Boutique Display questions

[alwoodruff]

I am desiring to develop relationships with local establishments such as doctors offices, children's boutiques, and salons. I have a fairly decent idea of what I'm going to present (dvd slideshow, yummy goodies, and a few print samples, and proposal letter) but it's what to do first I'm stumped on.

I've thought perhaps to call and schedule a meeting with the manager owner to present the proposal (but I'd rather them read the proposal letter b/c it's more eloquently put and I'd just stutter all over myself, so...). Then I thought about just dropping it off and saying in the proposal letter I'll be following up but I could then see them treating me as a telemarketer. I'm just not sure what would be the most effective and I DON'T want to waste the chance.

Also (I have lots of questions so take your pick), as there's no such thing as a free lunch, I want to offer them something in exchange for my work being displayed in their establishment- to make it worth their while. I'm just not sure what is the most effective thing to offer... for example, my son's pediatrician desperately needs his walls decorated. I thought about offering to decorate his office with my art (in mounted 16x20 prints) but that is WAY too much (I'd guess 10-20 pieces). Is it tacky to offer to decorate his walls at my cost? I think it probably is, but maybe not if I pitch it the right way. And for boutiques, I could offer to decorate their walls or just set up a little display and offer a complimentary session to their best client/customer (of their choosing).

Also...One of the things I'm doing is making a drawstring bag for my dvd slideshow to go in and embroidering my name on it (spending lots of time and money) so I don't want to just send them to every boutique in town. Especially if the boutique already has a photographer they are connected with, I don't want to waste my time with them. So... should I call them before and just ask if they have a photographer they currently support or whatever. And if they don't, pursue them? Is that tacky?

Any thoughts?

[HotHolly]

I have found that when photographers want to get their stuff hung some place, they need to be showing their photos. Stores/ offices get TONS of junk mail every day. I hate opening it all, personally. You dont want your stuff to go in with the junk. The best way, imho, is also the most time intensive. Drop in on the location when you know they arent insanely busy. Introduce yourself, HAND them the letter and maybe show a little sample 4x5 with it - basically something they can seen then and there to see if its worth the bother of watching your DVD or reading your letter. So make it an awesome shot with wide appeal. Give them a business card, say thanks, and walk out the door. Some places wont even look at you, others will chat, others will ask you back.

If you offer your stuff to decorate - and its free - your studio name and contact info should be prominent on the images. Something I have heard other photogs have done is to offer the owner a session with the option to purchase wall prints for their store/office for a discounted price contingent on the photog's work hanging in the office for 1 year before its taken to the home. You can also offer the same deal to friends of the owner and have some variation. It creates a lot of chatter and it wasnt totally free for them, which is very costly for you.

Your last question is inevitable. EVERYONE knows a photographer, so my advise would be dont bother screening out locations that know a photog. Its only gonna get you a no, we already have a photographer - at which point you can tell them loyalty is wonderful and you're happy for them. They may not use you, but they'll remember you. Good impressions are important. Some places know a photographer, but wouldnt want them doing their stuff. I would walk in and walk out - be brief. If they are swamped, go back later. Make sure your letter has what ever proposal you are offering. And call and follow up in a week to see if they were interested in seeing more work or had any ?s.

GOOD LUCK!

[toverman]

I'm doing something similar but going the referral route. Building a referral relationship that will yield the referrer something after I get a booking, so that my out-of-pocket costs are minimized. So far, it's actually working.

[Aric C. Hoek]

If you hang the prints in a salon, purchase 20 manicures. Each as their own gift certificate including tip. Inform the owner that these gift certificates will be mailed to each of your brides before their bridal portrait so that when they come into your studio for their Bridal Session their nails will look fantastic.

With any luck the bride will bring her entire bridal shop into the salon to have their hair and make-up done the day of the wedding, or she will hire one of the make-up artists to come to her.

Make sure that you hang your work in the most expensive salon in the city.

[Teddington]

Amanda, good advice from the photo side. Just a comment. If you're uncomfortable speaking one on one or making presentations, look for a local Toastmasters Club. This is a great way to learn and practice speaking in front of and to others, giving you the confidence and skills needed to communicate orally professionally and effectively. Keep in mind that many participants in Toastmasters are small business owners so contacts might be a bonus from this effort.

[alwoodruff]

Originally Posted by Aric C. Hoek

If you hang the prints in a salon, purchase 20 manicures. Each as their own gift certificate including tip. Inform the owner that these gift certificates will be mailed to each of your brides before their bridal portrait so that when they come into your studio for their Bridal Session their nails will look fantastic.

With any luck the bride will bring her entire bridal shop into the salon to have their hair and make-up done the day of the wedding, or she will hire one of the make-up artists to come to her.

Make sure that you hang your work in the most expensive salon in the city.

That's a great idea. To ensure I understand, do you make this a part of your proposal or do you do this after they've accepted your proposal? Just curious where it fits into the proposal. How's the success been for you numbers wise?

[alwoodruff]

I could post this next question somewhere else, but I really want you guys to read it since you've been helping me. I am creating a dvd slideshow to music of my best images. I'm wanting to get it down to about 40 images (2.5 minute song). I've narrowed it down to 100 but got lots of more narrowing down to go. I have the pics posted on my facebook and was wondering if any of you might be willing to become my facebook friend in order to look at my images and tell me which ones you think are great and which ones I shouldn't use... If you are interested, email me at amandalynnphoto@yahoo.com and I can tell you my facebook name. Thanks for your help!