Photo Success

A Place to Grow

Is your marketing speeding up the process in which they discover you have a “crappy” product?

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My wife Tina was in ground school, taking her pilots license a few years ago.
Yup, she wanted to fly planes.

She was going be a pilot.

Go figure. (I told her I had no intentions of flying with her.)

She eventually came to her senses, did the math (being the sensible accountant that she is), and decided to pack it in.

What was she thinking?

Flying is cool, I’ll admit. I’d rather leave the flying to others.

And in many ways it’s similar to running a business.

Let me explain….a plane has two wings. Both essential for lift and control.

Metaphorically, your business has two wings. Both also essential.
Take one off, and you got a hobby.

To make profits, to make your plane fly high into the stratosphere, you need to have a balance between your core products and services and……marketing and sales.

Take one away, or, make one smaller, heavier, lighter….well, you get the point….balance is key.

Focus too much on the marketing, less on the product, and you’re speeding up the process in which the marketplace finds out you have a crappy product.

Likewise, focus too much on the product, say, technical and artistic mastery, well, yes, you might gain the love, attention and accolades from your peers in the industry and associations….

…but you risk having little to no shekkles in the bank account, like an abandoned ghost town.

Having a killer product isn’t enough. Having killer marketing isn’t enough.

You need BOTH. Like an airplane.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

P.S.Marketing is everything. I’ve created many manuals, videos, presentations and masterminds focusing
in on the importance of marketing for members of noBsphotosuccess inner circle forum (login first) HERE

Not a member? Check it out.

I’ve noticed in my life of 38 years as a photographer there are phases, changes, ups and downs,….

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A photographer emails me, in response to this post.

“Rob, what you say resonates with me so much, I thought I should tell you. I guess I am burnt out. I probably don’t need to pay someone to tell me this honest truth. For the past few years I have been taking every class, trying new things  to see if anything “sparks” my interest, classes on everything from social media to Facebook, but nothing has helped to get me motivated again.

I am pulled in every direction! One minute it’s Dog photography, then it’s Boudoir, then it’s Sue Bryce! Yikes.

I was so busy building a new website, getting knowledge , learning new genres, that I forgot to look up and realize it’s all just BUSY work.
I am no farther ahead and sinking into debt paying for this 1000 sq ft studio that no one comes to! I know I hate working alone, but can’t hire anyone. This is a bottomless pit.

So here I am…..maybe it’s just time to let it go. I have changed, but I  am just tired of trying to keep up. Over whelmed by all the “new” stuff you have to do to try and attract clients.

I hope I don’t sound whiney. I am grateful for all my good years and great clients and lucky to be in a situation that I can retire if I want
to. Just seems a shame to go out so down.

I know you’re not a therapist, so don’t feel a need to respond unless you want to. Just feels good to tell someone how I feel.

I appreciate your honesty and have been reading your emails for many years……keep up the good work! There are many people out there listening….”

MY REPLY….

….”thanks for your comments.

Here’s my off the top of my head quick thoughts:

*I’ve noticed in  my life of 38 years as a photographer there are phases, changes, ups and downs, swings and photographic existential crisis’s (you’re having one now). I’ve had many. You’re not alone.

Stick with me….keep reading…

* you need to focus. Tune EVERYTHING ELSE OUT.

* you also need to take a break. Go somewhere for 2 weeks…one week? do nothing. OR, take ONE FULL DAY off a week. nothing. no social media, no electronics. books, yes. (not business) writing is encouraged…so is mediating and …er, yoga? or any exercise

*realize you are looking for the answer OUT THERE. It’s normal. We all do it. The goal is to get back to basics, focus on YOUR skills, YOUR
passions, YOUR goals, YOUR dreams.

*but first, you need to know what YOU want. No looking out there.

*you’re young yet :)..(smart, dedicated, business-minded and creative photographers have longevity…some work into their 80’s!)…. you’re smart, and your work is very, very good. Very. (I checked it out) Don’t despair…..

*nothing else matters except tapping into that inner voice, inner passion, inner drive…nothing.

Which leads me to some steps for you…

Only do these when you’re relaxed, confident, rested and somewhat inspired/optimistic: (do this alone…and it triggers emotions, cool. If you cry, let it out baby!!)

