Are you a closed door verses an open book?

Are you wondering what doors and windows have to do with Lifestyle Photography? Quite a lot actually, I assure you :). In fact, the more I think about it, it is applicable to any and every industry – be it in a corporate setting or in a small business environment.

The crux of the issue is centered around you and how well YOU play in the sand box with others. How do YOU handle competition? Are YOU an open book about what you do and how you do it? Do you just slam the door shut at anyone who rings your doorbell asking for help/advise/mentorship (no matter how awesome your door looks!)? Or Do you welcome them with open arms eager to share your knowledge and experiences???

I am not a life coach or a business coach – that is not what I do best 🙂 But I wanted to share my experiences with closed doors and open windows and how they affect me as a business owner and a photographer. Of late, I seem to be encountering my share of doors slammers and open windows and really felt the need to write about my experiences in the hopes that it would open some of the closed doors out there!

1) Make friends with the competition

A wise man once said ‘Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer’ 🙂 – Of course, I don’t see fellow photographers as enemies. In fact some of my closest friends are photographers and I LOVE to talk shop with them. I know the glazed look that my husband gets when I start talking camera, lens, lighting :). But when I talk to a fellow photographer, I feel at home. I get quite animated when I talk about techniques, equipment and we even help each other out on shoots and such. Never have we ever felt like we are taking business away from each other. We each have our share of clients and we are all secure in our space in this creative industry. As long as you have the mentality that you will always win some and loose some, you will do just fine.

2) Build Relationships

I truly believe it is very important to meet and network with people in other businesses and industries. I belong to several groups of local women entrepreneurs and I really enjoy meeting with and discussing all aspects of a being a small business owner with these women.  Not only are they super smart and business savvy but they also have a good pulse on all the local happenings around. I also have my virtual group of fellow photographer that I interact with – we are constantly sharing ideas and concepts with each other. We act as a sounding board as well as a virtual shoulder to cry on when the going gets tough. But no matter how you build relationships, always go with the intention of how can YOU help the other person and you will be surprised as the number of doors that automatically open for you.

3) New business and New opportunities

When you put yourself out there to help other – in your industry and in other industries, you build a reputation. That reputation will precede you and will open up new opportunities and experiences for you. Most small businesses relay on word of mouth and referrals and this is where being a good “neighbor” really helps. People you help out recommend you to their friends, family and neighbors and very soon you see your business thrive and prosper – all because you were willing to help a fellow business owner! – talk about good Karma!

So the next time you get an email or a phone call or a question about your business and your work, stop and listen and respond in a positive way – don’t slam the door on them – give them a helping hand as much as you can. Don’t do this with the intention of getting something in return but do this because you really want to help a fellow human being ! 🙂