Starting up: 2 short questions...

[canoflan]

1) If I know what type of photography and where I want to provide it, what is the best resource for understanding setting up the ground work for getting a business moving? Should I get a good book on setting up a photography business, or should I just start marketing and let the infrastructure come along as needed? I would like to get things in place to a certain extent in case my client base increases beyond my current capacity.

2) If I choose not to do the internet website cha cha (i.e. have a website with pictures, blog, etc...), will this simply not allow me to get my feet off the ground at all in this day and age? To my thinking, without the internet to simply turn people to, I have to provide a more personal service in sharing my portfolio and making phone calls and returning emails since I will have to sell myself each day vs pointing to an internet site.

Thanks for any input.
Canoflan

[toverman]

My 2 cents about your questions:

1) A good book will help, but there are seminars, classes, etc., out there, too. I would, at the minimum, have a written business plan, your pricing structure, contracts, tax ID number, proper forms, etc. all in place before even thinking about marketing. The better prepared you are, the better you'll be able to serve clients. They'll know what you can do and for how much.

2) Someone can probably be in the photography business without a Web site, but all the competition will have one (even the CraigsListers for the most part). So much is done on the Internet that it's an easy way to get your name and images out there. The Web site is no substitute for personal service, though, it simply gets people to call you. You will still have to sell yourself and your abilities and work. If you're not ready for that aspect, you might rethink going into the business in the first place.

[canoflan]

Originally Posted by toverman

My 2 cents about your questions:

1) A good book will help, but there are seminars, classes, etc., out there, too. I would, at the minimum, have a written business plan, your pricing structure, contracts, tax ID number, proper forms, etc. all in place before even thinking about marketing. The better prepared you are, the better you'll be able to serve clients. They'll know what you can do and for how much.

2) Someone can probably be in the photography business without a Web site, but all the competition will have one (even the CraigsListers for the most part). So much is done on the Internet that it's an easy way to get your name and images out there. The Web site is no substitute for personal service, though, it simply gets people to call you. You will still have to sell yourself and your abilities and work. If you're not ready for that aspect, you might rethink going into the business in the first place.

Hey Todd, thanks for taking the time. Good advice.
Canoflan

[toverman]

Best of luck, too!

I reread my No. 2 and it sounded kind of snarky ... not meant that way. It's just a people-centric business. Even if you're taking shots of products or something, it's your relationships with people that will get you rolling. This forum features a wealth of knowledge from people who actually know what they're talking about, unlike me!

[canoflan]

Gotcha and thanks. I am a very down to business person when it comes to business. My approach is "there is no crying in baseball" approach. Just replace "baseball" with "business." Anyhow, I have approached my earliest jobs with the idea that I need to provide services like I am getting paid $1 million for the job. If those clients getting my services to next to nothin feel treated above and beyond, then I will be in the habit of going above and beyond for those that come along when I am charging to cover costs, etc.... I believe if we are not practicing or in the habit of giving excellent service before we go into business, then it will be that much more uphill after getting in and then we will wonder why people do not call us back (or at all:)).

Canoflan