#3. When designing your brand, invest in creating an experience for your clients before you invest in other items that will not affect your bottom line (props). It’s in the experience that referrals are cultivated! I knew I wanted to have a larger Session Fee to cover the cost of a retouching artist so that I could have more time with my family, so I built that in. I also use the larger session fee to prepare my clients for large orders but with that fee, I knew it was critical that I immediately reassure them of the value that they were getting! I do this with my Welcome Packet that is mailed out right after the session fee is collected. Of course, it couldn’t break the bank either! This is the first edition of my welcome packet and it costs me $2.40. I use one branded sticky note and leave a little hand written note on the front. I bring pens with me to use at ordering appointments but I don’t give them away.
Today my welcome packet includes: Engraved Logo Folder, Welcome Letter on letter head, Contract, Model Release, Magnet, Business Card, Session Premier Menu, Style Guide (ordered from Vista), Collection Menu , I stick a hand written sticky note on the front and use a return address label from the Ultimate Marketing Kit to send it off.
You don’t have to be rich to rule my world… Sorry I just had to finish it. When I started typing the first 6 words there was no way I could finish the original sentence. But seriously – It’s not about pouring ridiculous amounts of money into your business. I’d rather think that it’s about receiving ridiculous amount of money from your business while doing what you truly love! Sounds a lot better, doesn’t it? We are all at different stages of the game looking to fulfill different needs. Some are part time while others have studio overhead to maintain but it really doesn’t matter how many sessions you do each month, what matters is your profit margin, your referability and what your brand is saying about you!
Before I ever purchased a prop, a gizmo, or a backdrop – I invested in my business because I believe in it and I want to thrive! Create the identity – establish the brand – invest in your marketing and the rest will fall into place!
Are you ready for more? I'm determined to prove to as many photographers as will let me that you can have passion, profits and time for a great life. I create six-figure photographers, and I'd love to teach you, step-by-step, how it's done. This is happening for photographers from all over the world who are just like you. Let me prove just how wildly successful YOU can be!
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I love all of your stuff — such great words of wisdom!!
Quick questio – do you design all the graphics yourself? Or where do you get all your prints/patterns/backgrounds from? I’m having a hard time finding quality stuff like that!
Thanks!
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Caryn Reply:
August 3rd, 2011 at 8:06 pm
Dear Kim:
I realize this that your comment on this blog was several months ago, but on the chance that you
hadn’t yet found great backgrounds, I highly suggest Sassy Designs… she has such affordable and beautiful digital patterns and textures that you can download! And she is really really helpful if you have questions. I hope that helps!
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I don’t know why I needed someone to say, “Don’t invest in props” (at least in the beginning), but I did need it! My head is being turned in every direction, but my wallet is just sitting still. This post helped me to steady my eyes in one direction–and that is to reach my goals! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
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I’m working on polishing up my branding and putting everything together with a tight budget right now. It’s encouraging to hear that it is in fact possible! Thank you for writing this!
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Love your advice on money. I tell people that all the time. I bought most of my photography studio gear on craigslist from people who got excited about their hobby, decided to go pro, then quit. Why pay $500 when you can pay $100? And since it’s craiglist – cash is king, so no increased credit card balances. I have a fully functional studio. Whenever I need props – craiglists, garage sales, second hand stores are the places you’ll find me.
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awesome post!!! i love information like this- and the pics and inks help too!!!
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Super helpful advice. This is right where I’m at. Thanks!
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I loved your post Leah. It was a lesson I needed to remember. Just an idea for something in the future. I am really struggling getting clients in the door. Especially clients that can afford to buy collections. Any tips / advice?
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Leah Remillet Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 11:21 am
Jennifer – that’s something I LOVE to share about but I’ve been really careful to not talk to much about that on the blog for 2 reasons…
1. If I put it on on the blog, everyone will be doing it and it won’t end up doing any good because like most other things these ideas can become over saturated!
2. I gotta leave some stuff that I can share through mentoring – that’s my ultimate! My passion is in getting to share live either through workshops, one on one’s and or teaching engagements!
Schedule a phone consultation and I PROMISE YOU I will teach you and make it so that you are getting your perfect target market.
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As someone just getting started, I found this post very helpful (in fact, I’m wishing I had read it a month ago before I bought my new backdrop).
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Leah Remillet Reply:
April 11th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
I’m really glad you liked it! That’s okay! Love your backdrop and find as many ways as you can to creating marketing ideas using it – make it pay for itself now!
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Great post! I love Rice and use them for quite a bit of my packaging as well. Investing in a customized die with them for logo imprinting has been sooooo worth it! I love extending my brand into everything I present, and I know I also have a long way to go.
Keep up with the amazing work, Leah!
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Leah Remillet Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
Noa… I’d LOVE to see your packaging! Your blog and photos are arorable!
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Your posts are smart, sensible, and the perfect dose of wisdom in what can be an insane business!
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Leah Remillet Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 11:52 pm
Thanks Sandra! You just made me feel incredible brilliant and fabulous! I think I deserve a chocolate!
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I am in my second year of business, and sometimes I feel so overwhelmed by all the things that I could/should be doing for my business. Thanks for prioritizing for me! Is the style guide your thoughts on clothing choice? Also, what is your Session Premier Menu?
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Leah Remillet Reply:
April 20th, 2011 at 10:00 am
Yep! Style Guide is a What to Wear tri fold and the Session Premier Menu is for the Ordering Appointment.
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Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! I’ve booked a few sessions, but I have my first client meeting/portfolio presentation coming up and I’m so nervous I want to throw up. I’m grateful that this potential client asked for a presentation (for lack of a better word) because it’s pushed me out of my comfort zone.
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Leah Remillet Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
That’s so great Trysha! in person ordering is the BEST way to go!! You’ll get comfortable soon!
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Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and the things you have learned! I wish I would have looked hear first! I am at the point of tears and throwing all my things away… but I refuse to give up!! You are an inspiration!
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Session Premier Menu, is that the session pricing guide? And is your Collection Menu the pricing of your products and collections? Thanks!
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Leah Remillet Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 9:09 pm
Actually that really is a menu. Each family chooses an insanely amazing dessert to enjoy during their ordering appointment.
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Jana Reply:
July 8th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
Leah-that is soooo unique! I’ve never heard of that, and frankly, I would LOVE something like that!
It makes one feel ‘special’…like a party!
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Exactly!! I’m actually going to announce on Wednesday that I’m going to do a webinar at the end of the month with all the details on how I do my ordering appointments.
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Whaooh, I really like your advice, I never thought about getting a wedding photography welcome package but I’m now going to design one for my wedding clients. Thanks!
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