by Skip Cohen

​I just finished listening to this podcast from the past. What I like most about it is its relevance. There is no spoilage in great service and building a solid brand in your community. This podcast is especially jam-packed with ideas, as Scott and I wanted to get a little more specific. We shared ten tips to help you build a stronger business.

But looking through the SCU archives, I found another short gem from a guest post Scott did many years ago, related to the importance of making sure your customers know you care and that you know your customers!

Happy Friday!

“Great salespeople are relationship builders who provide value and help their customers win.”
Jeffrey Gitomer
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by Skip Cohen

A few weeks back, wandering through Dropbox, I found the archived stash of recordings of the original GoingPro podcasts from 15 years ago. This is the third podcast we did with a focus on one of our favorite topics, sales.

I'm always amazed at how many artists hate sales. It all starts with listening to your clients and then asking the right questions. There's a great line I've used a lot over the years, "You've got two ears and one mouth - so listen twice as much as you talk!"

In this podcast, Scott and I went back and forth on sales, listening to your clients, asking the right questions, and building value for your photography services. What good is working to capture and create the finest images of your career and build a business if you can't close the sale?

PS While here and there we made a comment that today might be dated, overall, there's no expiration on the concepts we shared. This isn't about a carton of milk with a date stamp - there is no spoilage in building a strong relationship with every potential client.

by Skip Cohen

Wandering through old files in Dropbox last week, I found 39 episodes of the GoingPro podcasts. This episode on branding might be 16 years old, but there's almost no spoilage in the information we talked about. Airing on April 15, 2010, Scott and I shared tip after tip that are so applicable today.

Think about your "reach" - Today, social media has given all of us a level of power that only small newspapers had just a few years ago. Building your brand is more than your name or logo - it's everything that goes into building your reputation.

I know you have so many podcasts and educators to choose from, but listening to this podcast myself a few minutes ago, there are so many useful ideas in this episode. We're in the "slow season," which is only a reference to incoming revenue, NOT to things you should be doing to lay a solid foundation for your business in the year ahead.

And to my good buddy Scott...what a kick to listen to this podcast. Sure do appreciate our friendship, your support, and everything I've learned over the years hanging out with you!

by Skip Cohen

In 2011, my good buddy, Scott Bourne, and I published Going Pro: How to make the leap from aspiring to professional photographer. Fifteen years later, it's still considered one of the best books on the topic.

A year before the book's release, we launched what became of one of the most popular podcasts in imaging.
We did over 70 podcasts together, all of which covered the challenges of being a professional photographer and small-business owner.

Recently, after receiving a Dropbox notification that I needed to add more storage, I reviewed the files taking up all the space and discovered recordings from the GoingPro podcast. There are 39 podcasts in total, and I'm sharing the first podcast from the series, released April 10, 2010.

Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned veteran, there's virtually no spoilage in the information and advice we shared. There's no "use by" date, especially in today's world, where so many businesses have overlooked the importance of connecting with their target audience.

"Stop Marketing, Start Engaging" is the subtitle of Scott Stratten's 2012 book, Unmarketing. No statement could be more appropriate today in building brand awareness and a reputation in your community. Success is about building relationships, not just providing a product or service.

I listened to this podcast before I posted it, and there's so much relevant information we shared. The recording isn't just about helpful ideas for a successful business, but a testimonial to an incredible friendship that's still alive and well. He and I might be a whole lot older today, but that doesn't change the passion we have for business, the industry and helping photographers build a stronger presence.

Hope you enjoy listening to the podcast as much as I did this morning! Please note: The links mentioned at the end are no longer active. However, that doesn't change the value of the information we're sharing.