Through the Business Lens: a podcast for savvy photographers
34 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 5 years ago - ★★★★ - 5 ratingsWelcome to Through The Business Lens – a podcast for busy photographers looking for quick tips and strategic snippets to help build their brand, grow their business and price themselves for profits. Your host is Kim Hartz - long time professional photographer who's been there and can help guide you and your studio down the profitable path!
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
033: Choosing a Lab
October 02, 2018 11:00 - 15 minutes - 7.21 MBIn this episode I go over all the things you need to think about when choosing a lab. Topics include working with Labs, how to find the best labs, the best deals, and the best products.
032: Tips for In Person Sales
September 04, 2018 11:00 - 11 minutes - 5.05 MBThis episode is all about tips on how to maximize your in person sales sessions
031: Key Business Tips for Photographers
July 24, 2018 11:00 - 325 KBThere are some key business tips every small business owner should know. Tune in to this week’s episode to hear those tips and how to implement them in your own business.
030: Defining Success
July 10, 2018 11:00 - 8 minutes - 4.06 MBSuccess can mean a lot of different things depending on who you ask. In this episode, I talk about how important it is for you to define what success means to you so you don't get hung up in other people's successes and failures.
030: Home versus Retail Studios
June 26, 2018 11:00 - 15 minutes - 7.28 MBShould you have a home based or retail based photography studio? It can be a tricky question, especially if you are just starting out. This week I'll go over the pros and cons of both studio spaces, so you can see which works best for you. I definitely know a thing or two about this because I've had both since I opened my photography studio.
028: Understanding the Basics for your Business... Including Profits
June 12, 2018 11:00 - 16 minutes - 7.37 MBIf you're part time looking to go full time or just starting out, you may want to listen to this episode. I go over some key things you need to know when starting your photography business with an emphasis on profits. There are all these business terms we here, but you may not know what they mean. Plus, why is it important to have reserves in your business?
027: Simplicity Speaks Volumes
May 29, 2018 11:00 - 7 minutes - 3.32 MBWe can get so caught up in how we deliver our message through our marketing that our message actually doesn't come across as it should. I recently came across a great resource on how to simplify your message for your clients, and I can't wait to share it with you in this episode!
026: Conquering Self Doubt
May 15, 2018 11:00 - 11 minutes - 5.38 MBDo you run into doubting yourself in your business? Especially when it comes to bidding jobs and getting new clients? We all feel it. Check out this week's episode where I talk about how to deal with it and overcome it!
025: Mini Sessions for Marketing?
May 01, 2018 11:00 - 17 minutes - 7.8 MBShould you use mini sessions to market yourself to try to get new clients? This week I'll dive into this topic to see if this is a good strategy and how you should utilize mini sessions in your photography business.
024: Social Media Tips & Tricks
April 17, 2018 11:00 - 12 minutes - 5.6 MBI recently met with a friend who works in digital marketing, and she shared some amazing social media tips with me. I'm passing on what I learned to you so that social media doesn't overwhelm and burn you out (like it used to for me!).
#023: The Digital File Question
April 03, 2018 11:00 - 17 minutes - 7.89 MBIn this day and age the question has shifter from how much is your 8x10 to does your session fee include digital images. It has create an divided industry, and it posed the question of should you offer digital images to your clients? In this episode, I talk about the ways you can offer digital files (or not) that makes sense for your studio and your bottom line.
022: Creating your Unique Selling Proposition
March 20, 2018 11:00 - 10 minutes - 4.87 MBWhy should someone choose you as their photographer versus the one down the street? You have to give them a reason, and one of the best ways to do this is with your Unique Selling Proposition. Tune in to get the simple steps to create your own.
#021: Branding vs. Marketing
March 06, 2018 12:00 - 14 minutes - 6.71 MBDo you know the difference between branding and marketing for your business? Too often I see photographers confusing the two. That's why I dedicated this episode to clarifying the differences between the two, which you should focus on first, and the importance of both.
