The Business Builder - Vol 2 Issue 14

Inbox Sanity, One Colorful Ride, and a Good Write Hook

Author

Bill Brelsford
July 26, 2024

Do What They Won’t

I love playing around with photography.

But I’m definitely an amateur (for now). How do I know?

Because I have several friends (and a few former clients) who are professionals.

I’ve seen what it takes. Being a professional photographer is tough.

Just about everyone has a great camera on their phone that is with them 24/7. Talk about a competitive, over-saturated market.

And the technology available in “real” cameras makes it hard not to take a good picture.

So how do professional photographers compete (survive?) in a world where everyone is a photographer?

One thing I’ve noticed about successful photographers is they do the things that others won’t do or avoid doing, like:

  • Talking to people. Clients and subjects.

  • Making prints of their work

  • Resisting the urge to post everything on social media

  • Practicing their craft (actually practicing)

  • Adapt when everything doesn’t go according to plan

Clients expect professional photographers to be able to handle the technical aspects of their trade. But its not usually the most technically correct photographer that earns the highest fees.

Technical proficiencies are “table stakes.” If you want to stand out from the crowd and command premium fees, find out what’s really important to your clients…

…that the competition won’t (or can’t) do.

Bill

913.962.9261

P.S. - This week’s sponsor is another newsletter I think you’ll enjoy. Be sure to check them out below.

A Good Write Hook

A strong hook is one of the most important elements of copywriting. This article gives some great tips for creating great hooks (with examples).

Thanks, But That’s Not Networking

Even though the pandemic has reduced face-to-face networking, online networking requests, especially on LinkedIn, are increasing. Here are some warning signs for requests you should decline and advice on how to do it politely.

Taking Out The Head Trash

Sometimes, resources or opportunities are not holding us back as much as our own head trash. Here are some tips to help remove those mental obstacles.

How To Do An SEO Audit

If you want to improve the organic traffic to your website, then you’ll want to grab this 18-step SEO Audit Checklist from the good folks at BackLinko.

And this…

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Need a summer read that isn’t about business? Grab a copy of this Hemingway classic to enjoy on a plane, at the beach, or in your backyard.

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Slow - but colorful. I saw this at a car show a couple of summers ago.

Like this newsletter?

Let me know. Just hit reply (I read every reply), I’d love to know what you think.

Thanks for reading.

Bill

913.962.9261

P.S. Whenever you are ready, here are 3 ways I can help you grow your business.

1) Get a Growth Map

The first step towards predictable growth is understanding and documenting “How Clients Happen” in your business. Reply to this email with "Map" if you want to learn more.

2) Close more deals with a Visual Sales Sheet

Win new clients and projects using a visual path to success that answers the key questions they have about your service. Reply with “Visual” to learn more.

3) Work with me One-on-One 

If you'd like to work directly with me to achieve predictable growth in your business... just reply “Let’s Talk.”