Cyberspace has become such an amazing vehicle for not only meeting more photographers, but for re-enforcing friendships and building relationships.  Meet Thomas Beaman.   He’s been to WPPI several times, although I cannot tell a lie, I don’t remember him.  (There go those brain cells again, the ones I lost at a concert in the 70’s!)  and he’s headed to Skip’s Summer School this summer.  Then he commented on a blog a couple of weeks ago and I loved what he had to say.

Relocation is the second highest stress producing situation, second only to death of a loved one.  Last year he moved from California to Pennsylvania with the only people he knew having the same DNA – not a person, business or even a street was familiar.   How many of us could literally take everything we’ve ever learned and apply it – and most important of all stay positive every step of the way?  I was so moved by what he’s accomplished (and his photography ain’t bad either) that I asked him if he’d do a guest post. 

We’re out of the “slow season” and into Spring.  If business isn’t coming together as quickly as you want to, check your notes from that last convention or program you attended.  Take advantage of new upcoming seminars, webinars and workshops. (Thomas told me he’s on the way to Sandy Puc’s workshop tonight – he never stops learning and networking!)  There just might be a few things you have yet to put into action – but most important of all – stay positive and look for ways to find the help you need!

“My name is Forrest………..Forrest Gump”

I have tried writing this blog post a few times but did not know how to say what I wanted to say.  Sensing the frustration starting to set in, I turned on the television and one of my favorite movies of all time was on (If you haven’t seen it in a while, rent it this weekend – it’s a classic!)……Forrest Gump. I put down my laptop, grabbed something to drink and watched Tom Hanks in one of his best roles ever. It got to the part where Forrest was training with the Army and then it hit me. 

I have built my photography business just like Forrest Gump – built the Bubba-Gump Shrimp Company (I just don’t make as much money).  He did it……I did it by listening to what people say and then just putting it into action.

I love the line from the movie where the drill sgt. asks Forrest why he put his rifle together so fast? “GUUUUUUMP! Why did you put that weapon together so quickly, Gump?” And Forrest responds, “Because you told me to, Drill Sergeant.”

That is my secret…………..sure, maybe I am not an industry leader but listening to the advice of my peers at conventions like WPPI and then acting on that advice has made my business grow at an incredible rate over the last year and I am not talking about growth in an area where I have been open for business for years. I moved across the country 9 months ago to a place where I did not know one person….not a friend…..not a vendor……..only my wife and 2 little boys. We literally started from scratch.

I took every little thing that I learned at WPPI the previous year and I put it into action. I sent handwritten letters to the major vendors, I bought booths at bridal shows, I donated my time and photography to local charities. Basically, I networked like crazy and treated the few clients that believed in me like gold. I just did the simple things that our industry leaders tell us to do every single year.

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Kevin Kubota suggested sending handwritten notes to clients……I did that. Mitche Graf taught us ways to cross-promote with other vendors……I did that. I sat and listened to the best in the business and then I did what they told me to do……..and by doing that, I booked 34 weddings for 2010 in a place that is 2781 miles from where I was living 9 months ago.

I spend very little time on the photography forums but when I do log on to offer advice or ask a question I am amazed to see people with 25,000 forum posts complaining that “Uncle Bob” and the recession are the reasons for their lack of business. This is just an excuse.

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Think about how many vendor contacts you could make, or new client meetings you could get, if you spent all of that time and energy away from the forums and working on the personal side of your business. Get out there and earn your business. There is business everywhere and there are clients who want to hire you no matter what you charge, but you have to find them.

Listen to the advice that you hear every year from the best in the business, put it into action, and your business will grow…..it really is that simple. And that’s all I have to say about that.

Thomas Beaman