Today we’re excited to kick off a new blog series called Photo Sherlocks, where we’ll spotlight some of the sleuthiest sleuths of the wedding photography industry! Joining us today is Sarah Petty of The Joy of Marketing. Sarah is a marketing guru with great advice for us small business owners and is a must-read during my morning Google Reader fixes.We are so thankful she took the time to grace Windsor with her awesomeness. So without further ado, here’s Sarah!
Tell us about your career. How did the Joy of Marketing come about?
After my photography business grew very fast, photographers started asking how I did it. My first passion is business and marketing and I love to inspire and teach others how to do it. I was traveling to speak and it became more difficult to keep my studio running and make my 3 kids a priority. So, I created The Joy of Marketing so that I could teach and inspire without leaving home as much.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of being a photographer is the feeling I get when someone hangs a piece of my custom artwork in their home and it gives them chills. My favorite part about being a marketing mentor is the feeling I get when someone sends me a note saying that what I taught them changed their life and their business.
What is the most common mistake you see wedding photographers make?
Pricing. So many photographers under price themselves because they haven’t created a strong brand, they haven’t clearly communicated what makes them different and they are scared to sell themselves.
What is your favorite book of all time?
I am a book-a-holic. Probably my favorite would be Ries and Trout, Positioning the Battle for Your Mind. A list of my favorites is here: thejoyofmarketing.com/sarahsfavorites
What is the best book you’ve read this year?
How to pick just one:
Tom Peters The Big Little Things
Scott Belsky Making Ideas Happen
Rework, Jason Fried
No BS Pricing. Dan Kennedy and Jason Mars
What is your favorite current photography trend?
I love the ring light. The bright colored backgrounds make me happy. It creates an opportunity to bring some variety to my clients’ home.
If you could have one superpower what would it be?
The ability to stop time – is that a superpower?? I could stop it to check email, workout and make a yummy dinner for my family.
Be sure to check out Sarah’s Newbie Basic Training Course that will be taking place on November 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th. It is a free course for newbie photographers and is the first comprehensive free “A to Z” course out there for new photographers to grab a hold of and learn about insurance, licenses, taxes, marketing, pricing, selling, workflow, retouching, posing and lighting. Check it out HERE!
by Dylan
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