I love the satisfaction of bringing something of value to my clients, and sometimes it's easy to forget just how valuable that thing or service you do can make a big difference.
I recently completed a promotional photo shoot for a local client, and the feedback has been lovely. I'm glad of the appreciation towards my efforts in producing images for Mandy Errington's fashion business.
I enjoy the sense of satisfaction, knowing that I can help others and that what I do will boost my client's efforts in promoting their business.
All this goes back to my recent post about collaboration and partnering with like-minded businesses, where there's synergy and a creative appreciation of how we can promote our companies simultaneously.
Partnerships are something big brands do really well and ultimately benefit exceptionally well from. For example, look at how Nike and Apple have worked together or how BEATS headphone help Apple boost its user experience with integrated Apple technology.
Also, this goes for other small businesses that are ready to grow. Partnering with other local businesses where there can be a mutual benefit for all makes a lot of sense and can certainly help each other's brands grow organically; it makes good business sense.
That's why I've started building business partnerships with local entrepreneurs and SMEs in my local area. And it's proving to be a hit.
I call it my "Showstopper" offer aimed at small companies local to me. The offer allows them to unitised my services once a month, on a six-month rolling contract agreement with a knockdown price to help them promote and market their businesses.
My initial aim is to partner with six companies in my area; I've nearly reached my manageable quota. But, I've also now attracted enquiries from outside my local area. So there's more scope to advance my services elsewhere. There needs further consideration for this, and it's something that I'm currently revising.
One of these local partnerships is with business owner Mandy Errington who runs a well-established women's fashion boutique.
For me, this is one of the great benefits of working commercially; each commission is entirely different from my last shoot and will be again for my next upcoming photo commission.
I've always loved producing editorial fashion shoots, and it was lovely for my assistant David and me to challenge ourselves regarding different photographic scenarios. For example, I was thinking about lighting and how to stage the shoot in the various restaurant parts while focusing on clothes, models, etc.
As a small business owner, it's easy to get caught up in your business, falling into the same routines and having the same 'big-picture' strategy talks over and over. Especially true if you work with a small team or alone. Partnering with another local business is a great way to get fresh ideas off the ground, along with the courage you need to take a risk that can help both companies reach the next level.
This type of partnership can be both short - or long-term. For example, both businesses can take turns hosting monthly brainstorming sessions. Or better yet, we can set up quarterly meetings where we talk through marketing ideas, give feedback, plan the next stage or put together a visual marketing plan for each of our businesses.
Are you ready to partner up with another business, one that can help you grow in the right direction?
I'm still looking for a couple more local businesses in Suffolk to fill my roster, so if you fancy having your own personal, commercial photographer on hand once a month for your business, then why not get in touch...
But be quick!
