As a business coach I meet lots of fantastic creative people who have started a business doing what they love.  Sadly, I often see them at the point where they are disillusioned because they have worked really hard to turn that passion into a profitable business but have not yet succeeded.

Here’s three quick business coaching tips that will stop you from falling into this common trap in your photography business…

1.    Get really clear about who your ideal client is.  Just as you don’t want to date everyone on RSVP – you definitely don’t want everyone in the world to be your client!  Get really specific about what niche/s you will service (eg weddings, advertising and corporate photography, family portraits etc) and what characteristics your ideal clients will share (eg location, demographics, size of business, attitude, ability to pay etc).

2.    Develop a business model that works. If you know who your client is, where to find them, what you can sell to them profitably and why they would buy from you instead of a competitor, you have done more planning than 50% of people who own a small business!  If you want success it is essential to know how your business makes money!  There are thousands of professional photographers out there – what makes you stand out from the crowd?

3.    Develop a pricing strategy that maximizes profits!  The first thing I say to almost every business coaching client is ‘put up your prices’.  In some cases they need to develop a killer offer  first, but most people in small business price their services way too low and then wonder why they aren’t making any money!  It’s simple… you need to value what you do before anyone else will!!! Use your photography portfolio in innovative ways to ‘prove’ your value to clients!

What would it take for your business profits to increase this week? Read more profitable business coaching tips for fresh ideas!

What’s your best business success tip as a professional photographer?  Please share your thoughts in the comments below…

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