#020: Keep More of What You Make
February 20, 2018 12:00 - 14 minutes - 6.68 MBWho doesn't want to keep more of what they make?? I know I do! Guess What?? It's not nearly as difficult as you might think. Check out this week's episode to see how easy it can be to both keep more money, stop leaving money on the table, and reduce your cost of sales.
019: Celebrating 20 Year in Business - An Interview with Margaret Bryant
February 06, 2018 12:00 - 25 minutes - 11.6 MBBeing a photographer isn't an easy business. It's hard to stay in business for the long haul for most, which is why I wanted to speak with someone who's been doing this for 20 years. Tune in to today's episode to hear how Margaret Bryant has run a successful business for the past 20 years.
#018: Invest in your education
January 23, 2018 12:00 - 16 minutes - 7.68 MBMore often than not we choose to invest in a new piece of equipment than we do ourselves. But, if we don't continue to educate ourselves not only in photography but in business as well, we are going to get left behind! Take a listen and see all of the opportunities there are for you to invest in yourself!
017: Goal Setting for 2018
January 09, 2018 12:00 - 9 minutes - 13.5 MBIt's 2018, and it's time to set some goals! Let's make 2018 our best year yet. Check out this episode to get some great tips on how to make sure you actually create manageable goals and achieve them.
#016: Don't forget your sales tax!
December 12, 2017 12:00 - 10 minutes - 4.58 MBThe last quarter of the year can be super busy for photographers. But, it's easy to forget that higher sales also lead to higher taxes. Take a listen to this episode to make sure you cover yourself and your sales taxes!
#015: Your sales session
November 28, 2017 12:00 - 15 minutes - 7.3 MBIn recent episodes we've been discussing how to create and implement a sales strategy. In this episode we go over how to prep for your sales session and set yourself up for a smooth appointment!
#014: The right way to use a price list
November 14, 2017 12:00 - 18 minutes - 8.32 MBPrice lists are NOT a marketing tool. They are a sales tool. If you don't use your price list the right way it may hurt your business. This episode covers the correct way to use your price list to help your sales strategy making it easier to sell your work.
#013: Create a sales strategy so your work sells itself... Start with a consultation
November 07, 2017 12:00 - 25 minutes - 11.5 MBSelling is definitely one of the areas that most photographers hate... That and actually talking to clients either in person or on the phone. It can really intimidating to talk about selling your work and just trying to sell yourself in general. Unfortunately, the reality is that we HAVE to be able to sell our work if we want to be in business. But, as uncomfortable as it can be to sell our work, we can make it painless and let it sell itself... How do we do this? We can do this by crea...
#012: Build your brand with you blog
October 31, 2017 11:00 - 18 minutes - 25.7 MBMost photographers are not big fans of blogging, but it's an important tool in your arsenal. Not only does it help with SEO, getting the word out, but it also helps to build your brand and trust with your clients. This episode outlines how to use your blog to build your brand, and how to do it so it doesn't overwhelm you. Don't like blogging? No problem!
#011: The easiest (and free) way to set yourself apart
October 24, 2017 11:00 - 11 minutes - 5.11 MBIn this week's episode I share one of the easiest (and free) ways to set you and your photography business apart. It's a short and sweet episode, and it's something most of us avoid. But, it's also a sure way to soar above the competition.
#010: How to Make the Most of Silent Auctions Interview with Nicole Begley
October 17, 2017 11:00 - 24 minutes - 11.3 MBIn this episode I chat with Nicole Begley about how to make the most of the silent auctions you participate in for your business. She goes into how to choose a silent auction that fits, what to offer, what to display and more!
#009: How to Get Testimonials for your Website... aka social proof you rock!
October 10, 2017 11:00 - 20 minutes - 9.4 MBIn this episode I dig into why you need testimonials from your clients and how to get them. Testimonials are social proof that working with you is awesome! Best of all, it's free marketing too. Remember that word of mouth is the best type of marketing? Well, that's exactly what a testimonial is for your business.
