My girlfriend, Julie, is a substitute teacher. She recently taught at a high school where one kid really caught her attention. He was carrying a Nikon DSLR with a matching Nikon bag full of lenses; this was abnormal for a high school student’s budget.
“That’s a nice camera, John! Do you carry this around all of the time?” asked Julie.
“Yeah, I love shooting pictures.”
Julie chided, “I bet everyone frequently asks you to take professional pictures for them.”
“Yeah – yearbook, sports, portraits, dances, the works! I’m known as ‘the guy with the big camera!’”
Indelible Impressions
John made an image for himself at school – he was the guy with the big camera. This elusive impression can be good or bad.
In a positive approach, try to leave an indelible impression with all of your clients and their friends. So that in the event that any of them need a photographer (pet, portrait, wedding…), they will think of you!
Shopaholic – Girl In The Green Scarf
For those of you who watched the movie or read the book, Rebecca Bloomwood used the title as “Girl In The Green Scarf” for her publication columns.
This enigmatic name caused curiosity amongst the readers. On the flip side, Rebecca will always be branded as the girl in the green scarf. What happens if she decided she doesn’t like green anymore?
Rebranding
The green scarf will always be a reminder of Rebecca Bloomwood. Take me for example now.
Most recently I pushed strongly on SEO (search engine optimization) and strategic blogging. I later felt the repercussions.
Repercussions
I was branded as an SEO expert (and only that) when in actuality, SEO and blogging strategies are only some of the many tools that I employ. What I really am is a marketing consultant for the wedding industry.
For example, a few months ago, I had the pleasure of working with WPPI and did some coaching on social media and software integration. Anyone notice any subtle changes? :)
Now, I am working with Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine on some strategic marketing. The first step I did was redid their website and started her off with a fresh Twitter account. There hasn’t been much activity recently because she is working on her new book.
Lastly, for those who attended last month’s LA Smug, I dabbed a little on effective usages of social media.
WPPI Booth 1240
All in all, I am here at Las Vegas for WPPI. My setup is at booth 1240 – schedule here. If you have any burning questions, come on by and ask me. I will be offering on-on-one coaching, so everything will be private.
Who’s coming to visit me? My worst nightmare is crickets chirping. If anything, come play Nintendo (the old school one) and reminisce the good times.
Sincerely,
Lawrence Chan
Tofurious
Wedding Marketing Consultant : )
P.S. Party hard, but sleep hard. You don’t want to get sick.
P.P.S. Follow @tofurious if you want to track where I am – cheers!
P.P.P.S. Do you all know what you’re known as? Or are you all just dime a dozen photographers?
I’m going to be looking for you. That’s been my goal since I joined WPPI — I wanted to meet the guy who 1) gave me free textures, 2) made me rethink my approach to my photography website, and 3) has me actually considering tweeting (this probably won’t happen, but then again, I said the same thing about buying a new camera that had — gasp! — video).
I’m really eager to meet you and know that many others are, too.
No crickets, Lawrence, but maybe a few human pests…
Bring on the pests! jk…
Great insight as always… and timely as well. As of this past week my message (to anyone who will hear or listen) is a world class customer experience when working with me. Stay tuned!
Great insight as always… and timely as well. As of this past week my message (to anyone who will hear or listen) is a world class customer experience when working with me. Stay tuned!
What a great article! I really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing! Good luck with WPPI, hopefully I can attend next year :-)
More thoughtful insight into the wedding photography marketing realm. It is an ongoing challenge to manage the brand we are displaying, in print, online and through our interactions with clients and vendors. Being a professional photographer is loaded with many facets of running a small business – but that i the challenge which makes it so wonderful!
Thanks for the wisdom, Lawrence!
Curtis
More thoughtful insight into the wedding photography marketing realm. It is an ongoing challenge to manage the brand we are displaying, in print, online and through our interactions with clients and vendors. Being a professional photographer is loaded with many facets of running a small business – but that i the challenge which makes it so wonderful!
Thanks for the wisdom, Lawrence!
Curtis
I wish we could of spent more time Lawrence! At least for coffee again :-) WPPI was a mad house.
Glad to see you again. Hugs and see you soon.
Nellie G.
I wish we could of spent more time Lawrence! At least for coffee again :-) WPPI was a mad house.
Glad to see you again. Hugs and see you soon.
Nellie G.
Lawrence!! It was so great to finally meet you, it took me two days to actually FIND you but I want you to know that your amazing advice does not go unheeded! Forever your follower- Ashley Hawkes
Lawrence!! It was so great to finally meet you, it took me two days to actually FIND you but I want you to know that your amazing advice does not go unheeded! Forever your follower- Ashley Hawkes
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Take a guess at what I’m known as.
A red headed ninja!
I love reading this. And I personally loved Confessions of a Shopaholic which made me read more. :)