1- where do you see yourself in 3 years? paint that picture in your imagination. WRITE IT OUT! no censoring. no Sue Bryce, no Rob, no one but you. Paint it…

2- what dangers, issues, road blocks are in the way? (all….addictions, debts, bad habits, crappy relationships, broken lenses, 3 legged dog, failing eyes etc etc)

3- what strengths, opportunities, powers, assets do you have rightnow? ( I know one…you’re work is very good. and two, you’re older,
hence, wiser…think yoda)

Bonus ask: what ten marketing things are you doing right now?

(responding to my email, AND doing the steps I suggest, are AL marketing..since it’s self improvement, and that falls under marketing.)

So there you have it. This person, in my oh so humble yet accurate assessment is looking in the wrong direction. Outwards vs inwards.

And comparing….ugh. This is always a killer.

And yes, I am a therapist. Of sorts. I’ve actually helped many people move into new directions in their lives. Some have given up booze, bad relationships and debt….etc etc etc….

All messes that need to be cleared up and firstly, made aware of.

I am like a marketing therapist I suppose. To me, marketing is everything.

And marketing involves the individual. Fix the individual, and you start fixing the business.

Of course, maybe don’t like hearing this. It’s too painful to look inwards.

The pain is bigger than the ultimate sweet savory experience of success down the road.

But you can’t get their without the hard work and honesty.

And looking inwards.

3 ways to access me:

Good- Free newsletter email sign up…

Better- Join my forum…coaching and content.

Best- One on one coaching…
Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

The “Anvil Effect” in business success…

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I love, love, love a good rock and roll story.

One rock and roll story, or shall I say, failure, really stands out for me.

The story of Anvil, a heavy metal 80’s band from Toronto that “almost” made it big.

You may have seen the documentary a few years ago. It starts out showing the leader of the band, now middle aged, heading to work, early morning, mid winter, for a caterer at schools. Grunt work, meager pay.

The guy’s barely eecking out a living. And yet they’ve played for tens of thousands and recorded many, many albums.

It’s an excellent doc.

Why? You gotta ask yourself, why?

The answer is so painfully obvious I’m shocked most can’t see it. It’s very. very simple.

I’ve polled dozens of friends who’ve seen the doc. Not a one has guessed the answer I am about to reveal to you.

Here it is: Their music ain’t that good.

That’s it, that’s all. Have a listen, you’ll see. I mean, you’ll hear.

Always, always, always start with a good product. Not perfect, but good.

Whether you’re selling yourself, your photography, your music, your services, have a half decent product or more.

Half a dozen dudes showing up at a concert ain’t enough to pay the bills.

That’s one of the reasons why we run the Bull Pen print competitions. To give you a chance to put yourself (gulp!) out there and let your work be scrutinized.

At least you’ll know where you stand.

TONIGHT….we’re hosting our monthly Bull Pen print critique with Maggie Habieda, Ian Cuthbert and yours truly as your judges.

We have a few spots left if you’d like to enter or simply register, watch, and learn

Get good…join us….

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

The problem with prosperity and creativity…

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It’s not that money is evil. Or “hard earned”. Nor is it reflected in the cultural
and family messages you grew up with.

*root of all evil
*doesn’t grow on trees
*the rich keep getting richer etc etc etc

Same with creativity. We box ourselves into a limited belief system.

It’s known, safe. Comfortable. We pay the ultimate price, ourselves, for the safety it brings us.

The fact is, the box we built around ourselves is nothing more than an illusion.

Once you walk to the edge of the box you discover it’s not a wall after all.
But a curtain.

And once you start searching for where the curtain opens, then, and only then do you start
your journey.

You wake up the hero within yourself once you find the opening and you take a peek inside.

The only thing holding us back is fear of the unknown. Fear of the dragons we’ll awaken when the curtain rises.

Because the cave is very dark. And in it lies the truth about ourselves.

I know from experience. And I see so many others sitting in their seats, afraid to go up to
the curtain to take a peek inside.

Join me tomorrow night as we take a peek.
http://photosuccess.com/bull-pen

The problem isn’t that money is evil. The problem with creativity isn’t that you aren’t creative,
and others are.

The problem could be that you haven’t started your journey. Yet. It’s personal. Think about it.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

Why I don’t golf…and why I would if I did….

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The last time I went golfing I almost killed a dude.

That’s how bad I am.

Besides, I don’t really like the game. I find it odd, like yoga.
(I started yoga last month…what a weird activity that is…more on that later)

Strange, strange stuff…..but it could be me. Who knows.

One thing about golf that is super cool, is the tight feedback loop.

You know instantly if you’re doing ok. Music is the same way.

