Don’t Forget the Value of Face-to-Face – Gary Cole

Posted on: 03-15-2016 Posted in: Photography

With email, the internet, Skype, Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and the many other social media options available as a way to meet and communicate with potential clients, it’s easy to overlook the power of meeting face to face. It’s so much easier to sit at your computer and pound out emails or post photos on Facebook or Instagram or mass mail through services such as constant-contact or even send out printed promotional and rate cards through conventional mail.

However, don’t overlook the power and potential effectiveness of meeting prospective clients face to face. Of course, it’s not easy to get those face to face meetings. But you need to ask yourself—have I tried? First of all, do I know who my potential clients are? Have I made an attempt to get a ten-minute meeting with them? Have I prepared a sample that would entice them to meet with me? And where can I find prospective clients without getting a specific meeting/appointment with them?

“Take a look in the mirror. What image do I want to project to prospective models, prospective clients? We’re all stuck with the faces God gave us but think about what you are wearing, how you present yourself”Let’s assume you are a girl/glamour shooter and not interested in anything else. Have you contacted all the model agencies in your area, providing them with samples of your work and letting them know what services you’re willing to provide? Are there local beauty contests? Perhaps they need some free photography. What about your local Harley dealer? Many of them hold beauty contests of one kind of another. In Chicago, beach volleyball is big in the summer. Get out there and kick a little sand. Get in touch with the local organizers and offer your services. If they like what you do, perhaps they’ll hire you next time.

If you are after more traditional business clients, find out if they attend conventions. If one potential client is at a convention, chances are there are many potential clients. “Oh, I don’t have enough money to get even the smallest booth at a convention.” Then call the organizers and see if they are willing to deal—free photography in exchange for some kind of access to the convention.

About Gary Cole

And take a look in the mirror. What image do I want to project to prospective models, prospective clients? We’re all stuck with the faces God gave us but think about what you are wearing, how you present yourself. Clothes may not make the man but they do sometimes indicate how conscious you are of your in-person personae. Just as you would tailor the samples you show to a particular client, you may also want to tailor your own image to better fit with the business he’s in. Remember, you have to be an effective salesman before your can be an effective photographer for hire.

Hope you will be attending the upcoming STC seminar in Miami on April 2-3. There’s still a few spots open.

~Gary Cole