So, I know that 2020 for all of us has been a bit of a roller coaster ride, to say the least. But, hopefully we have taken the time to work on our businesses even when we could not be working in our businesses and found a way to improve our craft, learn a new skill, implement something we have been “meaning to do” for a while, streamline our workflow, refine our processes and become smarter marketers. Maybe we also found some time to reflect while staying at home as a way to connect with ourselves, our loved ones and realize that we do not have to live in a rise and grind state 24/7/365. I know that I did, there were so many things that I fell in love with during the pandemic and being more laid back and content was one of them. For over 20 years I have lived this frantic, perfectionist mentality that when it all came to a halt it took me weeks to ease into a new and improved mindset of patience for both myself, my family and my business. I took the time to really work on my business and peel back the layers to figure out how I could come back to work and make it less stressful and more impactful for both myself and my clients. I went from really disliking virtual calls to figuring out that I could use them in my business and actually make as big of an impact as we do when we are in person, or how I could really manage my schedule and take more time off or at least work from home more and only schedule studio days in blocks, I have become so protective of my time and my energy that I give and take for both myself personally and my clients. There are some “new rules” for me and my business and I look forward to getting fully back to work and implementing them all. Here are some points that I hope will spark great ideas for you as you move forward post-COVID and bring you more success, profit and sustainability this year and many more to come.
1. Implement an intentional and consistent Email Drip Campaign. Emails are like gold and most of us have an email list, and are hopefully looking for ways to get more emails on a regular basis. Make sure you are emailing your lists at least once a week. Every week when your brand shows up in their inbox they think of you, maybe only for a split second but they think about you and that is great. Eventually when they need your services or maybe you are sparking some interest in them with your email offers or promotions you should be top of mind and they will reach out to you and schedule an appointment.
2. Do not lower your prices or discount. I know that it can be tempting to offer discounts, incentives or even lower your prices because you want and need to work especially after not working for so long but do not do this, trust me this is never a good idea. Stay true to your brand and business and the prices you need to charge to be profitable and sustainable. There is actually more money to be spent this year than normal because many people cancelled their vacations and that money will be spent, plus there were lots of people staying at home but still receiving paychecks but no place to spend it, trust me when I tell you that they will find a way to spend it and might as well be with us.
3. Get creative and involved in your community, make your BRAND all about honoring the front line heroes or minority owned leaders or businesses by running a “contest” or similar for people to nominate friends and family members to receive a prize. The prize could be a free new branding session or family portrait session, etc. Anything you can do to let your community know you care and are there for them will be a great way to market your business especially coming out of COVID.
4. Are you consistently agitating a problem your clients have and telling them how you solve it? I am a HUGE StoryBrand fan, which is a book by Donald Miller. In StoryBrand he talks about agitating a problem and solving it, over, and over, and over again. It is important that we message this with our social media, videos, emails and anywhere and way you’re communicating with your clients and potential clients. Keep a consistent message and dialog going that illustrates the problem your business can and will solve. For more information on StoryBrand check it out on line at www.mystorybrand.com
5. If you have not already done this run, not walk and get your hands on a copy of Profit First. This book and system is one way our business came through COVID still financially sound with very little concern or worries over money. Profit First talks about taking your profit first and eradicating entrepreneurial bankruptcy. It is a strong and powerful shift and I promise you it will be one of the best gifts you ever give yourself and your business.
6. Hire a professional and actively working mentor or coach when you can. I have had a coach for decades to hold me accountable and keep me on track. Plus having that second set of eyes, ears and extra brain power helps me stay in my lane.
Certified StoryBrand Guide
Profit First Professional and Guide
For almost 25 years Mary Fisk-Taylor has owned a portrait and wedding business with her business partner, Jamie Hayes in Richmond, Virginia. Hayes & Fisk Photography is one of the most sought-after Portrait and Wedding studios in their industry. Mary and Jamie are both incredibly committed to preserving family legacies, professionally capturing and printing portrait and milestone memories.They both believe that these fleeting need to be proudly displayed in family’s homes, not living digitally on phones, computers and modern technology. Mary also partners with her Mom and sister in a boutique volume and high school senior portrait studio that caters to local private schools and stresses both excellence in hometown and local client service and technical proficiency in the art of photography.
