Some of us were born with it.   If you aren’t one of the lucky ones, practice – especially before you cold call prospective clients.   Sounding comfortable will help the conversation flow.  Practice by making idle conversation with the server at a restaurant.   Talk to the checkout person at the grocery.   And, when you are ready to make those calls, start the day with a call to a friend to warm up.   Get more comfortable so…

“There are a thousand things we could be doing, but only one or two that are critically important.” Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter & Square This quote has quickly become a litmus test for my to-do list every day. We live in an era with abundant opportunities yet a scarcity of time and attention. Focusing your time and attention on the right things to move your business forward is a critical skill for thriving in…

When I initially thought about this post the answer to the question of inspiration seemed quite simple. First my students came to mind, I often look to them for inspiration, their perspective on our business is enlightening and they consistently introduce me to new ways of seeing. Next I thought of friends and colleagues who I find infinitely more intelligent, talented and culturally diverse than me. Their knowledge and insight change my point of view…

If you’re eager to build a successful photography business, Selina Maitreya’s upcoming Clarion Call 2012 covers key steps to success in today’s commercial photography market.   This freeonline program provides over 7 hours of up-to-the-minute information and time-tested advice.   Selina has gathered an illustrious group of presenters including our very own contributors, Judy Herrmann and Colleen Wainwright who will join David Harry Stewart, Michael Grecco, Deb Ayerst, Scott Indermaur and Jodi Morrison for this lively and…

I think about inspiration a lot. What I’ve realized is that, not unlike food, I want to have it everyday. And even though I try to have it every morning, I like to have it in the afternoon and evening as well. As creatures of habit, we usually look for inspiration in specific places or events – books, websites, museums, lectures, movies, etc. – that are comfortable to return to. What I’m coming to grasp…

There’s nothing I love more than when inspiration strikes me.  It feels great to have an idea just ‘pop into my head’.  However, I think that feeling can be a little misleading.  The way I imagine it, those very ideas are not actually spontaneous.  They are a result of filling my mind with interesting things.  Those things jumble around in my subconscious until something ignites.  Below are a few places I go to fill my…