Growing in Uncertain Times

Seems like lately I have had so many conversations with photographers talking about how bad the economy is and how bad business is for them. In these conversations, I'm never quite sure how to react or what to say. Often it makes me a little uneasy and I can't help but feel a touch of guilt when I have to explain how busy we are. Our studio continues to grow in these uncertain times and I have some pretty strong convictions as to why, and I felt compelled to share on the blog.

I haven't been posting on the blog. Again a touch of guilt comes over me. Truth be told, I have just been too busy. As much as I love to share, updating a blog with new images and posts is a lot of work when you are already doing everything in your power to keep up with your business at hand. One thing I can say is that our family is willing to work as many hours as it takes to make deadline, but it isn't always easy. Hard work ethic runs deep in our family and always has.

So what makes a company grow in a recession while others seem to be at a stand still or worse? Here is our mindset, which may or may not differ from yours:

We focus on quality first and foremost..
We pay NO attention to what our competitors do, what they charge, etc... We only focus on being our best.
We only purchase and use the very best equipment and bring only the best to each assignment.
We put a smile on our face and leave personal issues behind when we are working for others.
We believe we deserve everything and anything we can dream.
We live in a never ending dream state thinking good thoughts for others and ourselves.
We aim high to exceed our clients expectations.
We give more to our clients than they purchase in the end in time, service, and/or product.
We diversify rather than narrow our vision.
We employ others and help them to succeed.
We teach and share with others and invest in the success of others.
We give custom quotes rather than have cookie cutter packages or canned ideas.
We focus on preserving history and realism rather than canned and posed images.
We build lasting relationships with our clients based on trust.
We try our best to reach out and stay in touch with our customers.
We sell only the best albums and hand made products money can buy.
We put print quality and artistic integrity first.

I could go on and on. But, I'll stop here. Simply put, I think too often people focus on the wrong things. Many place to much other their energy worrying about what competitors are charging or mimicking the style of others rather than focusing on being their personal best. I have heard too many people say "I can't do that in my area". Or, "everybody is doing it on the cheap in our area." If that is truly the case then it is essential that you are different from everyone else and focus on being the best. It is important to be good to your clients. It is also important to be good to yourself because people respect that quality. Finally, thinking good thoughts equals great things in your life. So, keep dreaming and focus on being the best person and the best photographer you can be. The rewards go to those who do.

Wishing you the best life has too offer..
Cheers... Charles