I'm so excited! I won a
ShootSac from the fine folks over at
flosites.com. I entered a contest for Best Marketing Idea and they chose mine as one of two winners! I've had my eye on this bag for a while. I was contemplating using the "doe eyes' on Tim and seeing if he'd buy one for me for Christmas, but now I don't have to!!!! :o)
(This bag is a work of art ~ deserving a place of honor on my wall.)
I did a dance when I found out and then again in the post office when it arrived. I then launched into an explanation of the merits of quick lens exchange during wedding to a couple of locals.....I'm thinking they think me a little odd now! lol I was happy when I thought I was getting the plain black cover, but look what they sent! *squeaky voice* I LOVE this cover, it's so ME!!!!!!!!!!!
So, if you have me as your wedding photographer this year, I'll be sporting a truly chic bag. And I couldn't be happier. *big cheesy grin*
PS - I've had a couple of people ask me if I'd share my idea....Here it is. Simple really.
Children's portraits anyone? At a local festival a couple of years ago, I struck up a conversation with a little boy (4 yrs old) waiting in line in front of me. I got down on his level and talked to him, really interested in what he had to say. After a while, I told him his freckles were so cute that I wish I could take his picture. He asked me if I had a camera and I told him that I do. Mom, of course, was flattered that a professional photographer recognized the high "cuteness factor" of her son and asked me for a card. Booked. Simple approach, but it so works! The key though is to be genuine in your interest, you can't fake this or people will pick up on it. You won't be asked for a card every time, but so what? You've made a friend. I've easily booked over 20 sessions this way!
To me, this isn't so much about marketing...it's about relationship building. (Something I'm ALL about.) In today's overwhelming atmosphere of advertisements, it takes a different approach to truly make it in small business. I think that providing great pictures to folks that want/need great pictures is just the tip....add to that a genuine interest in building a relationship with my clients and you have my outlook on marketing. Apparently, it's a winning outlook!
Thanks for reading!
