Comments on: Redefine Professionalism

By: Adam

Adam — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:52:46 +0000

OK so I am going to go back and actually read the post tomorrow, but I found it funny what your cat an my daughter share their name….

By: Jason Collin

Jason Collin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:28:50 +0000

I usually find myself choosing to wait at least 15 minutes to reply to a client as I am nearly always on e-mail unless out on a shoot so that the client doesn’t think I am too anxious!

By: Johnathan Thomas

Johnathan Thomas — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:31:06 +0000

gear is good… vision is better… a photographer that cares is great!

By: michael mathay

michael mathay — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:44:12 +0000

Yes, this is a definition of “professional” that makes sense, as distinct from doing-it-for-money. The limited attention these details attract from most creates the opportunity for the few who get it right.

By: anita

anita — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:29:34 +0000

David,
I love how your value that people should be treated with dignity and respect carries over into the way you do business. I thought your point about not making assumptions about who’s important might be especially critical now that more business is being conducted online. I learned early on when I was managing a retail store never to pre-judge which customers would buy, how much they might spend or how often. Now, with the potential of internet businesses, you just never know where connections might lead. Someone who makes a comment or sends an email might be married to the CEO of a major corporation or have connections that might result in a lucrative contract. It would be a shame to miss out on something due to neglect or dismissiveness.

I hope everyone is taking notes, this is a fantastic summary of how to create a successful business and customers for life.

By: rkpowers

rkpowers — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:44:29 +0000

Would like to add a little something about customer service that makes me cringe. I have been a ‘working’ photographer for 20 some years, but I still assist colleagues occasionally. I always feel embarassed when the photographer is shooting, say, a CEO, or a ’star’ (or anybody, for that matter) and they remove themselves from the process by taking a cell phone call. I never feel that I, and my life, is more important than the person I am photographing….or that MY time is more valuable. I think it diminishes the ’subject’ and it would be SO easy to have a message that lets callers know that you are involved in a shoot and will get right back to them. Go ahead and let it ring, if you must, but let your subject know that they are the most important thing, the ONLY thing, going right now. I actually think that whoever is calling will appreciate the fact that you couldn’t answer their call because you were devoting all your attention to the shoot ‘at hand.’

By: Paul Deveaux

Paul Deveaux — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:31:17 +0000

David,

Well said. Often when I talk to people they think that the quality of their work is the most important factor in their success. The truth is that it depends more on their professionalism and how they interact with people.

The quality of your relationships matter significantly more than the quality of your work.

By: Melissa Hartfiel

Melissa Hartfiel — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:24:55 +0000

As Jamie above said, it is about treating those you interact with in the same way you expect to be treated. If you want to feel important and well-looked after, treat others the same way.

This is something I feel so strongly about. Lacking professionalism in creative fields so often seems to be excused because we’re “creative” and “artsy-fartsy”. But basically, professional behaviour boils down to being considerate and respectful of others, their time and their needs. It’s not rocket science.

Before I was allowed to graduate from BCIT as a web designer, I had to complete classes in the ‘business of web design’. They were probably the most useful aspect of my program. But even if you’re not enrolled in a program of that type, there are night school classes galore on learning the basics of running your own business and bookstore shelves are filled with books on the subject, not to mention the internet. Read. Learn. And follow through.

Ok, now I’ve had my little rant, thanks for your thoughts on Freshbooks – I’ve been considering moving to them the last couple of weeks. Nice to read another opinion.

By: JVL

JVL — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:46:15 +0000

I keep hearing about Freshbooks – seems like it’s time to get on board – though invoicing I do okay with in a PDF format, it’s not exactly well designed.

I understand that building a brand (of me) is more than just a logo, but I’ll also note that I’m inconsistent here too. My twitter name is different than my website URL which is different from my blog name. It wouldn’t take much, or long, to make them all the same just as a start. But the thing preventing me from doing that is “what would I choose, and why?”

It’s the easiest part of your business to ignore, but the one most likely to attract and “catch” new clients.

By: Gary Halby

Gary Halby — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:52:46 +0000

David,
I could not agree more about being professional in the way one conducts business. As an owner of an advertising agency for over 40 years I survived this crazy business by complete service to my accounts. We were only as good as our last campaign. As a testament to professionalism we kept our accounts for a long period of time. We worked with one account for over 25 years. In our respective business in takes a long time to land an account and one can loose it very fast by not being attentive to their needs. I have directed photography, commercials and industrial films and now I am shooting. The same principals apply. I hope your readers pay attention to what you are relaying. Thanks for keeping your insights right on target.
Best,
Gary Halby