I subscribe to an email newsletter by Bernie Griffiths that I really enjoy. Why? Because Bernie knows what he’s talking about. A very successful professional photographer in Melbourne for many years, he now offers seminars, workshops and mentoring services. Each email is a brief, well-written piece of advice that could have helped so many people we’ve seen enter this industry and struggle over the last forty years. Sound marketing and business practices are key, and even if you disagree with Bernie he’ll make you think.

If you like the following, be sure to subscribe at www.berniegriffiths.com. ~ Ian.

PLEASE PAY ME

In talking to many photographers, one of the business actions they find hard to do is ask for the money from the client.

I call getting money from a client an action as it is just a business procedure.

A normal practice that has crept into the industry is the process of the photographer invoicing the client and the client paying the invoice by bank transfer.

A process that could take days, and sometimes weeks.

For me this is not a good practice.

You need to get money in as quickly as you can.

Anyone that has been in business for a few years knows that cashflow for business survival is paramount.

Many photogaphers offer many excuses for not getting the money "up front" by credit card as they don't have that facility,or they feel too embarassed to ask for the money, or they think that the customer is spending too much on their photography etc.

Early on in my business I practised asking for the money by role playing with my friends..".so that comes to two and a half, who's credit card are we going to use to pay for that?"

This accelerated my confidence in mentioning bigger sale numbers, but also kept money flowing into my bank account.

I never mention dollars and in the example above "two and a half" is two and a half thousand dollars.

Price should roll of the tongue quickly.

These days it is essential for any business, no matter how small to be able to take Credit Card Payments.

Even the local plumber and washing machine repair man take card payments on the spot!

If it is not practical to have an EFTPOS machine in your business, there are now various alternatives available which provide an excellent solution for a reasonable fee.

PayPal have an App, together with a small card reader, which is available at Office Works.

ANZ have an App. called Fastpay, which can be accessed via a Smart Phone to take credit card payments.

Other banks have similar facilities.

It is worth looking into with your bank and it may even be worth changing banks to help advance your business.

While we’re at it, we’re delighted to support another of Bernie's initiatives, National Family Portrait Month, in aid of Australia’s National Breast Cancer Foundation. Projects like this don’t just support a worthy cause — used correctly they offer a way to promote your business to your local community in a positive and profitable way. ~ Ian.