#008: My Top Tips for Cross Marketing Your Photography Business
October 03, 2017 11:00 - 19 minutes - 8.95 MBDo you hate cold calling and trying to partner with businesses? I know I am not a fan of cold calling, and I much prefer an introduction to a new relationship or at least a little grease on the wheels before I pitch an idea. If you're in the same boat as me, you might be interested in listening to my latest podcast episode: My Top Tips on Cross Marketing Your Photography Business. In this episode, I go over how to pick the right business to cross market with and how to approach them. Th...
#007: How to be more productive in your business today
September 26, 2017 11:00 - 19 minutes - 8.98 MBAre you one of those ridiculously organized people who power through your day accomplishing everything you had on your to do list with time for a yoga class? Well this one is not for you. I’m calling all my fellow dilly-dalliers – those who have all the best intentions but ‘quickly check’ their social media and promptly fall down the virtual rabbit hole for hours at a time – the hardworkers who are also easily distracted – and those with kids and businesses and dogs and husbands and all ...
#006: Why your About Page is holding you back and how to fix it!
September 19, 2017 11:00 - 20 minutes - 9.53 MBDoes your About Page need an update? Take a look and see if you use the word “passion”, talk in the third person, or if you list out all your awards… If you answered yes to any of those you might need to fresh take on your About Page. In today’s market we have to be different and stand out, and our About Page is a great way to do this. Not sure what you need to do? Check out this week's episode on Why your About Page is holding you back and how to fix it!
#005: Creating a Website that Connects
September 12, 2017 11:00 - 25 minutes - 11.7 MBIn this episode, I talk about all the must haves you need to maximize your website’s potential along with areas you may need to refine. Your website is your first step in setting the expectation of working with you, and it also speaks volumes as to how professional you are and what you offer.
#004: Finding your Niche
September 05, 2017 11:00 - 17 minutes - 8.11 MBAre you finding yourself on the fast track to burn out city? Are you trying to do too much and finding that you a) don't enjoy it b) are burning out fast c) not making the kind of money you need? If you answered yes to any of those three (or maybe all of them!) then this weeks podcast episode is for you. In this episode, I go through what a niche is and how it can help your photography business. I also outline the steps you can take to find your niche and determine if it is a viable op...
#003: Managing your Client's Expectations
August 29, 2017 11:00 - 20 minutes - 9.59 MBThis week's podcast episode covers a very important topic that all too often gets pushed to the back burner - managing our client's expectations. Although this may not seem like a super important aspect of our business, it is one of the most important things we can do if we want to ensure a great experience for not only our clients but ourselves as well. It's also important to remember that the customer service we provide is one of the top things that gets clients to take about us (pos...
#001: Opening a photography studio: 5 lessons I learned the hard way
August 22, 2017 11:00 - 23 minutes - 22.5 MBIn this episode I lay it all on the table, there's no holding back. In it I divulge my toughest business lessons, some of them very nearly broke me… ...like, remembering to accrue the rent checks… and just because you wrote the check, doesn’t mean the money has left the building! I share these stories, not to scare you or to make you feel sorry for me, but in the hopes you can glean some valuable knowledge to help you move forward with clarity in your own business. So, settle back and ...
#000: Welcome!
August 22, 2017 11:00 - 14 minutes - 14.3 MBA quick intro in case you’re wondering who this Kim Hartz chick is anyway, and why the heck you should be listening to her (hint: I’ve been running my own successful photography business since 2010!). I’ll dig into how I got started in my photography career and share the tips, tools and strategies I’ve used to take my business from scratch to six figures, in a relatively short amount of time, and create a lifestyle full of freedom to enjoy my young family.
#002: What is a brand, and why do I need one?
August 17, 2017 22:53 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBBranding is essential in creating a sustainable, profitable and memorable photography business. In this super juicy episode I cover: → What is a brand? The definition you need to know – and it’s probably not what you think → Why branding is so key in setting your photography, and your studio, apart in a crowded market. And, nope, it’s not just about creating a new logo. → The power of a brilliant brand and how it can do all the heavy lifting for you when it comes to attracting or repe...