For the last couple of weeks, in alphabetical order, I’ve been doing short profiles on all of the speakers at this year’s Skip’s Summer School.  I won’t deny for a second it all started out as a way to keep everybody plugged in about the instructors, but with each profile I realized more and more the impact these people have on our industry.  So, for one of the last times, since I’m down to just two people left, I’ll say it again – whether or not you’re able to join us in Vegas isn’t the point – all of these instructors/speakers have something to say and should be in your network.

Jerry Weiner:  On this “First Tuesday” morning of the week, (Remember, we don’t do Monday’s here, only first and second Tuesday!) meet a good buddy, Jerry Weiner.   I finally met Jerry for the first time at last year’s Summer School, although we had talked a number of times on the phone over the previous months.  I knew him through Bambi Cantrell, but had no idea what a great business head he had!  The fun thing for me is, over the last year, we’ve identified a common bond – our love and respect for the business side of the industry.

Business is a tough thing to talk about when it comes to photographers.  The majority of you see yourselves as artists and treat the topic of business the way most kids look at eating asparagus or spinach.   They know both vegetables are supposed to be good for them, but they’ll fight tooth and nail to get around having to actually eat them.   Or maybe a better analoby is black licorice with a little kid – it’s only going to be eaten when it’s the very last one and it’s got to be coated with something sweet that tastes better!

Well, this year at Summer School, we’re going to “coat the licorice” with something sweeter and easier to swallow. Jerry’s going to be presenting at least five different business concepts in fifteen minute presentations!  We’re going to make it as painless as possible for you to pick up easy to implement ideas on running a better business.   And, because of the format of Summer School, Jerry will be around every day to help answer questions you might have as well. 

What we’re really doing is taking some of the incredible tried and true experiences bouncing around in Jerry’s head and boiling them down into five basic things you’ve got to know.   The best news is that it’s never too late to make a change - improving your business and paying attention to details that can save you money is an ongoing process!

So, let’s get Jerry in your network.  One of my favorite pieces he wrote was a guest post we did here on the blog with “Lessons from Annie Leibowitz” last year.  You’ll also find great ideas on PWD Labs’ blog that Jerry has contributed.  He’s also on Facebook.

Tomorrow I wrap up Profiles with the photographer from down under, the one with just one name (LOL), Yervant!