your work. If they are lower, then you are physically obstructing, your own images. SHOW your work!

20. Thought process– What is it that YOU do better than your competition? (The competition WILL be there!) You have to relay this to the bride somehow. Your objective is (no more than 5 minutes per prospective bride) to get her to come back to your studio, for a full presentation.

a. Is your personality?
b. Your artistic talents? (better have samples of it)
c. Why should someone hire YOU, instead of the photographer who has a booth, the next row over?

21. Dress for the occasion. I have seen guys in sloppy clothes, jeans, etc. The old role of “first impression” makes a lasting impression, still hold true.

22. When dealing with parents, be courteous and give them their respect! A polite No sir or yes maam, goes a long way. If you want their money, then “pull out all the stops!”

23. Consider a bridal show like being on stage. If you are shy and not confident with people, you will lose clients. Be friendly, be assertive and have a postive attitude. Have fun too!

24. This is “Marketing 101” at its’ best. Do it, have fun and learn from it.

25. Your images! Show color, black and white, sepia tone, if you can. Bottom line, a variety of images goes very well.

Thanks Marian….some great tips and useful information here. If you’re a member, GO HERE and  check out the entire thread. It’s massive.

Rob

Not a member? Join us.

 

Marilyn Sholin-Have you ever dreamed of being considered an artist instead of “photographer” in your market?

By 6 Comments

REPLAY

Have you ever dreamed of being considered an artist instead of “photographer” in your market? If you have, then this is the webinar for you.

Marilyn has always been an innovator in visual arts. She owned a portrait studio in Miami,Florida for 25 years and was the photographer of choice for the rich and famous in Miami.

She is also well known there for helping raise $100,000 for the Miami Childrens Museum on her own idea of portraits of families. In 2007 she moved to Asheville, NC to enjoy stretching her painting skills both digitally and with acrylic paints.

A vision was formed to create fun paintings that start with a concept and end up mixed media and then are photographed to create a digital file that can be used for prints and many other items.

Now she is in three major galleries in the greater Asheville NC area plus restaurants and breweries and is collected privately and works also by commission.

It’s challenging to be an artist but Marilyn has never been afraid of challenges. Come to the webinar and see an example of how she crossed over both worlds with Photoshop and Corel Painter as her tools for changing her life and business model.

Be sure to join us.
Robert N. Provencher – Your Master Coach Marketer

“If you want to be a profitable and successful photographer, then study profitable and successful photographers.”

Join us…Content, Coaching & Community