Fast Food Friday - For Professional Photographers

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Sometimes there's a very thin line between a "Fast Food Friday" post and a complete rant! Today is one of those days!

Remember why I started this series:

Most of you are right-brain creatives and hate having to deal with left-brain tasks like the operational components of running your business. I started writing about specific topics like website tips, blogging, and customer service, to name a few. Over the last several months, I've expanded into so many different areas, not just business but ideas to help you find balance in your life, share information, and build your network.
 
From conventions/workshops I've attended to phone calls and even emails and posts, there's been a decline in the quality of the communication. Today's post is a composite of several different topics, and based on things I've witnessed recently, it's sorely needed...RANT ALERT! 

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Are You a Professional?

​While we're all guilty at times of something slipping through the cracks, many of you are turning missed opportunities into an art form! Every time you're in public, whether physically or in cyberspace, there's a chance to show your skillset, not just as an artist, but a business owner.
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• Dress the Part: I'll be the first to admit I'm old-school, but if you're meeting with a client; talking about sponsorship with a vendor at a trade show, or working an event - look like a professional. Whatever your look, people do judge a book by its cover. These days we live in a casual world, but as a professional in any field, when in the public eye don't be afraid to raise the bar a little.
• Walk the Talk: You've got two ears and one mouth, so listen twice as much as you talk. Verbal communication is a two-way street. Take the time to listen just as much as you're talking. 
• A Firm Handshake: This is really old-school, but it was a lesson my grandfather taught me early on. And make eye-contact - you're building a level of trust with each handshake, even when it's more casual and social.
• Email Contact Forms: It's great that on any website you can have a contact form for people to communicate with you, but what good does it do if it takes you days or even longer to respond? How do you feel when you contact a company, and they don't get back to you ASAP? If you want to build a reputation for being service-oriented, then it starts with how fast you respond.
• Texting Technology: We live in an instant fulfillment world, and texting technology gives you a chance to respond immediately. This isn't meant to be an infomercial, but PhotoTexting.com has already built the tools for you. They can't help you if you don't take advantage of their support. Remember, 82% of text messages are read within 5 minutes, but consumers only open 1 in 4 emails they receive. 
• Stop Writing Like a Moron: Sorry to be so blunt, but I've received a few emails lately that were impossible to understand. The sad thing is there's help if more people will use Spellcheck and Grammarly. 
• List Your Phone Number and Share It: Mobile technology is available to EVERYBODY. Have a line dedicated to your business and stop letting your kids answer the phone!
• Answer Your Phone Professionally: I know this is basic, but I'm amazed when people answer the phone like they walked by an old payphone that was ringing in a bar and picked it up! Once again, be a pro.

And, one last area to talk about - the Internet. Remember, there are no erasers on the Internet. Stay out of battles that aren't yours on Facebook. When you are expressing your opinion, do it professionally. Don't write anything you wouldn't want the world to read. You'll never win taking on a troll or acting like one!