The power of in person

Last week we bid on a big job for State Farm. The art buyer called and said after the last couple years of you coming in to see us, I finally have a job that would be perfect for you. I've been doing business development portfolio showings over the last couple of years when I visit a certain city. The big cities have most of the big ad agencies in a concentrated area. You can make the rounds and not have to travel too far in between. This morning got a call from an art buyer in New York for a Howard Johnson hotel job. She also said, "Remember, you came in to see me last year"

Showing your portfolio in person is an essential part of the business. It gives the art buyer, art director, or photo editor a chance to see who you are, and you guys the opportunity to make that personal connection. Once you have that personal connection, it makes it more normal to keep in touch with them, and for them to actually open your emails.

I've come to realize now more than ever that this business is all about the power of personal relationships and connections. It's something I've always believed in, but over the last year I've started to see it manifested. These last couple of calls just re-iterated that for me. Especially with the over saturation of the industry, clients need a way to remember you. In my opinion, direct mailers and epromos are just a form of branding, which is still essential. It builds the credibility for when the do call.

APE wrote a great post on this from his perspective. Check it out: http://aphotoeditor.com/2008/04/18/showing-your-book/

Comments

[Katie]

Hey Nick - when you were at Sara's a few months back, you showed me one of your promo books. What was the name of the company that produced it? Or was it something you produced yourself?

[Jessie]

"Once you have that personal connection, it makes it more normal to keep in touch with them, and for them to actually open your emails."

Probably no secret, but this is true of a lot of professions and something I like to pass on to people who come to work for me. Even if it's something as simple as delivering a hard paper copy (instead of forwarding as an attachment), the personal connection and all that goes with it goes a long way.

I've been lurking around here for a few months and thought I would drop by to say your photography is excellent and the write-ups are insightful. Keep up the great work. Thanks.

[Timberland]

mean I just read through the entire article of yours and it was quite good but since I'm more of a visual learner,I found that to be more helpful.