Picking a Photographer is like Picking a President
- September 2nd, 2008
I was listening to National Public Radio this morning and they were interviewing a Republican higher up. I was pleasantly surprised to hear what this guy was saying. He suggested that this election, or any election for that matter, is no longer about Republican or Democrat.
From now on, he asserted, it was about the individual candidate’s ability to build something unique and valuable around their name, in the eyes of the voters - regardless of the banner they stand under.
I couldn’t agree more.
And, this isn’t just so for politicians. It’s true of coffee shops (doesn’t your Barista’s attitude and ability matter?) & grocery stores (why do people pay so much more in a down economy to shop at Gelson’s?) & attorneys (wouldn’t removing the mystery of billable hours and establishing relational equity compel you to value your lawyer more?) & of course wedding photographers (yes… all that extra care you’re taking to stand out uniquely to avoid extinction is worth it - it’s the whole game actually).
Aligning behind a schnazzy logo is not enough no matter how cool it looks. Get your business’ core right and the rest will follow… and that core is your business’ very soul. Miss it and all the cleverness and tricks in the world won’t get you the following you need to truly make it for the long haul.
Keep it real.
-Dane
Tags: dane sanders, Democrat, National Public Radio, NPR, Republican
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:29 am
Amen to that brotha and thanks for keeping it real!
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:35 am
Yee Haw… So True. Beyond the Glitz, there needs to be LOTS of substance.
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:56 am
Huzzah!
I couldn’t agree with you more. Like my brother in Tenn says… “Polish a turd, it’s still a turd.”
If there is no substance with what you do, does it really matter what you look like?
Thanks for sharing - cheers!
David Esquire
Esquire Photography
http://www.esquirephotography.com
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:10 am
dead on!
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:47 pm
:-)
=Matt=
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:25 am
Dane that’s so true…I don’t know “is like picking a president” but value is indeed crucial.
September 4th, 2008 at 12:43 am
Yes…
correct…
I agree…
and…
yes.
You’re the man.
-E
September 4th, 2008 at 4:51 am
Great food for thought. Building that value around a name in photography is a lot more of a marathon than we are seeing in this presidential sprint. Knock that speech out of the park and gain voters. Make the wrong comment in passing and loose voters. But perhaps it changes that quickly for us as well? Hmm, post photos on your blog that don’t represent your best work and loose customers….lot’s to think about here :)…
September 5th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
True True True.
Thanks so much for popping and saying “Hi” on my wife’s blog (Allie Marie Photo). She’s been real excited about your book ever since the preview came out, and when I found out you made an audiobook available, I downloaded it immediately. (I can read, I just don’t like it very much, and as an Audio Engineer/Sound Designer I enjoy listening). Anyways that was at 8pm, let’s just say I didn’t stop listening till 3:30am in the morning. I think my wife has secretly been wanting me to join her in photography and for us really go for it as a family, and your book turned that into reality. Thanks for all the great advise and setting us on the right path. I’ve hardly had any sleep since listening to the Audio book, and that’s okay. Too busy taking pictures, reading manuals, and blogging to sleep. I started a blog where I’ve been teaching other what I’ve been learning. I believe the only way to know you know something, is the ability to teach someone else. I also came up a couple of videos taking concept and techniques from the audio world, and applying them to photography. Anyways, I couldn’t be happier that Allie and I are working together on this photographer’s endeavor, your book has truly blessed out life and marriage. God Bless, and I can’t wait for the next book. Chris.