Need advice marketing your business?

[JoeBannon]

I guess I haven't told many people about my back ground. I use to work for Tribal DDB and let's just say that I'm extremely good at marketing and promotions. I started up my own advertising company a few years ago (at the same time I started my record label) after I left Tribal and it's doing extremely good as well.

If anyone here needs advice, suggestions, etc., use me. There is nothing I can't figure out.

[kachina]

Get me $5K/Month revenue on a $500 advertising budget

I'm flexible and will shoot damn near anything. I don't mind up to 30% travel. I am used to working on tight deadlines and staying within budget as well.

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by kachina

Get me $5K/Month revenue on a $500 advertising budget

I'm flexible and will shoot damn near anything. I don't mind up to 30% travel. I am used to working on tight deadlines and staying within budget as well.

Ohhhhh. Like the new avatar!

[kachina]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

Ohhhhh. Like the new avatar!

Thanks...I played with low key yesterday morning.

I would greatly appreciate a little C&C on the larger image if you have a sec

At the bottom of yesterday's thread:
http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=47275

[JoeBannon]

Originally Posted by kachina

Get me $5K/Month revenue on a $500 advertising budget

I'm flexible and will shoot damn near anything. I don't mind up to 30% travel. I am used to working on tight deadlines and staying within budget as well.

Where are you advertising right now?

[kachina]

I advertise in a couple of organization news letters ($30 for 4x5 for 6 months) + donate time to NPOs for word of mouth. Mixing with potential clients at the NPO events seems to be the most effective. I also have a website with a little SEO.

I plan on doing more beginning in June.

[AndrewCCM]

Originally Posted by JoeBannon

I guess I haven't told many people about my back ground. I use to work for Tribal DDB and let's just say that I'm extremely good at marketing and promotions. I started up my own advertising company a few years ago (at the same time I started my record label) after I left Tribal and it's doing extremely good as well.

If anyone here needs advice, suggestions, etc., use me. There is nothing I can't figure out.

Although it appears we have very similar interests (music, photography, etc).. I am not at all good at marketing...Just not my thing I guess...Growing up as a semi-shy kid didn't help. LOL

My wife and I decided that one of the key things we wanted for our children was self-confidence...With some careful planning and exposure to various activities and classes...So far, my 5 yr old has more personality and confidence than both his parents combined. So happy about that.

Anyway, perhaps you can figure out a way to create a cool studio co-op here locally. I just finished spending $1k on an architect to draw up plans for an addition on my home (over a 3 car garage) to be a photog studio space...Only to find out afterwards from the contractor that it was going to cost me about 50% more than I expected. SO... to make a long story short... I am looking at possibly going in on a co-op of some sort... I want the ability to shoot at a consistent place without the headache of searching out a rental each time I want to shoot (only to have a model flake out on me)... LOL

So how's that for a request? HAHA.. I realize that is a bit different than what you were offering..but it was on my mind since I just got the bad news on my home studio. I am now in the process of turning my house upside down and moving things around 4 rooms both upstairs and down to make room for a small shooting area in my study. It appears like it'll be fine for headshots, but not optimal for much more than that. At least my wife will be happy to have our dining room back.. (eventually)

[JoeBannon]

Well, I may be able to help you with a co-op. How often do you need the studio?

[AndrewCCM]

Originally Posted by JoeBannon

Well, I may be able to help you with a co-op. How often do you need the studio?

"Need"? That's kind of a loaded question. To be honest, I do not make much $ at all shooting studio work/models, etc.. I mainly shoot events, weddings and such when I want to earn anything shooting. So at this point, most studio work is for my own creative outlet and to experiment, meet new people and such.

Having said this...I probably could use a space 1 day a week or so...I get lots of inquiries for TFP shoots and such, but have to turn a lot down as I cannot shoot at my home with 2 small kids/wife, and I detest seeking out a space randomly and paying a fee to potentially have a no show. Having a semi-permanent set time that I could get into the space, set equipment up, practice, shoot, etc.. is worth the expense to me. I like the idea of a decent place to have clients over to meet and/or shoot. Being very familiar with the place would be valuable to me as well...rather than showing up and making do.. I like to be comfortable with my surroundings and want my clients to feel that way too.

Sorry to ramble. Gotta turn on Mavs here soon!

[JoeBannon]

James has a studio in Deep Ellum. He may be interested.

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=47121

[AndrewCCM]

Yeah... I saw that.. $240 for 8hrs is a bit steep for my needs. I am looking at a couple of other places that basically give me a day a week + use of misc open time for slightly more (but per month). Really, it seems like it comes down to having several photogs go in together on monthly rent and such to make it work and be economical. I kinda want a place that I can call "my studio" albeit sharing with a couple of others.

Thank you much for responding!

[JoeBannon]

He may drop his price if he knows he will be able to rent it once a week to you.

[brad]

Have you looked at my affiliate deal, Andrew?


I tried to get a co-op going for the longest time, but the problem was in the end, someone still had to sign the lease, carry the insurance, and be responsible for the bills..... getting a group of photographers together to do that on a long term basis.... well, herding cats comes to mind.

So I set it up that way instead... look at my post in the Studios for Rent section for some of the details: http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=28378

[JoeBannon]

The answer is always out there.

[AndrewCCM]

Yeah Brad.. I have considered it for sure... How often are weekends open and/or evenings? I have a feeling that most of my shooting would either be in the evening and/or Sundays. Since you or your wife have to be there, that was a concern of mine... I am trying to estimate how much time it'll take for me to setup, shoot, etc in conjunction with the 6hrs + extra hr cost. But...definitely could be something to consider regardless just to get started..

You know.. I just need to get off my buttocks and come visit soon. LOL