Hanging Out with Photographers in Cyberspace

by Skip Cohen

​Last night I did an online program on Zoom for the Professional Photographers of Michigan. Asked to do a marketing business program, I pulled out all the stops and put together a presentation that lasted almost two hours. It's been a while since I did an online program, but it's like riding a bike - you get into the groove and then go with it. But there are a few random things I want to share:

Flying Solo: One of the points I wanted to make was to remind everyone they don't have to always fly solo. Sometimes, working alone is the quickest way to get something done, but there are so many opportunities to work together. And the supply of partners is so extensive, from vendors and retailers to other artists. Working together builds creativity, reduces costs, and increases reach.

If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together – African Proverb

Rocket Science? With the exception of understanding SEO and taking full advantage of ways to keep your message out there, nothing in business and marketing is rocket science. Successful marketing and running a business takes discipline, continuously analyzing each aspect of your operation, and then fine-tuning for more effectiveness.

Is Blogging Still Effective? I'm a huge fan of how blogging can help you build your business, and I have never stopped believing that a good blog is an asset and worth your time. Knowing that a lot of people feel blogging is dead, I went off in search of more data through Google. I found a lot of different articles in support, like the piece below from Lyon Content.

Click for info

Death by Powerpoint? Doing a presentation like I did last night becomes a challenge to keep from killing your audience! LOL. You can't present a program about marketing and business online without the visual support to back up the story you're trying to tell. Hopefully, it flowed for the audience as well as I felt the subjects were covered in my presentation. I was primarily focused on breaking things up with a few stories, jokes, one-line motivators and a never-ending connection to some well respected contemporary photographers.

Continued Education: While I know I covered the topic well last night, live programming at a conference or workshop is still the most effective way to raise the bar on so many different skills. ClickCon is coming to Detroit at the end of July, and I probably came on a little strong with the audience to attend - after all, it's in their backyard. But a great conference isn't just about improving your skill set - it's about networking, exchanging information, fine-tuning various skills in lighting, posing, and overall technique, and most of all,  FUN! 


I'm not sure when "FUN" became sort of a dirty word - as if having fun takes away from your effectiveness as a business owner. There are plenty of things we all have to do that aren't fun...but when it comes to building brand awareness, it takes integrity, quality, passion, focus, and it's got to make you smile - FUN. As I've written so many times, you can't create images that tug at people's heartstrings if your own heart isn't in it.

A BIG thanks to the members of PP of MI for inviting me last night, and a reminder - you know where to find me if I can ever help with anything. I'm your biggest fan and if you need a sounding board for upcoming projects, you've got my number! 

And to my readers, wherever you might be - hope you can make it to ClickCon at the end of July - It's going to be a great conference with lots of time to learn, network, fine-tune your skills and oh yeah...HAVE FUN! I'm the opening act on Monday evening, July 29. I'm working on an all new program and promise it'll be FUN...and worth your time!

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