There is only one of you! You are what makes your business stand out in the masses!

 As human beings it is natural for us to want to be loved and accepted by everyone. However, this dream is unrealistic and if perused can lead to heartbreak. We are never going to be able to please everyone… We can try, but the result is a constant changing of who we are to conform to what others want. People are far too diverse to all be happy with the same things. As a business owner in a creative industry that can be very hard to come to terms with and I still struggle with it from time to time. When you put your heart and soul into creating something for someone your desire is for them to fall in love with what you have created. Most of the time this is the case, but there are those few times when it is the opposite and sometimes the bad situations can shine brighter than all of the positive ones. What a true shame and disservice that is to you and your art!

 Realizing that you can’t please everyone is a huge step in any business! It takes a weight off your shoulder that could be pulling you to the ground and preventing you from reaching your full potential.

 In the photography industry this can be hard to do! Since you have the equipment and might have the time to do just about ANY kind of shoot out there, it can seem foolish to turn down business simply because it “might not be a good fit.”

 I remember my first year after starting my own company I photographed 58 weddings (by myself) and just about anything else I could get my hands on. I would research other avenues for making money with my equipment and knowledge. What was the result?? A year of owning my own business and I was tapped and burnt out! Being in a career that is cultivated by creativity and inspiration, it can be hard to know what your balance is. This balance may be different for everyone! I personally have found that I enjoy shooting a certain type of wedding and that has lead me down the path of specialization. I would much rather specialize in a specific area and shoot more of what I love than dabble in a million different things and beat myself up trying to please everyone.

 Realizing every bride is not my ideal client and I not every bride’s ideal photographer has been freeing!

There is only ONE of you! No one can copy you! They can learn your techniques and imitate your craft, but they cannot copy the experience that your clients have with you. While it is important to be amazing at what you do and continue to learn and grow, you should realize that YOU are the most unique thing about your business! Creating a business and brand around you will make your company one of a kind!!

For more information on specialism, check out Jeff Jochum