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Hey, guys, I'm a lawyer, Michelle, And you're listening to the alignment, the Laura podcast. This podcast is about motivation and finding your purpose for all you thriving created cells there because I strongly believe you don't have to constantly hustle to grow and pursue your wildest dreams. So each week we're gonna be having conversations about things that matter most like motherhood are for faith, photography business and just plain real life. I want to share all the mistakes that I've made because I want you to know that I've been there before and you can totally grow and pursue your wildest dreams. I'm so glad you're here with me today, friend. Here's today's episode. Okay, So as we're getting closer to April, I think it's about time that I talk about the topic that the workshop will be dealing with. We're gonna be talking about marketing and branding yourself effectively as a photographer, as a wedding photographer, as a creative entrepreneur, as a business, these practices have actually worked for all different types of industries. I have men toward different types of industries and it has given people results. Um, so if you want to sign up to be on the weightless guys. You ready for that branding makeover? You need to just skyrocket yourself into the business. Then this is the workshop for you. Basically, everything that I'm going to be teaching you is the step by step system that I implemented to market my business to where it is now. So I'm telling you, it really does work. I'm not blowing hot air. We're going to be having tangible takeaways. We're gonna be having worksheets. It's gonna be great. It's gonna be like school, but, like, fun, like I'm a cool teacher, I feel. Anyway, um, if you want to join the workshop, police done it for the weightless. And I cannot wait to see you live and in person. It's gonna be an amazing event, my 1st 1 ever. And I honestly just cannot wait to see your prizes Results. I want you to grow your business. I want you to have clients, your dream clients at that. So we will be talking deeper about those things in the workshop. Sign up for the wait list again and I will see you guys. Okay. Today's podcast review is brought to you by V k G. B I. I can't I can't even pronounce it as a word. But thank you so much, they say. Down to Earth and honest. Not only is a Laura and incredible photographer, but she's an ambitious educator with a heart of gold. This podcast is for an entrepreneur at any level who's seeking raw and honest conversation. I was lucky enough to win a mentorship with her. In just one hour. I walked away with a brand new outlook on up leveling my business. She explored new ideas with me and pushed me to think outside of the traditional business box. I honestly cannot say enough nice things about Laura and her podcast. Well, girl, thank you so much. I wish I knew what your name was, and I can't solve your user name, but it means the most to me. You want your review read on the show, Phil, free to put a five star review and I will be doing a happy dance because they're super fun. And you guys were so nice. Seriously, so, so nice. So today's republished episode is gonna be about changing your mind. Set as a photographer in the industry and a different view on how to view your competition. I posted this episode and actually had the most listens for a while, so I know it's definitely something we need more of. And honestly, I truly believe in community over competition. So I don't really see anyone as my competition so much as they are just a person with the business supposedly similar to mine. Okay, so I hope this episode is useful to me, And I hope you guys like the's rebroadcasts. I'm not doing too much more after this. I think I've maxed out. My limit is that you guys would even accept to listen to these. But if you guys are new, I'm sure you do appreciate them. So without further ado, let's get on into the episode about mindset and competition. You guys and welcome back to the show. Um, excuse my voice. I think I'm fighting a cold here after the seventh weather change here. Um, my voice was like, I don't think so anymore. So we're just gonna roll with it and see where we go from here today. I want to talk about topic that I get a lot besides the one that is how did you get started the wedding industry. And let me tell you, that episode is coming. I just don't have the energy to talk for an hour because I think that's going to be an hour along, like 17 parts and our along. So stay tuned for that. But today I want to talk about changing your mind set, um, to set yourself apart from the competition. So in the beginning, this is for all the new entrepreneurs photographers. This will be mostly photographer related, but you can't apply to anything in your business. Um, I started photography when I was very young, so I started when I waas Ah ho man. So college. I think I was 20. I didn't start charging for it, though, until I was, like, our own 21 almost 22. And even then I was kind of playing with it because I kind of didn't know this was like a whole niche industry. So I did a lot of research. A lot of research, because when you're starting from the beginning, you see you struggle with imposter syndrome, you struggle that people gonna find out you have no idea what you're doing, right? biggest fear. Biggest fear in the whole world. But you know what? It's gonna be okay, because I'm gonna walk you through the process that I taught myself to make it. So I want to say what sets you apart from your competition? Well, you buy you simply being you sets you apart. Okay? What are the key things? That what talents do you possess? Um, and