For my fellow photographers and filmmakers looking to expand and grow their business. Here are 10 tips I’ve learnt and implemented over the years as a Creative Entrepreneur that I believe will help you:
◦1. Be consistent.
It takes tenacity and dedication to be in this industry. Be active in it. Post your work frequently. Try new things. Network with other creatives. Make mistakes. Rinse and repeat…I’ve been in this industry for about 18 years now, commitment for the long haul is required.
◦2. Be good at what you do.
Upskill yourself as much as you can. While many people enjoy watching Netflix, I spend most of my screen time, watching YouTube tutorials, or movies that inspire me, or Googling tutorials instead. You have to keep growing in you craft, finding ways to get better and improve, to offer a service of high standards.
◦3. Be professional and kind.
Answer emails timeously. Be punctual for meetings or calls. Be uncomplicated and easy to work with. Good people skills are the most underrated qualities in today’s working world.
◦4. Under promise, over deliver.
Go above and beyond for every client and every task. Set your baseline of what you offer, but always exceed it. Clients will undoubtedly come back to you for more business just because of this.
◦5. Network.
You have to meet people. Send DM’s and comment on other people’s work. Meet other creatives and ask about their process. Collaborate on jobs. It’s not always about who you know, but it certainly helps to show your face in the circles you want to influence.
◦6. Just try.
Do not disqualify yourself before you’ve even tried. No one feels like they have it all figured out. You don’t need to know everything or be an expert to start. Your willingness to try is the only qualification you need.
◦7. Be passionate.
You’ve got to have a passion and love for what you do. What is going to get you through the days of discouragement and disappointment is if you have a genuine love for what you do and would do it even if you don’t get paid for it.
◦8. Rejection is normal.
Understand that you will get rejected at times. Doors may close, opportunities may fall through, and clients may ignore your proposal. It happens. It doesn’t mean you’re bad at this. Try, try, try again. If you keep knocking, a door is bound to open.
◦9. Work hard.
Success and growth do not come easy. I work late into the night sometimes (not regularly; rest is important!), it often takes hard work and sacrifice to build your business. Be ready to work at it with all you have.
◦10. Be faithful and God-honouring.
You can do all of the above, but it wouldn’t mean much if it’s just for yourself. God has gifted us all with talents and abilities so that we can be a benefit to those around us. Use every ounce of what you have as a way of serving Him. Acknowledging that the strength and opportunities you receive come from Him, and be a good steward of that.
Go do what you’re made to do!
◦ 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 ◦
