Photography is a business, so take advantage of business freebies

I am always surprised every few months when i get the latest Business Link catalogue through the door and i see just how much information they are giving away completely free! What surprises me even more is the fact that, of all my photography 'chums' looking to make it into the world of freelancing, there are only a couple who have ever taken advantage of this resource.

Some think that photography is art and therefore 'business' is a dirty word, tainting their creativity and bohemian lifestyle. Well Photography is often art, but this doesn't mean that good business skills wont help greatly in creating a solid brand/business/career. As a relatively 'new' photographer and someone who is certainly new to looking after invoicing, purchasing, tax, networking etc i have gone to well over 10 of these events on a variety of subjects. Some of the seminars offered teach things like:

Starting a business
Business Planning
Marketing your business
Book keeping
Networking
Small Business regulations
Managing Money
Taxation

As well as these there are more general seminars including one on working from home, how it can affect you psychologically and how to keep motivated and stay focused. And all of these events feature free tea and biscuits!

As well as gaining knowledge in areas you were previously inexperienced in, each seminar is a great opportunity to network with other small and medium sized business' that may be possible clients or be able to offer a service or product you or your clients might benefit from.

Some of my aforementioned chums would dismiss the networking opertunity as no magazine editors or fashion designers will be attending, and they are most likely right. But being snooty about the kind of clients that you work for in today's climate is an oversight to put it politely. After all, taking the 'un-glamorous' work doesn't mean you have to shout about it or put it on your web portfolio.

I struggle to think of any photographers starting out for which these opportunities wouldn't be hugely beneficial, and for the more established photographers? Business link offer a FREE business review, typically after a year or two of trading. A business review would usually set you back a couple hundred pounds and is a great way to have someone else look at your work, figures and plans, and to help you see where you are going right/wrong and how to plan for the future of your business.

So in summary, free seminars, networking, business review and biscuits. WHY NOT?

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk

Matt
www.mjohnstonphotography.co.uk