I think everybody is capable of filling this out. So if you have a piece of paper and take out a piece of paper and just write these things down, this is I'm a good person. I have to take a scrap piece of paper. It doesn't help on the computer, because I'm just really old school. I just take out a scrap piece of paper and I write down three things that make me me. I am a very no nonsense person. I am an extra vert. Well, I'm kind of an amber now, but think it's cause I'm getting older. Um, I really like to sit back. I used to really like toe throw promise that people 24 7 but now I kind of like to sit back and feel for my clients, and I think that's what makes me different because some photographers like to control everything, and I'm actually very hands off, so I don't want tracked very type A bride's because they're like, tell me what to do. And I'm like, What do you want to do? And they're like, Well, I want to do what? You're gonna make me do it. I'm like, that's not gonna work. Um, so those things, like think about things that set you apart as a business owner, as a photographer. What are things that you what what special skills do you possess that you can bring to the table? Um, so self confidence is key. Guys, if you don't believe in you, they're not going to believe in you either. When I first started, um, I was pretty insecure. I mean, in your early twenties, like you don't know who you are. You're still wearing, like, your leftover clothes from high school. Or maybe that was just me because I was in college wearing hoodies every day. Um, but I was a broke college kid. You can't blame you, right? And, um, I just I did a lot of research is, but I think Pinterest just got launched, but it was a little bit before then. So I'm like researching on Google how to pose clients, how to make clients comfortable. You know, all those. All those amazing, beautiful things that we all don't want to ask somebody but would rather google it. That makes us feel better about ourselves. For millennials. What can we say? So I did my research and I over extroverted myself. That's like a saying. If that's a term, that's a word I over extroverted myself. So people didn't really have time to ask me questions because I did not stop talking like I was like, Okay, can you guys do this to this visit? Is but because I literally spent the night before like reading paragraphs, unlike potential poses, are like reading not even reading but like studying photos to see how they got into that particular pose. And even then, just educating them beforehand is such a huge thing. So, like, let's just talk about engage recession, um, engage in session. If they get there, it's awkward. Okay, you're trying to figure out how to make them comfortable, and they're already just like uh, I feel weird. Awkward. I don't know what to do. I hope she's gonna help us look good. And they usually say this out loud, but sometimes it there introverts. They won't. They'll just be like, looking at the side I like. Okay, So what do we do? Nervous, fake laugh, huh? Um, So I studied one major thing is expectations. Set expectations for your clients. So, like, foreign engaged session or even further client meeting, I will tell them thes air. The service is that I'm gonna provide. I will do this. I will do this. But if you want this, this is not what I d'oh, you know, setting expectations. So then, in the later, like in the long run, they won't be like, Oh, I'm just really, you know, let down that she did or didn't do this. Like you already set expectations in the beginning. So you don't have to worry about over exerting herself in a 1,000,000 categories just to keep her clients happy. Let them know your style. I don't know what you want to bring to the table and let them know what doesn't excite you, you know? And in the beginning, I don't know. They still do this anymore. Maybe that was, like, back in the late 2000. Just wasn't time in 2010. Ah, lot of brides were kind of like, Well, I want a picture like my best friend that got taken here, Here, here and here. Are you gonna do that? I usually start off and say, Hey, if you didn't see my sight like, I do not replicate like a Pinterest board. I'm so sorry, but my photography style is I want to tell your story by showing you your story. And I don't want to just, like, copy, like, 500 poses just so that you can. Your pictures can be better than your best friend's pictures. That's not my style. That's just not who I am as a person. I'm sorry, you know? And if it doesn't go well and they don't book me like, I saved myself a headache later on or they just found the photographer that is dying to do that for them. And I mentioned that in mind Client meeting podcast episode as well. Check that out if you haven't already. But setting expectations already helps them ahead of time, OK, I am, like talking and like a circle. So we came back D'oh! Changing her mind set. So changing your mind is like it's like it's almost like you have to bump yourself up, right? So I don't know how anybody else learns, but for me, I do a lot of research and sometimes, like, even on your phone, like, if you have like, this is a secret, even doing weddings. I screen shot the timeline and I put it on my lock screen so that I can just look at it for a second. All right, guys, that's what we're gonna do. I even do that for family pictures because it's better than, like carrying out a piece of paper that gets rained on. You're like, Oh, my gosh, what does this say? Or, you know, you're shuffling like I've lost so many timelines that were print on paper and I'm like, Okay, guys, do you know your relatives? Because I lost the timeline. They like Esso for me knowing who I