Who Is Bernie Griffiths?…World’s Number One Photography Business Coach….
by photographer Andrew Hellmich
Bernie Griffiths is a business coach to wedding and portrait photographers and in this interview I ask for his professional advice on a whole bunch of things. I came onto this interview with a list of questions and it seemed each answer led to another and it was sidetrack after sidetrack with useful and actionable content a plenty.
The beauty of what Bernie has to share is that he has been in exactly the same position you are at some stage in his career. He had his own photography business for over 40 years… the difference may be that he ran his business as a business from the start and before anything else. Yes, he loved photography and creating beautiful images but he loved business just as much and as his sole income in a new country, it had to work as a business from the start.
Here is some of the business strategies he spoke to me about…..
• social media bundling for wedding clients
• selling digital files to portrait clients
• is any client the right client for your business?
• staying organised
• renting or buying photographic equipment
• advertising budgeting and getting a good deal
• where is the best place to source clients?
• what to do if bookings drop and how quick should you react?
• are photography awards important to the success of your business?
• testing and measuring your marketing efforts
• core products, what are they and do you need them?
• why you shouldn’t be looking at what other photographers are doing
• photography excellence awards
Nowadays, Bernie uses his knowledge of the industry as a business coach and was happy to share plenty of real life examples in this interview. I challenge you to not make changes in your business.
What is your big takeaway?
Following the interview, I’d love to know what your biggest takeaway is – what is the one thing that you’d like to implement after listening to what Bernie had to share? Let me and other listeners know by leaving your thoughts in the comments below.
Better yet, if you do actually implement something, click on the voicemail tab to the right of the page and let me know what changes you’ve made and any differences you’ve noticed as a result.
Shout Outs
– http://www.berniegriffiths.com
Advanced Success for Wedding & Portrait Photographers – http://www.aswpp.com.au
Bernie on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/aswpp
Bernie’s Book – Success Secrets of a Professional Photographer
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paul pennell
Boom – my head just exploded and this guy is the bomb……..!!!!!
Andrew Hellmich
Haha, love your comment Paul!
How good is Bernie and how many marketing ideas does he have… what a resource he is.
Joey Joiner
Speechless!
I felt like I was Batman (Christian Bale) as he took advice from Alfred (Michael Caine)Subconsciously I kept wanting to hear Bernie say, “Yes, Master Wayne, this is how you become a Master Photographer”.
What a cool guy, this Bernie Griffiths. I could listen to him all damn day. His voice alone is amazing. He should sell an audio version of his book. Talk about sales!
I’m definitely going to be listening to this interview again. And then maybe again. Damn you, Andrew, now I’m going to have a become a premium member, to get my hands on his e-book.
What a treasure that interview was/is.
My head is spinning right now. I don’t even know what my biggest take away was/is. So much great info.
Will have to get back with you.
Many thanks!
Joey Joiner
Fort Worth, Texas
USA
And Bernie, if you’re reading this, you are amazing, Sir. Thank you for your giving us a glimpse into your wisdom.
I don’t even know what else to say right now, except a big from-the-heart Thank You!!!
Andrew Hellmich
Love the references Joey I’m sure Bernie will too!
I had the feeling that this was going to be one of those interviews that will have listeners pulling over in their cars or interrupting their retouching to take a note or two about things they can implement in their businesses. Sounds like you were happy with what Bernie shared.
Thanks for commenting Batman!
Chris & Shae Pyke
That is exactly what I was thinking! Bernie had Alfred’s voice, and wisdom. Thanks for all the great advice. Like he said, we have so many things that we aren’t taking advantage of that we should be. We have video on our cameras, and free access to youtube, so why not use them for the clients, and us with the testimonials and video thank you cards. So many great tips in this one. The interviews just seem to be getting better and better.
Chris & Shae Pyke recently posted…Family Photo Test
Te
Loved Bernie’s interview! Its so timely cause I just started mentoring with Bernie yesterday! Photography business coach.
The point about entering awards was awesome. I think it would be a massive confidence booster to win or even get positive feedback from a judge.
Now I have a bunch of things to go work on and pick his brain about
Te recently posted…City2Surf – my run & the 5 things it taught me
Andrew Hellmich
Hey Te – what a coincidence! From what Bernie had to share in this interview, it’s plain to see you are in good hands.
Can’t wait to hear about your progress! Keep us up to date.
Matt Smith
Really enjoyed Bernie in this this interview, what a wealth of information, a gentleman and devoted educator. I love how obvious but straight forward some of Bernie’s ideas are to engage the client e.g.; video interviews of the couples testimony at the reception. I think this guys mentoring services would truly be worth every cent. Thanks again Andrew for sourcing another quality interview.
Andrew Hellmich
Hi Matt – have to agree with your takeaway being one that stood out for me too. A quick video testimonial on the day or night of the wedding is so easy and I’m sure will pack loads more impact than a written sentence or two on a blog or website.
Glad you enjoyed the episode Matt.
Joey Joiner
Upon listening to the interview again, I picked up on the fact that Bernie regularly watches the Home Shopping Network (or the equivalent in Australia) in order to see and listen to how they sell/market each item. Brilliant. I never would have thought of that one.
Joey Joiner
Andrew Hellmich
Crazy good interview and to be expected, that’s the thing about Bernie, he gives it to you straight and he is always willing to help. I went and saw him at a seminar in his South Melbourne office a few months ago and now have just signed up for mentoring. I’ve done a few sessions already and looking forward to doing more. Great interview Andrew, cheers!
Andrew Hellmich
Hey Sash, thanks for adding your comments and totally agree, Bernie was great to chat to and offered plenty! Don’t forget to let us know how your business progresses as you start implementing what you learn. Who knows, we may see you on one of Bernie’s YouTube videos soon
Claire
My biggest take away was to GET COACHING FROM BERNIE!!
amazing interview, and I like the compliment he gave you about your interviewing! its very true and love listening to these!
Andrew Hellmich
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Shane Jackson
This was a amazing interview with Bernie!!! Thank you sooooo much for taking the time to produce this. I’m going to become a premium member soon and can’t wait to see the extra content.
I am also going to be speaking with Bernie soon..
Andrew Hellmich
Hey Shane, thanks mate, love that you’re enjoying the podcast.
You won’t be the first or only listener to get in contact with Bernie, I just received an email from Kim who started consulting with Bernie after hearing him on the show and judging by the other comments here, there will be more.
Don’t forget to stop by and let us know how it goes or better yet, leave a voicemail that I can share on the show
Caitlin McColl
Consider my mind blown by Bernie. Still in the middle of listening, but I’m loving the tips about recording testimonials for You tube and the idea of a social media bundle!
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Jamie October 27, 2014 at 12:03 pm – Reply
Another great listen Andrew! I loved to hear Bernie’s ideas on using video testimonials. Great stuff. Why didn’t I think of that?
No wonder that Bernie is regarded as World’s number one photography business coach
photography business coach
http://photoprofit.libsyn.com/size/25/?search=bernie+Griffiths