Operating a business....

Does anyone else enjoy the business side as much as the photography? I have come to absolutely love operating my business. Crunching numbers to maximize profits, competing with my peers, experimenting with different marketing techniques, etc.... I don't always win but I love the challenge it presents. When I do win a contract, it's almost as satisfying as delivering the images I've been contracted to create. I actually enjoy selling my services. I have no problem making "cold calls" and walking in to present my services to my next potential client...I approach it as an opportunity and challenge to conquer. Rarely will I get a contract on that first visit but with patience and good follow up, I can sometimes win the prize.
I've been operating my photography business for about 6 years and it's now my main source of income (no "real job"). I've come a long ways but I've come no where near where I want to go just yet. One thing I continue to learn, to be successful, it takes solid business decisions and plans. A mediocre photographer with an awesome business plan will be much more successful than an awesome photographer with a mediocre business plan.

So many people enjoy photography and want to use it as a way to make money but if you're not willing to put as much (if not more) effort into the business side of things, it is very difficult, if not near impossible, to be successful as a photography business.

This post is about some of my own observations and experiences in the photography business. I'm in no way an expert on business or photography. I welcome comments about your experiences and observations as well....they are just as (if not more) valid than mine

I love the business side of things, marketing, maximising efficiency and I enjoy research the most.

Statistics are one of my stronger points and analysing what works and what doesn't, cost benefit analysis, business modelling is something I just love (it helps that I have an accountancy degree).

Marketing is also great fun as I am constantly looking to maximise the return all my advertising. Stop doing what isn't working and concentrating efforts on what does.

Internet marketing is another good challenge "Me versus everyone else and Google". I'm fairing pretty well on that front so far. IT is another strong point for me as I have extensive qualifications in that area too but the geek in me is always looking to squeeze every possbile CPU cycle from my main work rig.

The sales side of thing is relatively minor for me. I don't have to have sell or pitch as I basically just tell people what I offer and show them some samples. Having worked in sales previously it is a very "soft" as I take the attitude if they don't book me... they don't book me. I have never been a fan of having to sell myself... I just let the work speak for itself and the packages be judged by their value for money.

I love working as a wedding photographer but I love running my own business just as much. I will probably not be doing wedding photography in a five years time as I have a few other projects I want to get under way. I'll still take photographs but it remains to be seen whether it will be for a living or just for fun. Being my own boss and in control of my own future is a huge buzz.

Great job...to have survived 6 years... I am just starting out. I like the idea of doing photography as a business. You begin to make business decisions relating to photography now. You don't just buy a lens because you want it. You buy it because it does a job for you so that you can get paid. I think your photography skills will get an even higher standard now since you should keep pushing yourself better. I tend to thrive under pressures. Attracting clients and marketing your works are probably the greatest challenge.

As a business lender we look for people like you. You need to think like a ceo, not just a really good employee.

Get a good accountant, a capable secretary and spend more time with camera in hand.

Become the person who OK's things and have fun. All that €%}&#€ paperwork will drive you nuts.
Before to long you won't be behind the camera, or you'll get so busy that instead of sleeping, you burn out doing all the book keeping.

TopHatMoments wrote in post #11990413
Get a good accountant, a capable secretary and spend more time with camera in hand.

Become the person who OK's things and have fun. All that €%}&#€ paperwork will drive you nuts.
Before to long you won't be behind the camera, or you'll get so busy that instead of sleeping, you burn out doing all the book keeping.

I like the business side but this is true, it really wears you down and sometimes hurts your photography being so worn out. An office manager is ideal, plan on adding one this or next year to keep up with the growth and expand.