You hit the ball, it responds with scientific accuracy.

You play a note, it’s either in tune, or not.

You take a photograph….well, maybe it’s ok, maybe it’s not.
Who knows?

So you post it on flakebook. A hundred peeps tell you it’s amazing. You feel good.

Wow….I am a photographer. Look at what I created. Look at the love and admiration.

I’ve said this a million times.

Love it or hate it, it’s about as scientific as you can get in this field: the only feedback
loop that matters in the business of photography is the money.

Show me the money.

Unless, of course, you’re in it for the hobby and therapy, which if perfectly OK.

But if you’re in the biz side of things, the ONLY feedback loop that matters is sales.

Profits. Cash. Sheckles. Don’t fight me on this one. You will lose.

There is no alternative. We live on an economic planet. It’s always been that way.

Don’t like it? Find another planet. Or, take up photography for other reasons.

For me, it’s my passion, and my “job”.

My feedback loop is the profit loss statement. Everyone wins when I win. My wife, my family,
and especially my clients.

They must. They keep coming back.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

P.S.Want more information on shooting photographs that sell and marketing your photography business?

HERE

Predictable behavior patterns with photographers who are highly successful….

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There’s a consistent, almost predictable behavior pattern with many photographers who are successful.

I’ve noticed this many years ago.

I also noticed it in myself, and have attributed this set of behaviors to my own success.

These behaviors might propel you to stratospheric heights if you apply them in your life and in your photography business.

The BIG question…..“why don’t most apply and take advantage of these behaviors?”

Your guess is as good as mine, but if there’s one simple word that could possibly explain it. That word is attitude.

Sounds old fashioned, but some things never change.

The list of behaviors is timeless.

Let’s look:

#1-Successful photographers are always hungry for knowledge.

They know that in this field, staying on top, staying fresh in our photography and in our marketing is vital.

Successful photographers never whine about speakers who are selling stuff at conventions.

They know that the information most speakers have is valuable, and you can take that photographer home with you by investing in their education materials.

(I have shelves and boxes filled with educational materials.)

Losers have big egos that get in the way or cause them to get creative in the excuse department.

#2- Successful photographers are not afraid of criticism. And I don’t mean evil, mean spirited criticism.

Or sour grapes, knee jerk jealous comments from losers who have no place in offering input.

But valuable critiques from photographers who are qualified to help.

The photographer who bravely submits their work, their goals, their challenges for review benefit in a big way.

This is one way to stay young, vibrant and alive. But you must be open.

A closed minded photographer is nothing more than a fool.

And a fool is losing out.

Don’t be a fool.

#3- Successful photographers are never too proud to take on jobs that are “below” them.
Especially when starting out.

Not every job is a passion filled experience. But every job contributes to your financial and skills growth. It’s all opportunity when we have the right mindset.

Chase the opportunity and bring your passion with you.

I take on loads of little, dinky jobs. Warne Noyce shoots dance schools. Ansel Adams shot school pictures.

As a matter of fact, Ansel is quoted as saying that he learned more from the “bread and butter” photography than anything else.

Al Gilbert shot passports when I last spoke with him. And he was nearing 80 yrs old. And is still considered on of the best photographers in North America.

Don’t be too proud to take on jobs.

Unless of course you have little time because you’re way too busy. Or your ego won’t let you. Stay humble. Be modest.

Many small jobs, be they donations to community causes or small time gigs, will keep you active, learning, and earning.

#4- Successful photographers are not quitters. I know, some people realize it’s not for them.

Or, they get offered a “real job” and opt for the security and golden handcuffs.

But successful photographers who are very, very serious about making it don’t quit.

And they don’t start and stop all the time, jumping from one piece of equipment to another, one forum to another, one logo to another, never truly committing to their personal drive and passion.

It takes guts and commitment. It’s that simple. Your level of desire must rise above, way above your pain threshold and your inner weakness that makes you give in to the pain.

Let me repeat that…..your level of desire to succeed must be way, way bigger than the pain, fear and desire to quit.

#5- Successful photographers chose good role models and mimic their work through practice.
We all have role models. Those who produce work that truly inspires us to want to reach great heights.

Musicians have them too. They all talk about the music they listened to in their formative years and how it inspired them.

Laura P, a member of No Bs Photo Success,  asked me while ago about taking one of those home study photography courses.

You know, the one from New York… I told her not to bother.

Instead, get out there and shoot, shoot, shoot.

