A letter from Mike:

When you focus on your character just as much, if not more than, the artistic shots you take, or the products you sell, or the kind of business you run, you develop the core engine of growing your business. Too often we neglect that the biggest way we can get business is by developing who we are, and what that brand looks and feels like to our clients, and those who may refer us.

It is important as artists to focus on gaining the transfer of credibility as soon as possible with our clients, because that sets up the platform for them to refer you when you produce the work you are most known for. If you have ever had people compliment you as a photographer before they have even see your images, it shows that you have established trust and a respect for who you are, as well as for what you are going to produce. The faster you have earned a client's trust, the faster you can connect with and further develop the relationship with your client AND their friends.

When you marvel people with who you are and how you treat them, then the sample albums, online slide shows, vendor image packs, facebook & blog posts, etc. have a higher value to your client, and they desire those items to be able to show off what you do. It is the key to having a successful business. It is taking care of people and esteeming them higher than yourself. When people refer your character even above the great products you deliver, you remove yourself from being "commoditized", and you gain access to their circle of friends, which then becomes your circle of influence. From there it is important to focus less on developing your raw files, and spend more time on developing the relationship.

When you have influence, you become a leader, and your clients will follow you. Influence is the essence of leadership in business, and in any industry, it results in attracting clients to you and to what you do.

It is virtually impossible to have an excellent character marketing plan without a mission statement, goals, and a purpose in life. Having character quality standards that your trusted mentors/peers help develop with you is a huge key to success. As John Maxwell says, "winning with people" is the key to being a great leader. When your reputation of being of good character spreads through word of mouth, and word of mouse, you will inevitably stand out from your competition. As you strive to better yourself, and grow your character, your business will grow in ways that will amaze you. Developing Raw files, and being an everything-ographer other than a relationship is just merely sustaining.

I am going to show you ways to restructure your business to shift your time into growing, and away from just sustaining. From what I have learned in the last 13 years of doing business the wrong and right ways, we will talk about all the major areas of the client relationship, as I share stories of how I practically apply character marketing in my business to bring in over 350 leads per year. I want you to be successful and profitable. It is time to develop you. Come ready to learn how to assess where you are, and lay down a game plan to get where you want to be. Life is too short to not get this right the 1st time. Just as I'm passionate about shooting right the 1st time, I also want you to grow your business right the 1st time.

Mike Larson

About Mike:

Mike Larson is the principal photographer at MIke Larson, Inc., located in San Luis Obispo, California. Over the last decade in the photography industry, he has discovered his passion for photographing people who are in love and enjoying life together. Mike is honored to be sought after, and published, for his work in spectacular weddings around the world. His travels and exposure to diversity, continue to inspire him to keep a fresh and fun approach to photography. Mike's philosophy and talent has grown his studio to 5 photographers shooting over 80 weddings a year.

Since 2007, Mike has been speaking and teaching amateur and professional photographers alike about mastering their craft, perfecting their business, and developing who they are as leaders. Mike has spoken in 11 countries around the world, encouraging, inspiring and challenging others as artists and businesspeople. Check out Mike & his updates on http://www.twitter.com/mikelarsoninc

Mike has a sweet giveaway for photographers who come to WPPI in Vegas this March!