Mary was very pleased and honored to have received her Master of Photography, Craftsmen of Photography and Certification of Professional Photography in just three short years. Mary has been named Photographer of the Year in 2007 and has won Best Wedding Album of the Year in Virginia several times. Nationally she has had her prints and albums recognized as Grand Imaging Award finalists.Mary is also a recipient of the prestigious Virginia Award, which honors photographers for their commitment and dedication to their state association, and the business of professional photography. And, in 2012 she was awarded the PPA Charities Legacy Award for her work and dedication to the philanthropic arm of PPA. In 2014 Mary was awarded the Charles H. (Bud) Haynes Award for her distinguished service to PPA and its members and for encouraging business awareness and practices in the field of professional image-making. And in 2015 Mary was honored to receive the National Award from the Southeastern Professional Photographers Association for her commitment and dedication to Professional Photography and has gone on to receive two more National Awards from other affiliates. Mary has also taught and lectured all of the United States, as well as the Philippines, Korea, Canada, Mexico and Italy and most recently South Africa.
Mary is of course most proud of her two beautiful children, Alexandra and Jackson. Her husband, Daryl, and she enjoys the flexibility and joy that owning a profitable photography studio has allowed their family. Mary currently serves on the Executive Committee of the PPA Board of Directors, is a proud member of the Society of XXV, and is a past President of the PPA Board of Charities. She holds offices and board positions for her state professional photography affiliate, Virginia PPA and serves on several philanthropic and local boards.She is extremely active with Operation Smile International and has served as a staff photographer for several events and missions. At the age of 42 Mary was named one of Virginia’s Top 40 under 40 for her leadership in the community, volunteer and charity work and her business savvy.
https://www.maryfisktaylor.com
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Mary Fisk-Taylor
Mary Fisk-Taylor, MBA, M. Photog., Cr., EA- ASP, CPP, ABI, API Certified StoryBrand Guide Profit First Professional and Guide For almost 25 years Mary Fisk-Taylor has owned a portrait and wedding business with her business partner, Jamie Hayes in Richmond, Virginia. Hayes & Fisk Photography is one of the most sought-after Portrait and Wedding studios in their industry. Mary and Jamie are both incredibly committed to preserving family legacies, professionally capturing and printing portrait and milestone memories. They both believe that these fleeting need to be proudly displayed in family’s homes, not living digitally on phones, computers and modern technology. Mary also partners with her Mom and sister in a boutique volume and high school senior portrait studio that caters to local private schools and stresses both excellence in hometown and local client service and technical proficiency in the art of photography. Mary was very pleased and honored to have received her Master of Photography, Craftsmen of Photography and Certification of Professional Photography in just three short years. Mary has been named Photographer of the Year in 2007 and has won Best Wedding Album of the Year in Virginia several times. Nationally she has had her prints and albums recognized as Grand Imaging Award finalists. Mary is also a recipient of the prestigious Virginia Award, which honors photographers for their commitment and dedication to their state association, and the business of professional photography. And, in 2012 she was awarded the PPA Charities Legacy Award for her work and dedication to the philanthropic arm of PPA. In 2014 Mary was awarded the Charles H. (Bud) Haynes Award for her distinguished service to PPA and its members and for encouraging business awareness and practices in the field of professional image-making. And in 2015 Mary was honored to receive the National Award from the Southeastern Professional Photographers Association for her commitment and dedication to Professional Photography and has gone on to receive two more National Awards from other affiliates. Mary has also taught and lectured all of the United States, as well as the Philippines, Korea, Canada, Mexico and Italy and most recently South Africa. Mary is of course most proud of her two beautiful children, Alexandra and Jackson. Her husband, Daryl, and she enjoys the flexibility and joy that owning a profitable photography studio has allowed their family. Mary currently serves on the Executive Committee of the PPA Board of Directors, is a proud member of the Society of XXV, and is a past President of the PPA Board of Charities. She holds offices and board positions for her state professional photography affiliate, Virginia PPA and serves on several philanthropic and local boards. She is extremely active with Operation Smile International and has served as a staff photographer for several events and missions. At the age of 42 Mary was named one of Virginia’s Top 40 under 40 for her leadership in the community, volunteer and charity work and her business savvy. https://www.maryfisktaylor.com
