driving your business
Here's a session from summer that I never did blog. Seeing as how it has a bit of a driving theme, and I'm getting ready to teach my second round of Driving Your Business for The Define School, well it seemed like a good a time as any to share this fun session.
Now please do me a favor and indulge me by letting me talk about teaching just for a moment (or don't, go ahead and click away, I'll try not to get my feelings hurt). When I signed on to teach this class, I really had no idea what I was getting into. I knew I had some things to say, maybe a few gems to contribute to fellow family photographers, but I didn't really give a lot of thought to whether or not I would enjoy the process. But OH did I enjoy it! And not just the writing of the class - though that was a fun challenge to embark on (side note: when I started writing I thought surely I wouldn't be able to fill more than a few pages with my "method." But when I finished, I had typed up something like 30 pages. I guess we know I've never been short on words, but I was pretty damn surprised and a little proud of myself!). Ahem, digression is something else I'm quite good at... What I really loved about teaching the class for Define was the community of photographers who I got to engage with on a weekly basis. I loved sending out the lessons and getting responses; working through questions, tackling specific problems, and sharing thoughts and ideas as a group. And I LOVED reading the student's assignments as they came back - seeing how they took my words/ideas/process and applied it to their own work. It was incredibly rewarding and I loved every minute of it. The online group forum created by Define allows everyone to interact, hash out ideas and problems together, and be "in class" in a way I hadn't experienced before. I really felt like I got to know a lot of the people in my class over the four weeks we were "together" and I feel like I grew from it as much as [I hope] they did.
But sheesh, enough of me talking about ME. Here's a few quotes from my students, just so you know I wasn't the only one who enjoyed my class. Ha!
This class has pushed me to create a very clear vision of the direction I want my business to go in as well as how to handle my clients so that we can all get the most out of our time together. It has given me the steps I need to take to create a better flow for my business and my approach with clients. I loved the personable way in which you presented information. It made it fun and easy to process but also got me thinking. You didn't just hand out answers but provided tools and opportunities to help us find what works best for ourselves and our business. You're a peach. - Lauren L.
I am so happy that I chose to take Posy Quarterman's class at DEFINE! Being knee deep in a full time photography career, her class was EXACTLY what I needed to help me get on track, stay focused and get organized. What I loved most about it was that week to week the tasks were doable not overwhelming and her warm and supportive nature was just what I needed to reassure myself and stay on task. I have used her tricks and tips since her class and have never been more successful! I highly recommend this class for anyone who is trying to start a photography business, already testing the waters, or even if you are already there and just need someone to show you how THEY handle the business side of things. With truly helpful tried and true suggestions to help you streamline your business, this is the class for you if you are aiming for the stars! – Audrey B.
Honestly, the preparation that you’ve presented (and the actual doing it, of course) has been a life changer. I would say this class has been huge for me; It’s opened my eyes and has seriously helped me feel more confident and prepared. In turn, I'm much more able to be ME and fully present with my clients from the moment I arrive. THAT was AMAZING. - Amy P.
For me this class was hugely informative; I feel like as I continue to shoot and work towards my own honed style I have the tools needed to run and manage my business successfully. - Toni E.
Classes begin January 5th and registration for those classes opens Monday, December 15th! Apparently January is the quickest block to sell out at Define, so mark your calendars. And here's one more incentive: investing in a January class during December registration will reduce your tax liability for 2014. I'm all about that. Wahoo! I hope to "see" you in my class in January!
xo, PQ