What will happen is this: Not only will she be getting technical mastery over her gear and adding to her ability to “see the light”, but in time inspiration will seep into her life and she will begin to find direction, purpose and focus on the style of photographer she is evolving into.

And part of that is finding other successful photographers that inspire her. It’s all part of the journey.

Be open. Be true to your journey and let others inspire you.

Throw it away, and your throwing away part of your journey.

I SUFFER for my craft. I demand perfection from myself. I don’t always get it, but I demand it nevertheless.

It’s why I teach and preach and try to reach out to other photographers who have the same passion and drive as I do.

I love teaching, because I learn as much as the student.

I put on more webinars, workshops and tutorials each month than anyone out there.

Why?

I luv learning…it’s that simple.

If I hated it, why would I do it?

Luving it is a big enough why for me….hopefully you too.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

Get the EXTRA push

The worst thing about being a professional photographer….

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Friends in photography,

I wish I could say there is a “worst” part.

I thought about some of the struggles I’ve had over the last 35 years in my career
as a portrait and wedding photographer, but in all honesty, the struggles, the challenges, everything,
including managing people, industry changes, accounting, sales, marketing, on and on, are all part of the game,
any game, in any business.

And they helped make me who I am as a person, an artist and a business owner.

It’s a business, to me. I embrace it all.

So when someone says: “There’s no money..” Well, that may be true for you.

Not I.

And if it were, it’s more of a personal, business and marketing challenge, not a photography challenge.

My attitude matters.

So I could list a long list of things that are worst.

But I can’t.

I love my job, my business.

Everything about it rocks.

And I say that now because I have wisdom, street smarts and enough business savvy.

If you insisted I answer, it would be a short list of things I find worst:

* trying to teach the younger generation. There seems to be a pervasive
attitude of it’s easy, you’re old (even though I make a decent living
and have the energy of a 25 yr old) and entitlement.

* fear of losing my gear, getting it stolen or ruined by the salt air when in Costa Rica
(we spend 3 months there every year and shoot commercial, families, weddings…)

Really. That’s about it.

Yes, it’s hard. But all business is hard, no matter the industry.

In photography we’ve had to completely reinvent. BUT, the basic, core
business fundamentals stayed the same.

I love the challenge. The uncertainty. There is NO security.

That is a complete lie. Illusion.

The only security I have is in my ability to create goals that I believe I can achieve.

That my friend is not something others can duplicate. It’s my super power.

What’s yours?

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

P.S. One of the things I love about this industry is the constant learning, learning from others
and the challenges.

It’s why I run the monthly Bull Pen print shows….Join me, and Maggie and Ian, our December 21 judges….

ALL ARE WELCOME!

Also, sharing stories, ideas and struggles with other photographers is one of my favorite things.

On December 19th, 8:00PM I am interviewing Kirk Saint in another Frontline presentation…..

…for members HERE.

Why “entitlement” is marketing poison in your photography business…

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store

Friends in photography,

Entitlement thinking stinks. It corrupts and ruins.

Ever see those catch tags:
“Since 1972” or similar.

As if it means something. Maybe it did at one time. But not anymore….things move too fast.

Being in business a long time does not earn you the right
to keep on getting business.

You’re in business. Earning the right to be so is a never-ending effort.

You have to prove your worth every day.

And it’s an effort worthy of all your best intentions, talents and skills.

All.

Success is your duty, your responsibility. Take it on. It’s fun!

You might say it’s a marketing thing. I certainly believe it is.

Marketing is everything and never stops.

Entitlement is one of the most poisonous forms of thinking.

Complacency breeds stagnation. Clients clue in faster and easier than
ever before.

The solution?…..

*have goals,deep, meaningful, passionate goals….this resonates throughout your life and business
*activity…be busy with marketing, networking, showing your care….showing up is important
*caring…show you care…
*pushing…c’mon man, get your shoulders behind the wheel and push!
*growing…take on personal growth like your head is on fire….self-improvement, in it’s many forms
will percolate upwards and throughout your life
*networking…get out in your community and get some real face time with everyone.

And finally….be grateful. Gratitude is powerful.

If you want to start the great decline in your photography business, then assume
you deserve to have business.

You’ll wither and die. Entitled thinking is lazy, uninspired and childish.

Sorry to sound like a downer, but sometimes I gotta point these things out.

Now get out there. And remember, photography is like a unicycle…stop peddling, and you fall off.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher