Zenologue

In order for us to remain in business as professional photographers, we need paying clients. Convincing prospects to turn themselves into paying clients is where most of us experience difficulties, and we feel forced to become salespeople.

I’ll be honest; I used to hate the idea of being a salesman of any kind. Unfortunately, my thinking had been colored by incorrect stereotypes of the “typical” salesperson, and I saw it as a black art involving trickery, manipulation and dubious integrity.

Now that I’ve undergone an appropriate attitude adjustment over the last couple of years, I can safely say that I enjoy being a salesman, and I aim to become a better one all the time, following Zig Ziglar’s advice that a good salesman simply helps his clients to get what they want.

There is no trickery, manipulation or deception involved in good sales, and the sense of satisfaction gained when a client makes the educated choice to buy from you is truly wonderful. This is how we build great and lasting relationships with our clients that keep them coming back time and again.

Since selling is an area that many photographers are constantly struggling with, I thought it might be a good idea to share some of my own limited experience and thoughts here, and I would encourage anyone reading this blog to add anything that’s appropriate.

Over time, I plan to add specific articles on dealing with the myriad situations that come up again and again, with ideas on how to handle them effectively.

Sales business, professional photography, selling