The New Year and the Slow Season

As you might bring yourself to imagine, January, February and March consist of the photographer’s slow season.  They tend to make the best of it, however, by dedicating the time to brainstorming marketing ideas for the new year, sorting the “what was I thinking!?” props from the new, fun and beautiful ones… dreaming up ways to wow the throngs that you know are the crowds of new clients begotten by your ingenious marketing ways….  and most importantly, studying how to improve your craft… all while nibbling on yummy organic chocolate you received for Christmas.  Oh. Well, maybe that last part is just me.  Like right now.  ahem.

Ok, so where was I?  Right. Starting with marketing.  To some, it might seem like marketing should be classified as a four letter word.  I get that, I really do.  No one likes to be ‘marketed’ to.  Ok, maybe some do.  But they’re rare.  Like my sister Polly who looks for any good opportunities to spend money.  I love it when she wants to take me shopping ;)  But I digress.  Gosh, I’m really distracted tonight… chocolate, shopping, I wonder whats next…

  

Ok, so anyway… while most people don’t like being marketed to, most also realize that its a necessary evil, so to speak.  Small business’ must find customers and to do this, they must market themselves.  No clients, no growth, no business and thats that.  I don’t want to have to close up shop… I’ve barely begun to dazzle you with my amazing photographic skills!  And so marketing, I must study.  And research.  And scheme…  I mean brainstorm!  Brainstorm.  Much prettier word, isn’t it? I don’t really scheme, honest! Pinky-swear…

Contests, networking, getting folks to click ‘like’ on my Facebook page, referral programs, promotions, to sale or not-to-sale… all decisions and thoughts I’ve never had to have before I started this fun little photography gig.

 

So lets just say that I have some fun stuff up my sleeve… Don’t try to get it out of me!  I can’t be bought.. well… except for chocolate.  Truffles. Lindt.  Just sayin’.  ;) 

So stay tuned for soon-to-come contests, promotions and specials.  Can you say, “Watch out! Sharee’s got a Marketing Calendar!”  Seriously. Get ready to invite your friends and neighbors! 

In the mean time, thanks for reading my rambling and enjoy some of my favorite images from my warm and wild holiday season!  Happy New Year!

PS. Up next: prop sorting, making pretty packaging decisions and most importantly, shooting, shooting, shooting cuz I gotta keep learning :)

PSS. I had to include this…has nothing to do with the holidays or the new year or marketing..its just cute!