am. I always have a dress, Ah, black dress that has pockets so I can keep my phone in there so I could be aware of the timeline and the family list. Same thing goes for even poses if you're just stuck and you have, like, a list of 20 poses that you've researched like put it on your lock screen, blink out every once in a while while you guys are walking to your next location. Give yourself five minutes to, like, check that out for a minute. So there's a tip. I squeeze it in there. Um, another thing. Try a be testing. I don't really know if this is a good thing. I just see this a lot. So I'm just gonna say be testing. So what works on what types of people? Um, here's the thing. There are some prompts. There are some poses there, even some ways of talking to certain people that don't work with other people because everyone is different now. I'm not saying you have to tailor your business toe what your client, like every individual client needs, but the same time I kind of am so like, let's just say, let's just talk about engagement again. There are some poses that I don't even feel comfortable asking some couples to dio like there are some props that are super fun. But the client is like an introvert, and they're like, I'm not spinning her around. Like what? Like, you know, So getting them to, like, warm up ahead of time, all the things that are good, like see what prompts imposes that you're comfortable asking them and that they're actually comfortable doing So do a B testing, try some poses and then see what they aren't are and aren't comfortable doing And then, like, have a backup list. And, like, if this helps at all, introverts and extroverts do not like to do the same things. Like usually they don't Extroverts are down for anything there down the clown introverts usually like those sweet, intimate poses. Um, so those are just some things to keep in mind. All right, So your ideal client, let's talk about that. Um, you will attract them with time. Okay, So don't rush this process. Don't worry. Like, oh, my gosh. If you've only been in business for a year, uh, news for you, it gets better. Okay? They say, Like what? Your peak isn't until the fourth year of business. So you kind of have to, like, put yourself out there enough. And you have enough time to do trial on air to find the client that suits you. And I believe that you will attract them in time by truly being yourself. So my type of ideal client is kind of usually like me. Like I'm pretty Joe. Um, I mean, I'm pretty laid back. I don't have, like, super high expectations. I don't like to plan too much because it stresses me out. I usually like. I'll pick like it for outfit. Let's say a family session. If we do them in session, I'll pick out a color scheme and the clothes and like that's it. I don't want any. I just want us to have fun, like I'm just I'm like Thai baby like not typing like I like certain things, but for the most part, I don't like delegating at all. I don't like telling people what to do. I'd rather just sit and chill and laugh. That's that's myself. So, like even my bride's air like that, like they're not Super Taipei. They have all the nice, pretty things. They have it all organized, but as far as like the wedding day, don't ask them any crazy questions, let them eat and have fun. And just like so I It took me a while. Took me about 2.5 to 3 years to find the client That was, like, most like me. I was attracting a very, very, very, very type A bride, and it's just not my type, but, um, it's okay. So, like if you don't have them right away, that's totally fine. Give yourself some time to do, um, toe, like, even work on your wording. Get give. Give yourself time to work on your process, your branding to see what is attracting who and why. Um, all brands market to a specific person, and that's what makes each brand unique. So let me just give you a little bit of homework. Um, pay attention to commercials. So if you ever watch commercials, um, I pretty much like 99% of commercials are talking to me. I just feel like that all the time because I'll buy anything but think about the branding, the commercial and like the way it's displayed. The color scheme, the energy, the type of client even see on there. Who, who is this product for? What is this message? They're trying to relate with this product. What problem does this fix and how does it fix it? How does the client feel after they have this product? So apply that to your business and voice. So think about if you have a website. If you don't please get one. Please get one. A PSA that already said to, apart from a lot of people that just haven't instagram profile. Okay, like sometimes clients want to check you out on your website. And that is like your home base. That is who you are, what you want. And that's when they know, like for sure this is the person I need to connect with. We have this this this in common. So, like your bio, your captions, your website, everything. Everything take into consideration who you're attracting and what Burbage that you can use to attack these people. Like just study marketing. Honestly. And if you have any luck with this, please D m and thank me later because I did this. I think my third year business and I literally like Drew in all of my ideal clients. So I know this works now. my last tip or sub topic or section is for everyone who decided to stick around toward the middle end. I understand it is hard to commit to, like, a whole 25 30 minute podcasts. And so I appreciate you. So I'm saving the best stuff for last. Hana, stay focused without comparing to your competition. Guys, guys, guys, guys, guys. Okay, so this is a common common common thing we're dealing with right