Business plan tips?

[TootysMom]

I've been running my business part time and I really want to go full-time, but I know I have to have a business plan in place before I go forward. Since being part time, I realize where I need to beef up my marketing/branding, policies/procedures and pricing - so I figured I need to get my business plan in place to get things rolling. To make sure I cover everything, I was wondering if any of you who've been successful and in business for a while can steer me in the direction of a good template or site that gives a good guideline for a business plan.

Thanks!
Britney

[WarrenG]

Originally Posted by TootysMom

I've been running my business part time and I really want to go full-time, but I know I have to have a business plan in place before I go forward. Since being part time, I realize where I need to beef up my marketing/branding, policies/procedures and pricing - so I figured I need to get my business plan in place to get things rolling. To make sure I cover everything, I was wondering if any of you who've been successful and in business for a while can steer me in the direction of a good template or site that gives a good guideline for a business plan.

Thanks!
Britney

Writing a Business Plan

[utdbear]

That's a real good resource, but a business plan can be quite simple. It's really just putting on paper what you want to do. You can make it as detailed as possible or as simple as possible. My first goal was to book and shoot $1,000 worth of business in sitting fees(I provide DVDs for my shoots so I wasn't going to worry about prints) within 3 months. I then wrote down the steps it would take to make that goal and then got to work. My recommendation, keep it simple.

[TootysMom]

Thank Warren, I will check that out...have any Houston based photogs used SCORE?

Barry - I understand what you're saying about keeping simple, but I guess what I'm looking to accomplish is having a business plan that doubles as a handbook - if I was sick or died tomorrow, someone could pick up that book and know how to run my business. :)

[TootysMom]

I've been chugging along with my biz plan and now I need some advice regarding proofing sessions. I know the most effective way to get the highest sales is to provide projection proofing sessions within a few days of the photo shoot. However, since I'm starting out small and do not currently have a studio or location to do proofing sessions (and do not have a projector :)) what would be the best alternative for this until I was able to make enough sales to provide projection proofing sessions?

[WarrenG]

There are a lot of threads on this subject here on TPF. Before I went to projected proofing in the studio, I did it on my 28" monitor. You could do it at home if you do it the right way.

[J Eddington]

Really look at Strategy Avenue (recommended by PPA) to help you with your business. It really makes sure you get EVERYthing considered when starting your business. I have written several business plan over the years, but this is exceptional resources that looks at your entire business. You won't miss a thing. Worth every penny

[TootysMom]

Thanks Janice - did you use Strategy Avenue recently? How did you like it? Did the DVD's assist you with proofing sessions?

[J Eddington]

It did not help with proofing. I used this 3 years ago. Not much has changed in 3 years. I have written business plans before. But this was specific to photography and really considers the market. From marketing pricing and building your business. Ho to properly set you business up. TO make sure you consider all costs and expenses.
Proofing, of course projection is the way to go, but until then you could use printed proofs. Just make sure across the photos is the word proof so that they cannot scan the photo with out the proof watermark. You could meet your client show them the proofs and IF they place their order at this meeting they get a discount. After this meeting the cost goes up.

[J Eddington]

It did not help with proofing. I used this 3 years ago. Not much has changed in 3 years. I have written business plans before. But this was specific to photography and really considers the market. From marketing pricing and building your business. Ho to properly set you business up. TO make sure you consider all costs and expenses.
Proofing, of course projection is the way to go, but until then you could use printed proofs. Just make sure across the photos is the word proof so that they cannot scan the photo with out the proof watermark. You could meet your client show them the proofs and IF they place their order at this meeting they get a discount. After this meeting the cost goes up.

[TootysMom]

Thanks so much for your input Janice! It sounds like I definitely need to check out Strategy Avenue so I can make sure I'm on the right path with my business from the get-go. As far as projection proofing goes, I've really been pondering my options and I'm wondering if projection proofing in the clients home would be a good choice. Since I don't have a studio or place to meet with clients (and I don't want to bring them to my home) this might be a good option....or should I get a laptop and meet them at a local coffee shop and proof them on the laptop? Thoughts?

[WarrenG]

Originally Posted by TootysMom

Since I don't have a studio or place to meet with clients (and I don't want to bring them to my home) this might be a good option....or should I get a laptop and meet them at a local coffee shop and proof them on the laptop? Thoughts?

You know, the same applies to your client. They may not want to have someone in their home? Just a thought...

Also, the coffee shop situation is bad from every perspective... Can it work for you? Sure, but you really want your client's undivided attention while your making your presentation, rather than being distracted by the sights and smells of the coffee shop, let alone the noise of other conversations.

Look into a "Virtual Office" that gives you conference room time weekly. You can usually get a projector from them, and bring your samples up there a little early. Make several client appointments for your "day" in the conference room, and add in your overhead to your print pricing. You want a captive audience when your selling, you do not want them distracted by hunger pains and the smell of coffee, people ordering, and other conversations. If you cannot afford a studio, this will be a decent option.

When I started my first business, we used to "office" this way so we could wow our clients with a great first impression.

W

[TootysMom]

Thank you Warren! You know, it never even dawned on me that a client wouldn't want me in their home...but that's so true. Having a kiddo I don't keep the most pristine home, so I'm sure it would be more of a headache to a client to have to worry about tidying up before having their photographer come over...plus you have to deal with the distractions they may have at their home.

The virtual office is actually something I thought about a long time ago and looked into but didn't think it would be feasible, but if I add in the overhead the the print pricing, that just might work. I'm so glad I asked about this...great info!

[reader0428]

I am just getting started with my business, but so far all of my proofing sessions have been in my clients' homes. It's been fine, and since I shoot mostly babies and kids, the parents really appreciate the conveninece of me being able to come over after the kids are in bed. I show them the slide show and then let them click through their invididual pics (the slide show images) in their client folder on my laptop. They make their choices and order. I set the expectation for this when they book the session (let them know that we will have a viewing/ordering appointment within 2 weeks), and remind them again at the session. I've had to post a few sessions online due to some family circumstances, and only 1 of those familes has ordered (although they keep promising to do so). Just another reinforcement that in-person viewing and ordering is the way to go!

[TootysMom]

Thanks for the info Amanda! That was my initial thought when I came up with the idea of proofing in clients homes...I thought they would feel like it's more convenient for them, especially for newborns - but then when Warren chimed in about how they may not want you there - it made sense too. :) I guess I could offer the client the option. Thanks again!