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| “I am overwhelmed with gratitude to you after reading your book, ‘NICHECRAFT. It is the most detailed book I have ever read on the subject. Reading your book inspired me to take immediate actions to refine my niche even further. Over the past several months, my average order has soared due to the actions your book motivated me to take.” Bradford Rowley Bradford Renaissance Portraits, Costa Mesa, CA
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With the kids now back in school you may have been able to overlook the fact that the seasons have changed as quickly as heartbeats. And you know the next few months will go just as fast. Most of all, you know this time will be filled to the brim—and maybe overflow—with holiday-related work. In short, the long hours you will be putting in between now and the first of the year will go largely to making others happy. In the process, however, it is equally important that you not lose sight of one other person: yourself. The work you do should return pleasure and happiness to you, as well. The following suggestions will help ensure that your work gives you as much joy as it gives others: Play from a position of strength Strange as it may seem, the vast majority of people have difficulty identifying what their own greatest strengths are. This is particularly odd given that these same people can nearly always rattle off a virtual litany of weaknesses about themselves while struggling to get out even a few of their strengths. The reason knowing your strengths is so important is that you should be playing to them, personally and professionally. All too often people get so busy doing their business, they forget what made them successful in the first place. When this happens, the business begins to get unfocused. It also loses its fun, and fast. Thus, the two obvious questions we should each be asking ourselves include: “What are my greatest strengths?” And “What am I doing with them?” To ensure you answer the first question accurately and completely, don’t depend exclusively on your own perceptions. Ask those who know you to tell you what they perceive your greatest strengths to be. The acid-test is next. Are those strengths reflected and played out everyday you are at work? If not, they should be. If they can’t be, it’s the wrong work. Think Celebrity That’s right. If you want to make a really good niche for yourself, one which allows you to build on your unique qualities and most powerful strengths, begin thinking of yourself as a celebrity. Someone larger than life. At the same time, ask yourself |
what style, what approach, what “way” you add to the party. If you are raising an eyebrow about this, wondering what celebrity has to do with your photography business, consider Madonna, Barbara Streisand, and Whitney Houston. Each is a gifted singer. Each has achieved enormous success. And you would never confuse one with the other. Each has her own style. Indeed, Madonna has pushed “larger than life” to the extreme. And she’s done it with only one name! The point is, none of these entertainers is competing against the other. They are not sharing a pie with anyone. They have made their own pie and they get to keep the whole thing. That’s what you can do, as well. While important for all professionals, this is absolutely critical for professional photographers. With the industry experiencing dramatic changes, distinguishing yourself from the rest of the pack is not an option. It’s survival. Now, you may be asking, what does “thinking celebrity” have to do with receiving feelings of joy and pleasure from my work?” The answer is simple. This mindset produces a successful and lucrative business. One that not just allows, but indeed, requires that you capitalize on your most unique and special qualities. It not only reminds your customers and clients what your signature approach is, it reminds you, as well. It keeps you focused. Eyes on the prize. Not all over the map. All your energies are going in the same direction. When this happens, your work becomes an extension of the best parts of you. And those parts are the sources of that priceless joy that comes from knowing you are living every minute fully and richly. So, as you gear up to make others’ holidays and lives happier, take a few moments out of each day celebrating you. Think about the extraordinary gifts you already have and make sure you’re bringing them to the party every day. |
