I’ve been enjoying photographing people here and there since I moved to Florida that I’m busy most days. I am having so much fun discovering new places and meeting new people that  I can barely call it work, you know? But of course, after awhile you begin to realize that there is more to having a photography business than just building the website, plumping the portfolio, looking for possible clients and producing great shots. There is also the matter of networking with vendors and establishing reliable working relationships, which is necessary for your survival in the long run.

Before I fully established my business, I spent a lot of time in the company of my left brain. I planned, I strategized, I made outlines of everything that needed to be done. I researched things that I don’t know and wasn’t afraid to seek assistance from people whose skills I need but quite lack. This involved shaping my business identity and establishing a strong brand. I was very hands-on in this process; it was like I hit the ground running and I haven’t stopped ever since.

As with any person involved in a creative enterprise, it’s the marketing management that’s quite tough to handle: this is where you would need all the help that you can get from the left part of your brain, where everything logical and practical resides.

Eventually, because of patience, hard work, belief in myself and the support of my friends and family, I am happy to say that I’m doing, well, splendid!  I love my life. I love my job! I get to meet a lot of new people and experience a lot of new things.

But I know that there are still more things to do. One of the things you learn early on when you have your own small business is that you are responsible for everything – you are your own secretary, your own messenger, your own manager, your own creative director, even your own coffeemaker. As much as it is enjoyable to have your own hours and be your own boss, it can get scary very quickly if you don’t know how to manage. When you make mistakes, you have no one to blame but yourself. You can’t run away from making decisions, and you can’t put off dealing with important matters, either.

One of these important matters is marketing and networking. I put a premium on this because I believe that it’s a significant contributor to a successful business. As a photographer for weddings, one of the things that I felt I need to be on top of is networking with wedding vendors. These are the people whom I need to interact with and be familiar with because we have the same client base. Having close relations with wedding vendors mean that both parties (me and them) can recommend each other’s services to the bride when the opportunity presents itself.

Here are a few good things that came out recently by taking the time to network and market my business:

1. I am a featured photographer in Wedding Wire, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Best Tampa Weddings. That has got me pretty excited!
2. I had the opportunity to meet up with Marcela at the Lowry Park Zoo.  I visited their new facility, SAFARI LODGE. It is unbelievably beautiful for wedding events! It’s like you’ve stepped into a far away land. I highly recommend this location if any of my readers are planning to get married! Seriously, they have a great venue.
3. A few weeks ago I went to a bridal show and had a great time networking with non-photographers. These folks are always in the background, often unappreciated but still poured their hearts into making one’s event successful.  I especially loved meeting both veterans in the business and the new comers.  It was quite inspirational to be in the presence of so many creative people.   Here they are, in no particular order:

Marcela at Lowry Park Zoo Safari Lodge

Johnny at Clark and Cone Wedding and Event Planning

Valerie at Tampa Event Planner Wedding and Event Planning

Jamie at Swank Shindigs – Wedding and Event Planning

Chanda at Classique Soiree Wedding and Event Planning

Lisa at Coastal Cabana – Fine Collection of Bridal Gifts

Judy at Cheddar’s Catering

Laura at Mostly Roses Florist

Pam at Thai-rific Orchids

Debbie at DD’s Blooms

Jay at Sunset DJ

Loreli at Complete Music

Jose at Just Outstanding Entertainment

Sharyn at Shephard’s Catering

Happy Wednesday!