We were going for a hike last week.
Husband was driving and we were talking about my business. What my short term goals were, long term ones and my dreams. I was telling him about an article I read regarding how to price your work as a photographer and set up the company and how hard it is for me to sell and market myself. I was trying to put some new life into my website and make it my own so it reflects my work and my approach to photography. We were going back and forth, bouncing off ideas. I like talking to him because he is the most realistic person ever and greatly represents my typical client. I surround myself with like minded people here on the blog and instagram, but in reality I live in a small military town and my husband is probably my target audience. I was telling him that I want people to hire me because they like my photos and not because I am affordable or available. But I have a hard time putting the prices up, since I know how difficult it is to part with money as a stay at home mom.
Little J was sitting in the back eating goldfish. All of the sudden he said: “Mommy it is not just about them liking your pictures, it is about them loving you. Everything about you.”
Apparently I found my niche in the market. I am lovable.
PS: My 4 year old son is available for marketing consultations. But you probably cannot afford him.
28 Comments
Twitter: tsonoda
That is one brilliant kiddo you got there! And I couldn’t agree with him more.
HUGS
Terri Sonoda recently posted..Customers behaving badly
Oh my goodness, he is beyond adorable!!!
Tamar Strauss-Benjamin recently posted..Life at home
Twitter: snapsandbits
That is just about the sweetest think I’ve ever heard. He must have made your day!
Stacie recently posted..My Quest For Foam
Twitter: ladiesholiday
That boy is a genius!
Deirdre recently posted..One Embarrassing "Mommy Moment"
Twitter: amazonmad
From the mouths of babes, huh?
Sweet boy, that kid of yours. Wise, too.
Madeleine recently posted..Homecoming, Part 2
Twitter: thegrommom
Classic. Isn’t it great to have such fans!
I’m sure he’s right, too.
I’m finally getting back to the NW in just over a week (to Gig Harbor where I am from!) and I can’t wait–hoping to see a little fall color change…
Good luck w/ all of the plans–keep listening to your men, they both sound good like that!
monica recently posted..“Me-Time” Fail. And What it Taught Me.
Twitter: copilotmom
Sounds like very good advice to me! Isn’t it wonderful how they can listen and know just what we need to hear sometimes?
Kim@Co-Pilot Mom recently posted..14 Years
This is why I love Little J. Clever boy.
Alison recently posted..Unexpected
Twitter: littleredhens
How completely wonderful and inspiring. I think those are very wise words.
Anne LeBlanc recently posted..Hold it.
Twitter: twinisms
He’s both brilliant and correct. We all love you:)
Twitter: babspinfrance
He is wise beyond his years at 4 years old. That is some great advice he gave you!
Barbara recently posted..A day in the life…sans mots
Twitter: ladiesholiday
I recently had an experience where a friend expressed annoyance that I had slightly raised my drop-in rates for the yoga classes I teach (to match the going rate I see in the surrounding area for this industry) I felt hurt at first, and even embarrassed, because like you said I know how hard it is to part with money as a stay at home mom. But ultimately, I realized that charging less for my services than what is usual was a way of undervaluing myself and of telling potential clients that perhaps the services I offer are not of great quality, which I know that they are. And damn it, I am loveable and that should count for something too! Thanks for sharing 
Oh, I love this! What a wise little fella.
Tamar
Twitter: GisSilent
Brilliant. I see why you like him so much.
Kim @The G is Silent recently posted..Silly Funny Breaky Noah
I seriously love this!!!
He will make a brilliant businessman one day!!
Liz recently posted..Tiny Details
Twitter: goaliej54
So sweet. And true!
I would have trouble marketing myself, too, so I understand. But your photos are fantastic! You have to pay for good quality!
Twitter: Mytimeasmom
He needs a raise in his allowance.
Jessica recently posted..Essence of Now: Expanding Our Brains
Oh I do love it! Can he come tell me that repeatedly?
Rach (DonutsMama) recently posted..Memories Captured: Still Obsessed
Outta the mouths of babes! That’s one smart boy you have!
Single Mom recently posted..Friday Fragments: The Complaining One
Little J is wise beyond his years. I too surround myself with like minded people. I gave up trying to follow every single person that starts following me. Not that I don’t appreciate the comments and the likes-but I’d be stuck to the phone or computer all day and live life! I do manage to visit each person and leave a comment. As far as setting prices for my work-still have not reached that comfort level yet. You put ou amazing work Stasha. Good luck.
I know exactly what you mean. I spend way too much time enjoying your and other people’s photos. There is so much talent out there. But I am starting to wean myself off a bit, otherwise I will never sleep again ( she wrote at 2AM
)
I am amazing at sales but I cannot sell my self. I never thought I would be shy like that. My bride today said to me: you really should charge way more. I think that might be my cue…
You are such an incredibly creative photographer Kelly. And you are technically so strong. I admire your photography big time!!!!
Twitter: mommy_padawan
Oh my gosh, that is some amazing marketing wisdom and insight! He is totally right. You never know what these kids are going to teach us about ourselves but how did they gain this insight about life? I ran my own freelance business for a few years and pricing was the hardest part for me. Your photography so incredible, you’re so talented and with the great marketing advice, I know you’ll be successful!
Anna recently posted..Wednesday’s Woman: Eat, Move, Live – Healthy!
Twitter: normalmomally
What a sweetheart that boy is! You should keep him on the payroll.
Ally recently posted..Memorable Dates
Oh my goodness! He is brilliant, that son of yours!
Jen {at} take2mommy recently posted..Wordless/Wordful Wednesday: First Pitch
Twitter: otandet
and he’s right, you are amazing <3 i'd hire you if i had money and lived a half day norther than i do. xo! like big big xo.
smart little guy
OT and ET recently posted..through the eyes…
Twitter: notwifezilla
Is he not the sweetest little thing? My heart melts!
Jackie recently posted..Reality Skewed
Twitter: ava812
Very wise words from a pure heart!
ava recently posted..Insomnia
Twitter: southmainmuse
Isn’t that the truth. And when we find what we truly love to do — the thing that makes us shine — then we can’t help but be more lovable. Too precious.
Jamie@southmainmuse recently posted..She knocked on my door and changed my life.
Twitter: Lilahbility
He’s right, you know. You are completely lovable and entirely adorable. I know where little J gets it from!
Amanda recently posted..Free Wheelin’