We are often asked by fellow photographers, who are just starting out and who have been in business for years, “How do I grow my business?” I mean lets be real, all of us want our business to grow whether we have been building it for 1 year or 10 years. And to be honest, this question can be answered sooooo many ways (a lot of O’s for emphasis). But I wanted to provide real concrete answers, ones that call us out of our comfort zones and into growth.
Running a successful business is not about what others can do for you but what you can do for others.
This may sound a little “Abe Lincoln” but it’s true, and after all he was one of the forefathers of this beautiful place we call home. The world today would like us to believe “it’s all about us, our dreams, our way, our needs, our wants, our lives” but it’s not. I know it’s a hard truth but so worth embracing. It’s about others… loving others, treating others with dignity, cultivating real relationships, taking time for others, investing in others and genuinely caring for others and their needs.
One concrete way to grow your business and invents in others is joining your local chamber of commerce. What is a chamber you may ask – it’s actually quite simple– a chamber of commerce is a group dedicated to protecting and promoting the local business community. The primary goal of the chamber is to help business owners network and grow.
Chamber Of Commerce Offers…
* Networking Events
* Fundraisers
* Workshops
* Community involvement
* Volunteer Opportunities
* Lead Generator
* The Chamber of Commerce has a good reputation, and many consumers have positive perceptions of members and their businesses.
The Chamber is a great place to meet other local business owners and cultivate real relationships. Remember we are all in this together and real relationships matter. Being there for others matters. This may sound super sappy to some + a lot of work to others and if your not up to the challenge of being real and investing in others then try to do it on your own, but I don’t suggest it. You will be lonely in the end and no amount of money can help you with that feeling.
Cultivating + nurturing real relationships with other business owners and being involved in your community not only provides amazing opportunities for you to invest in others it also makes your heart feel whole.
Over the next few weeks I will continue to share concrete ways to grow your business! I hope this gives you a boost.
What if a local photographer is trying to find a place who will hire them? Would the Chamber of Commerce be a good place to look if you’re searching for a business to work for? Could they at least point you in the right direction?
Hi Salvatore,
Thanks for the great question. The Chamber is more of a place where you make connections and friendships with other business owners in that area. It is also a place to network with other business owners. Once good relationships are formed it is natural for you to refer business their way and they would also refer business your way.