Mentor Sessions are one of my favorite ways to get to know fellow photographers and serve the local creative community. I recently launched mentor sessions for photographers and business owners to have the opportunity to take their business to the next level.
During a one on one mentoring session, I customize the session specifically for each small business owner. Before the session, I ask for 5-10 specific questions they’d like answered. Today, I’m giving you a peek behind the curtain. Here are a few of my favorite questions (and answers!) from recent mentor sessions.
1 | As a photographer new to weddings, how can I structure a wedding day to run smoothly?
As a wedding photographer, your clients are looking to you as the expert for all their wedding needs. This often means offering much more than just photography! First and foremost, you aren’t just there to take pretty photos, you’re there to offer an unforgettable experience. This may mean getting the couple a glass of water, carrying flowers, or giving a family member a tissue during a sweet moment, the list is endless!
Practically speaking, there are a few key items to have prior to the wedding for the day to run smoothly. I highly recommend creating a timeline and sending it to the couple at least 2 weeks prior to the wedding. Encourage the couple to forward the timeline to the family and the wedding party. Secondly, create a family photo list. This is typically about 10 groupings/photos on each side of the family and takes about 20 minutes.
You can grab my sample family list here!
2 | How do I make my business official?
If you’re unsure of the process to register your business, I highly recommend hiring a CPA, a Certified Public Accountant. They are truly the experts in all things business, taxes, and keeping things official. However, if you’d like a step in the right direction, you can register your business at Aztaxes.gov (for Arizona residents) and receive a business license. To begin, I recommend registering as a sole proprietorship with your social security number.
This is also the site where small businesses are required to pay sales tax each month based on gross earnings. This is synonymous with paying TPT or Transaction Privilege Tax. We’re gettin’ pretty nerdy here aren’t we?!
3 | Do I need a website and where do I start?
The short answer is yes, all small business owners need to have a website. In addition to having social media channels (which you don’t own, BTW) having a website builds credibility, SEO, and professionalism. Building a website may seem like a huge task, but it doesn’t have to be! Sites like Squarespace and Showit provide amazing templates and there’s zero coding or web jargon required. All you need are images and copy and you’ll be set!
My favorite designers at Go Live HQ have amazing website templates, check them out there!
Are you interested in a mentor session? Send me an email!
suzy@suzygoodrick.com
Cheers babe!
Xo, Suzy
Mentor Sessions are one of my favorite ways to get to know fellow photographers and serve the local creative community. I recently launched mentor sessions for photographers and business owners to have the opportunity to take their business to the next level.
During a one on one mentoring session, I customize the session specifically for each small business owner. Before the session, I ask for 5-10 specific questions they’d like answered. Today, I’m giving you a peek behind the curtain. Here are a few of my favorite questions (and answers!) from recent mentor sessions.
1 | As a photographer new to weddings, how can I structure a wedding day to run smoothly?
As a wedding photographer, your clients are looking to you as the expert for all their wedding needs. This often means offering much more than just photography! First and foremost, you aren’t just there to take pretty photos, you’re there to offer an unforgettable experience. This may mean getting the couple a glass of water, carrying flowers, or giving a family member a tissue during a sweet moment, the list is endless!
Practically speaking, there are a few key items to have prior to the wedding for the day to run smoothly. I highly recommend creating a timeline and sending it to the couple at least 2 weeks prior to the wedding. Encourage the couple to forward the timeline to the family and the wedding party. Secondly, create a family photo list. This is typically about 10 groupings/photos on each side of the family and takes about 20 minutes.
You can grab my sample family list here!
2 | How do I make my business official?
If you’re unsure of the process to register your business, I highly recommend hiring a CPA, a Certified Public Accountant. They are truly the experts in all things business, taxes, and keeping things official. However, if you’d like a step in the right direction, you can register your business at Aztaxes.gov (for Arizona residents) and receive a business license. To begin, I recommend registering as a sole proprietorship with your social security number.
This is also the site where small businesses are required to pay sales tax each month based on gross earnings. This is synonymous with paying TPT or Transaction Privilege Tax. We’re gettin’ pretty nerdy here aren’t we?!
3 | Do I need a website and where do I start?
The short answer is yes, all small business owners need to have a website. In addition to having social media channels (which you don’t own, BTW) having a website builds credibility, SEO, and professionalism. Building a website may seem like a huge task, but it doesn’t have to be! Sites like Squarespace and Showit provide amazing templates and there’s zero coding or web jargon required. All you need are images and copy and you’ll be set!
My favorite designers at Go Live HQ have amazing website templates, check them out there!
Are you interested in a mentor session? Send me an email!
suzy@suzygoodrick.com
Cheers babe!
Xo, Suzy
