New technologies, the advent of social media, our lovely economy and the slew of new competitors at your doorstep can make just about anybody reach for a Xanax. I have seen many of you embrace the changes that are upon all of us and begin the work of redefining (if not reinventing) your art and your business. Congratulations. This post is not for you.
This post is for those of you whose art is about so much more than its medium. The old guard who, in most cases, literally created the businesses we all want to be in. I am talking about photographers and videographers that shoot mostly on film. Designers that like things hand drawn. Stationers that loathe the computer. You get the idea.
For you, racing to catch up to the "modern" world actually debases your art and invites competition where none should exist. I am not saying you do not need to incorporate the tools of today into your business. You do. You just should not let these tools define, and therefore limit, your art (and your business).
Your competition wants to bring you to a level on which they can compete. If you have tons of experience, a world famous reputation, an incredible portfolio and a client list that is a who's who, giving credibility to the argument over your medium or your marketing method is plain silly. Do you really think Annie Leibovitz would lose a client because she only shoots on film? Probably not, but she might if she started a client meeting with "Just want to tell you that I only work in film, hope that's not a problem."
Your focus should be on what got you to your level in the first place — your art — and the value of having you produce it for your client. A radical idea: you do not need to have a blog, Twitter, be on Facebook, Linked-In, etc. If you can't do them well, better to not do them at all. You will just be helping your competition by way of comparison. What you do need is to be able to let your work stand on its own. Clear the rest of the noise away. It will sell itself.
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Thank you for such an inspirational post! Often videographers are forgotten in the grand scheme of wedding planning. We always appreciate some positive insight into our field.
I followed this post to a T this morning ….. especially the last paragraph. And as of 11AM it has netted me two new clients. I’m going to continue putting forth what I know I do very well vs. spreading myself too thin. Thanks again for another great post.
…and the congregation said, “Amen!”
Preach it, my friend. Very very very well said.
Thanks.
needed that today! thank you!
Awesome post. It’s such sage advice and I hope it reaches the people who need it most. Unfortunately, I’ve seen too many great photographers lose their position in the market – or even worse, lose their business altogether – because they gave up everything they did well to chase the elusive technology rabbit down the never-ending hole.