Wordsmith

spring/summer sale!

Going on now at the WordSmith shop!

 

 

are you ready?

Are you ready for the updated {how to sell}, debuting May 1st? How about a walk down memory lane? In this excerpt from 2009's {how to sell}, I consider one oft-overlooked yet crucial component to solid portrait sales, whether online or in-person: confidence. 

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I am not a gregarious person by nature, nor am I the life of the party. Swear. I don't love meeting new people and trying to win them over. I could never, ever be a telemarketer or sales rep. I say this lest you believe that I possess some sort of inherent charisma that makes clients want to buy from me and hire me over and over again; in other words, what I know is not something that is specific to me and unteachable.  My personality, lovely as I like to think it can be to those who know me well, does not magically lead to instant sales.

Regardless of my cautious, sometimes reluctant-to-speak-up nature, I still possess something extremely invaluable to what I do, and that is my overarching philosophy--my unshakeable, sincere belief--that what I do has meaning.  We have all heard "You have to believe in your work," and yet how often do we sit back and watch the 'rock stars' of photography and think, "Good for them, but I could never be that confident"? But confident you must be if you want to impart the important message of "Yes, she's so worth it" to your clients. Please note that I don't mean you need to brag.  On the contrary, you don't want to look like you're trying too hard. Rather, you are someone who knows that he or she is in demand, both valued and valuable, and doesn't need to boast about it (not too loudly anyway!). When you truly believe in yourself and your work in this way, clients will perceive what you do as more desirable. This is true whether your target market can spend $500 or $5000 with you. 

While this may seem all a bit too Anthony Robbins and Rhonda Byrnes' The Secret for you, I'll be darned if it doesn't work! When I first started out I was confident about work that now makes me cringe a little inside (we have all been there, and we will be there again as we continually improve!). Nevertheless, I knew the type of photographer I wanted to be and I carried myself as if I had already arrived. It was clear to me early on that I needed to come from a place of confidence. I knew that projecting any whiff of desperation to my clients, any air whatsoever of "Gee, I really hope you like my pictures. I really do think I'm a bit better than The Picture People, don't you think?" would be the kiss of death. Did I sometimes think these less confident thoughts in the back of my mind? Sure!  But did I allow them to pervade my thoughts and, consequently, my client interactions? Not for one second.

If you are someone who struggles with this concept (and you probably already know if you have this innate confidence or not), it's helpful to think of your images as a product that you are very excited about. You can trick yourself somewhat into thinking you're not selling yourself per se. Couldn't you talk enthusiastically about the newest Bugaboo stroller or the latest Pampered Chef gadget that's made your potato-peeling drudgery infinitely easier? Haven't you told friends why they simply had to go see your latest favorite movie? Then why can't you get excited about the latest artist who is THE photographer to go to? Isn't she fabulous? Oh wait, she's me!  All kidding aside, while I do believe that we are our brands--clients will remember how their sessions felt and how we interacted with them as well as their images--this sort of mental distancing exercise can be fruitful if you're struggling. If all else fails, slightly shift focus to your wonderful subjects. "Wasn't it so wonderful when we got this shot?'" you ask your client when she picks up her order. "Oh, that little one was so sweet and the light was perfect that day," you effuse as you show sample session albums to your new client. After all, we should have no problem whatsoever being effervescent about what it is we purportedly love to do!  Once you fully embrace the idea that you provide both treasured images and a memorable experience to your clients, the respect you show yourself will infuse each interaction you have throughout the process and the sales you desire will follow.

With this said, here it is: my sales process with each client and the many ways, both overt and subtle, that I attempt to influence the final sale . . . 

 

24-hour flash sale!

WordSmith flash sale starts now! How lucky will you be?

 

http://www.wordsmithforphotographers.com

 

 

‎"I'll give you one meeeellion dollars?" WordSmith can help.

Last day for introductory pricing on {the parent whisperer} + an opportunity to earn additional savings later this week at WordSmith.

Read all about it in the newsletter at http://e2.ma/message/akhb1f/aosmoc

 

WordSmith's {the parent whisperer} debuts!

WordSmith's {the parent whisperer} debuts!

 

creating beautiful sessions while putting parents at ease 

(and ensuring you’ll see them again!)

 

client information set + photographer’s handbook for the children and family portrait photographer

Are you a children's photographer who knows what to say to parents before a session, but you just haven't gotten around to creating a beautiful piece to send, either via mail or e-mail?   Or perhaps you're newer to photography and are not sure what your clients need to know before the shoot.  WordSmith's {the parent whisperer} is here to help!

 

Read all about it and gear up for your 2013 sessions at the WordSmith shop. Special introductory pricing now through Monday, January 28th.

 

almost here . . .

Stay tuned!

 

New Year's Sale & More!

There are so many exciting projects in the works for WordSmith this year, and new releases are just around the corner. What better way to ring in 2013 and all the fabulousness that's ahead than with a sale? 

 

Now through January 7th you'll find the lowest prices of the year on all WordSmith goodies--simply enter code NEWYEAR to receive a 25% savings on all guides. Also, as a special bonus, purchases of $200 or more will receive a $25 WordSmith shop credit.  This credit will be mailed to you the week of January 7th and will be valid toward any future WordSmith products.  Enjoy!

 

Visit the WordSmith shop by clicking the above image to browse. I have to say this is one of my favorite times of the year.  Life slows down just a little bit and I finally have time to re-imagine and refine my business.  It's such an invaluable process each year, don't you think?

 

Oh, and one more thing!  I'll be part of a special online learning experience at The Chic Critique Forum this February.  Registration is now open and you can learn all of the details at the Chic Critique blog.  I'd love to see you there!

Thank you all for a wonderful 2012 (and all the kind e-mails, which will receive responses eventually, promise!!!) and here's to an even better 2013.

 

Wishing you absolutely the best year of your business . . . ever!

 

xoxo

Joyce

Just in time! It's WordSmith's year-in-review slideshows booster pack!

Introducing two more beautiful year-in-review slideshows--the perfect "thank you" for your clients!  Read all about them here and then head over to the shop to learn more. Introductory pricing of $20 is available now through December 23rd.

I loved hearing about the wonderful responses all of you received when you sent last year's slideshow--here's to another "wow" moment for your clients this year and a boost in winter bookings!

 

 

Four days of savings start now!

Please enjoy discount code BLACKFRIDAY for 25% off any guide in the WordSmith shop now through Monday evening.  

 

Please note that one-on-one learning opportunities are not eligible for the discount. 

Thank you and have a wonderful holiday weekend!

 

 

xoxo

Joyce

24-hour Anniversary Sale

 

24-hours only--this is big!

9 years ago today I was married. It was, of course, a pink and green extravaganza (no, really, it was pink and green!).

Celebrate with me by using code ANNIVERSARY to receive a 26% discount on everything in the shop (excluding one-on-one consulting). Thank you and have a wonderful day!

http://www.wordsmithforphotographers.com/