NoBs Digital Dogbowl

From The Trenches (continued)

Let's talk about NoBS Photo Success for a second and perhaps dig into a few deep layers of what it takes to succeed in photography, life, or anything really. Y'all know that attitude is everything, right? Well, it's true. Attitude determines altitude. Keeping open, flexible, resilient, eager, and hungry are all attitudes.

Las Vegas and WPPI were amazing. Even though we busted the bank (not through gambling!), there was still a big payoff in terms of the amount of people we met in the photography industry and the connections that resulted. (My wife never wants to go back; she's having an accountant fiscal seizure right now. She only sees the ledger, not the BIG picture). The image that comes to mind (and I actually printed one with my big-picture goal typed across the top and put it on my office wall) is that of a huge gorilla. He's a big guy, the kind of gorilla who, if you were in a room, park, or forest, you would notice. That's the weirdest metaphor I ever came up with, but it makes sense. See, we are becoming this huge gorilla that people notice.

That's what happened in Las Vegas. We got noticed, and it cost us a fortune. The money is part of the price. Getting noticed is very important and sometimes you gotta pay. What are you doing in your photography business to get noticed? What are you doing to become that 800-pound ape that people can't help but notice? And, more importantly, what are you doing AFTER you get noticed. Never, ever rest on your laurels. That's the key to marketing. That and attitude.

It seems all some people can do is whine, pee, and moan. Thankfully, I don't see it that often, and when I do I shut it out of my life. I run the other way. It's poison. Yesterday, I received TWO e-mails, one from such a guy and one from a guy with the right attitude.

Email #1 - Guy Who Doesn't Get It

Rob...
I was looking at the list of courses for the Niagara group in August, and I see that you and your partner are instructing one of the courses... NO bs...what kind of crap is that? And all those testimonials... C'mon, give me a break, eh? You just want to peddle your dvd's and head for the bank, matter of fact I have never heard of you guys and I live closeby...so before I drop a grand for your course why dont you tell me why you're supposed to be so good...fair enough?
Reg
p.s. -yes I am a photographer and I have the required bells and whistles equipment ..

My Reply:

Reg, first off, when I received your email, I thought you were joking. Maye a buddy pulling a prank, especially James, who's been known to pull a few doozers on me...but I'm getting savvy in my old age, and nope, this ain't no prank. It's the real deal.

Which begged the next question: who is this guy and why is he treating me like a dried-up piece of dog turd that he's picked up and started examining...??

Frankly, I totally DO NOT understand your line of questioning. Which tells me something about the big question I ask about anyone who is interested in photography, growing their photography business and learning to take their skills to the level where they shine:

Is this person "open, teachable, and coachable", where he/she has a chance of growing?

Or, has he created a quagmire so deep in negativity and resentment that there isn't a hope in hell?

I'm leaning towards: not open; not a hope in hell.

Listen buddy, you don't ask questions like that and expect me to grovel and beg for you to puuullleeeaaaaazzzeeee sign up for my course, as if to do so and grace us with your presence would be a huge benefit to us all.

The truth is, you are not invited, and if you do sign up for anything we do, you will not be welcomed. I won't even honour your questions with any answer beyond that, since you seem to be so far removed from what it takes to succeed, I may as well be wasting my time talking with a brick. I don't care what "bells and whistles" you own.

Normally, I am a very warm and giving man. My wife, she's conservative and low key (you shoulda heard her answer to your email: it was the same as James', but James had a long version. Too vulgar, but starts with f, ends with f...hey, wasn't me! I'm just telling you what they said...)

By the way, nice logo. Not. I hope that's not your camera...(he had a huge 4x5 camera logo)

Well, sorry I couldn't offer you more. But, I am being sincere...

Rob Provencher

Now, I feel bad. Really, I do. I didn't mean to be so honest. Well, I did actually. But, I feel sorry for the guy. He's gonna stay stuck until he gets an attitude fix. I received this email the same day. HE GETS IT:

Email #2 - Guy Who Gets It

Rob....
just wanted to say thanks for making all of the info available to us. I am still wading through it and have to say it is pretty amazing. What is also amazing for me is that it reaffirms my instincts.

I have been kind of stuck as far as marketing goes for quite awhile and so far what I have read has started clearing away the fog.

Thanks again.
Bill W

That's what I wanna hear.

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