Ask lbobi: SMS or Imaging Convention?
I'm new at the ville!.My husband and I have been in the wedding photography business for almost 3 years. We do it full time and we're located in Houston,tx. We work from home, but got an office 6 months ago, which we use just for consultations with prospect clients. We are still trying to build a stable business in the financial side. We are spending a lot in advertising and other services, which gave us around 30 weddings this year. But still the money is not constant every month. Our annual income for this year will be around $60.000.
We are trying to attend for the first time the Imaging USA this January, but we are in a very tight budget so we need to invest that money in something that is really going to help us to keep booking more clients and keep the business running, 'cause we know that after spending that money in San Antonio, we'll be struggling a lot as we only have one wedding booked in the first trimester of the year. We also want to attend the 2 day business management course, so the decision we have to make is to choose one or the other.
What would you recommend to us? We know that in the convention we'll learn tons of techniques, tips, will get inspIred and might catch some marketing advice, but on the other hand, the 2 day management course will be something more intense in the financial side, but not so much in the creative one. For a business like us, what do you think will be the wiser step to take?
I will appreciate your response! Kind Regards!
The SMS class is awesome! I think it would be better in your case to take the class. It sounds like what you need most is the financial help. I have been to two Imaging conventions and walk out of there swimming in ideas for creativity... but... you have to know the business side to be successful. It sounds like you have a good grasp on the creative side.
Also, have you checked out the Business Handbook on the PPA website? Download it here: http://www.ppa.com/articles/299/ppa-business-handbook.php.
Good luck with your decision.
Blanca,
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your very open and honest question.
I am trying to figure out which 2 day class you're referring to. The one given by Ann Monteith and Carol Andrews?
Allison is teaching the 3 day SMS Pre convention class with Ed Zemba and Julia Woods.
I will be there as well. Generally loitering about. Maybe answering a question or two.
I was thinking about offering private consultations. Let's see if any takes me up on that. : )
Thank you very much Meredith, You are right, I actually made my decision and enrolled in the 2 day SMS. Jeff, that's the one I was talking about, it is call now ' the business of wedding photography', for those who don't have a studio. We're dying to go to the convention also and have fun, but that'll have to wait, I think the SMS will put us on track!
Jeff, what kind of private consultations? Revising style, marketing help, etc? Are you goig to be there Thursday and FRiday? can we just look for you when we're there?