83. How to invest when you can’t afford to
As photographers, we often deal with clients who are interested in working with us and some can’t afford our services.
So what can you do? There’s nothing we can do about those clients who can’t afford us. There’s always gonna be someone who can’t afford what you have to offer, but when it comes to those people who do have the money, but choose to prioritize differently, those are the ones that we can do something about because in many cases, they can afford it.
There’s no right or wrong here, but oftentimes couples don’t see that they have a choice because it’s so common to spend the money on the dress, the cake, the sit-down dinner, and the decor, that it doesn’t occur to them to prioritize differently.
And it’s the same for you as the photographer.
You have to figure out what will serve you better in the long run. Is it a new lens? Or a bigger client wardrobe, another styled shoot to be able to outsource your marketing to have a new website? The fun things aren’t always the best option for your business.
Investing in your business
If you take care of the important things first then you’ll be able to free up time and money to do more of the fun things, the creative things. But if you only or mainly focus on what you want to do, then it’s gonna be harder for you to have that profitable and sustainable business taking care of you.
Learn how investing can improve your business
episode 79
Starting a business costs money, even a lot of money, only a few people get to start up and make money right away. For many, there’s gonna be a lot of investment and a lot of work before it starts paying off.
When you’re growing a business, figure out what your priorities are that’ll help you to grow your business, like improving you processes.
Focus on how you want to make that happen. Maybe that means letting go of some of the fun expenses, like workshops and client wardrobes and lenses, and using that money towards education and outsourcing instead. But if you’re at the point where you don’t have any funds to move around, you can focus on getting that starting money. This can be a way to do just that:
- Avoid borrowing money and look for the clients you’ve worked with so far, and look at everything you have to offer.
- Make a list of what you can offer. Write down what you have to offer, everything currently offer, or that you could offer from different kinds of sessions to products.
- Get in touch with your clients and make that offer.
The important thing to remember is that this is a great service to your clients. Most of us don’t offer our clients enough services or products. You’re doing your clients a favor by giving them this choice, reaching out to them, being personal and friendly, and making it easy.
There are many uncomfortable things involved in running your business. But if this is something that can help get you closer to investing in your business or having a more profitable business, then why shouldn’t you do it? And this is something that can truly be a way of serving your clients better.
Key takeaways
You never get done with investing in your business. There are always gonna be costs and you should always strive to be better. And investing time and money is the best way to get better results. Sure there are budget options and DIY options, but you don’t want those kinds of clients yourself, do you?
The best way to get across the right vibe of being worth investing in is to invest in yourself.
Want more?
Ingvild Kolnes is the host of the Sustainable Photography Podcast, an educator for photographers, and is ready to help you with your photography business.Â
Join the waitlist for the Sustainable Photography Program. This program is designed to give you the knowledge and tools you need to create a thriving photography business that’s built to last.
Learn more about the Sustainable Photography Program
hi, i'm ingvild
This podcast is all about education and inspiration for photographers. A sustainable business is profitable and lasting. Instead of short-term wins you want to make sure you’re doing things that matter. Both to yourself, and to create the business you want. The goal of this podcast is that it will help you build and structure your business around your life, instead of the other way around.
