Yesterday’s marketing mastermind with John Ratchford was inspiring. No, scratch that. It was beyond inspiring.

I’ve been trying to get John on a presentation since June. Why? Because I know John. He knows how to market and build a profitable photography studio. I know this because I’ve had him on twice before. And I follow him online.

Friends in photography,

Have you noticed how many photographers are coming out of the closet and eager to sell you their marketing program?

The way I figure it, if it’s so good, why are they selling it? Me, I like following people who are in the trenches fighting the good fight.

There are two questions we need to ask:
1- What’s going on?
2- How much do I care about what’s going on? Should it matter to me and my life, my goals, my quest?

Sounds selfish and narrow minded. I know. But the truth is I can’t make the world, or my world, a better place until I look at myself and make it a better place.

Business is different when you stand to lose everything. A safety net makes not a sharp mind. I have a printed quote in my office. One of my favorites.

When my daughter was five years old she asked me: “Dad, is there a God that made God?”

I was speechless. “Where do you think up these questions?” I asked her, astounded. “I don’t know, I was just thinking about it.”

I feel very lucky. Why?

Somehow, years ago, I realized that one basic truth would serve me well in life.

It’s important to remain optimistic. And have a positive grand vision. Let’s call this mindset.

Like any journey, any adventure, there will be challenges, roadblocks and logjams.
So to speak.