This interview will be featured in a Celebrity Experts book series, podcast series, online training program, OTT TV show and Summit.
Genuine advice to help photographer scale to 7 Figures and survive to enjoy it!
Why and how did you start your business?
I suppose I feel I was born with a camera in my hand so becoming a photographer and owning a studio was my destiny. I started taking photographs at just 15 years of age, and photographed my first wedding at just 18 years old, which was of my sister in the snow.
After 40 years of having a very successful wedding/portrait photography business turning over millions of dollars during that time.
A camera to me was just a tool. A great tool. It was a “money making machine.”
Tell us about the problems you solve and who for?
I am now an International Photography Business Millionaires Academy Expert Interview Questions
You’ve had great success, what do you credit that to?
I was born I feel an entrepreneur and I have always had an enormous drive for success. Although driven I always needed regular Coach, and with my “5 steps to Freedom” program I coach photographers on growing their business so that they reach the Freedom stage.
Is it important to know your target market and why?
Knowing your target market I think is crucial in growing a business as it defines your Marketing, which in turn can save you from wasting money on Marketing in the wrong ways.
Was it challenging to scale like you have?
It was challenging and did take me 3 or 4 years to understand the coaching environment but I was very fortunate as I had a great coach in my first year of my coaching.
What I learned in those early years gave me a great foundation for my business now.
If you were starting over and wanted to make a million dollars, how would you do it?
If I was starting over I would totally focus on creating a business model that was scalable . I think that is the key. Of course it is easier to scale a business that is highly profitable too, so I would I would make sure that it was.
I think that the industry that I coach which as I said is portrait photographers is very scalable and I have often thought at opening a studio again.
What is required to do it that way?
Any business owner I think must have an open mind, be a decision maker, and have the ability to push through their fears and get out of their comfort zone.
What kind of businesses or personalities does this method suit?
Being a little bit crazy and have a fearless kind of approach to life would be a great asset.
Can anyone do it?
I don’t think any of us know what we are capable of or what our potential really is, unless we go on the journey. Taking that first step is the key. Step by step has always been my methodology. Walk before you run. Be patient.
In your experience, what are the most important areas to get right in your business?
First and foremost it has to be marketing. I think also you have to learn how to hold on to your money.
What’s your favourite sales funnel, the one that consistently works for you?
I have done a lot of testing with sales funnels and the most effective that I have found are short ones. Ultimately in my industry you have to get on the phone and speak to any potential client. “One on one” is the best communication.
What do you find is most effective for marketing your business?
Facebook Ads by far. We use Boosted posts and keep it simple with the messaging.
Is authority or celebrity a factor in your business?
Authority and experience allows me to charge higher prices.
What kind of business does your system best work for?
Any business can adapt to the 5 Steps to Freedom
What are you plans for the future?
Keep learning, and keep striving to get better at everything I do.
What advice do you have for others wanting to follow a similar path?
Make a plan…Focus on that plan…make small changes as you go on your journey
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