Stay True To Yourself

Today more than any other time in our industry being unique is critically important to the success of our businesses and personal sanity. Tons of noise in the market place is what I hear and experience everyday. Everywhere you turn there are ads from all walks of life competing for our attention. Many appear to be attempts at desperation with price reductions and specials as a means to stand out from the crowd. Producing products, services, branding and experiences like everyone else lands you in the wading pool of commodity. So this begs the question on how to rise above the noise and be noticed.

I will attempt to share some concepts and principles that have shaped my path for the past 36 years in business.

Stay True To Yourself – I have found this to be the foundation for our success. If you are interested in being different, looking unique and standing apart look no further than yourself. There is only one you and no one else can be you! Fortunately, early on in my career I found my uniqueness through the love of art museums. You could find me in the library pouring over books about artists or in galleries during family vacations. Since the late 80’s these art galleries were and are a beacon of light for my vision to fuse my love for photography with painterly galleries. Staying true to this personal love and vision has been incredibly satisfying artistically along with setting myself apart from the commodity.  

Your Audience – Certainly it goes without saying that if you want a business to be successful you definitely need to identify who your buyer will be. Commodity is for the world of mass marketing, which is not only expensive but also difficult. Identifying who your specific client is will narrow the marketing beam to a laser. In our case the audience were families that appreciated unique handcrafted works of art. This could stand true from shaving products, dining experience, tailored clothing, interior designs and high-end vacations. Here’s the thing, it is a must to know who to let know you exist!  

The Product – Now here is an area that I commonly see as an issue during my many mentor sessions with students. I truly believe starting with creating one single product that defines who you are is paramount to clearly communicating to your audience. Developing your unique product and getting feedback from your audience is critical in business success. Clearly our audience recognizes a Gregory Daniel Mixed Media Portrait as our signature commissioned product. These are uniquely designed pieces to fit in the lifestyle of their beautiful home.

I encourage each of you to dig deep inside to find the true you. There is wonderful joy in knowing the business you have created was built on the foundation of your core desire. Communicating through this beautiful art form with your personal language is a gift to yourself and your audience.

Bio

Gregory Daniel M. Photog.,Cr. CPP, F-ASP, FDPE, FSA

Greg and his wife Lesa Daniel are internationally recognized for their artistry. Though he is one of the most awarded photographers in the United States, Greg has the utmost privilege of living out his passion every day alongside Lesa in operating their portrait photography galleries in both Indialantic and Titusville Florida. He has achieved both the title of Master of Photography and The American Society of Photographers Fellowship. In addition, Greg was one of the youngest members to be inducted into the prestigious Cameracraftsmen of America in 1991, proud founding member of the International Society of Portrait Artists (ISPA) and on the Board of Directors for Professional Photographers of America.

Note:

Greg and Lesa will again teach at The Texas School of Professional Photography.  Their class always fills up early, so sign up as soon as registration begins on January 3, 2017