now because social media is at its peak. But at the same time, I'm actually getting messages a lot from people that are like, Hey, I've been taking a break from Instagram. What did I miss? So it's kind of popular right now. I think it's almost like an oversaturated mix right now, like everyone's really in it or they're, like, really out of it. And then you got the people that are just in and out of it. Um so I want to talk about how in the world do we stay positive without feeling sucky about herself, You know, so cheer on others and be genuine okay, whether their new or they're already established in the business, like posting positive quotes and other people's profiles seriously make my day and receiving them like triple makes my day, no matter how many followers they have, no matter how long they've been in the business, like it's on act of kindness goes such a long way and it makes you feel better. Okay, so yes, of course, the person receiving it feels better, But it almost reverses the competitive, um, snarky and secure jealousy type of vibe from yourself, like it's actually like when you post something on someone, I'll just Elvis Page and you actually genuinely feel that way. Okay, like, Oh, this is an awesome post. Thank you for being here, Bhola. It teaches your mind till, like, not be negative, like you're literally putting forth the effort to be positive. And it's like reworking your brain that should have been jealous of this amazing poster, this amazing photo or this amazing lifestyle and just being like you go girl like thank you for posting this and, you know, whatever. Um, I think it's the bus decision you can make so confusing your mind by being positive versus insecure and jealous is really what changed my mentality for social media. Like for a lot of people. They're struggling with this really unhealthy mix, and they're just like, it's really exhausting, you know, seeing other people's perfect life there curated feed and the lifestyle that I want. I want to go on vacation. I want to do these things, But I can't Well, I These things are all true, Okay? We all wish we could all go on vacations every week like let's Well, it's just said that street. But if you're gonna be positive, even if you can't handle look at it, scroll past it. I mean, you have the power in your hand. It doesn't feel that way sometimes, but you have the power in your hand. Either scroll past it or double tap and put a comment like while this is great, can't wait to go on vacation one day and then leave. Stay in your lane. Okay, focus on bettering yourself without being distracted about other's successes. I have done this so many times, so that's one reason I'm giving. I'm only given advice that I've actually done. Guys, I promise you, this stuff works. Um, there was a point in my business where I just felt like, really uninspired I felt kind of like boring. I can't I can't explain. Like what photographers really go through. Like we just go through this dry spell on. We're just like, okay, we're creating the same stuff over and over, and these people are killing it. And my stuff looks like a cart piece of cardboard with, like, scribbles on it, you know? And this is how you feel about your art sometimes. And I had to stop cycling my mind like I would think that about everything. I was like, Man, everything is just so much, but like, Oh, my gosh, you know, like, can I get a break from all this amazing stuff and don't get me wrong? Like people's content could have been great or it could've been better. I still felt that way. And it's just because of my own insecurities, just because, like when Social Media was at its peak, you know everyone it compares in game lister. Wrong. Um, so I I had to leave some Facebook groups of like some relatively I mean, there's people going viral in these Facebook groups, getting like thousands and thousands of likes and, like, you know, you post something and it gets, like 10. You're like, Okay, cool. This was a sucky photo. Okay, cool. Cool. Cool. Keep moving. Let's go. Let's go. Um, another thing that helped was unfailingly counselor mentioned all the time unfollowed accounts that don't make you feel good. And they make you feel less than and then you find yourself comparing yourself to this, like, lifestyle or person that's living the best life. Um, it's not fair. Like it's not fair to yourself to constantly shove that in your face every day. Like when you're following someone you're choosing to be committed to them, their lifestyle, whatever. And I'm not saying follow like, 500 accounts, and I'm saying that at all, But, like for me, um, I was still following likes, I think what college girls that were traveling all the time. And I'm like a mom, you know? So, like, I don't get to travel and leave obits notice. You know what I mean? Just to spend thousands of dollars to live my best life. It just wasn't realistic. And, um, following other mom accounts that are killing it with their kids. That was like mawr, my nation. I was staying in my lane like you know what? Let me follow moms that are killing it, because I'm never gonna be able to be this single girl who's traveling all over the world and working out 24 7 It's just not my life. It's not even fair to compare my life to that. This no transparent it there, um, and then cheering myself on freedom. A little thing. So if you're not a checklist person, then take mental notes, right? So every time you succeeded even one little thing cheer yourself on for that, like, man, that's awesome. I can't believe I did that. This is great. Or even call a friend and be like girl. I just did this and she's like, Oh, my gosh, which goes into my next thing, right, right, right. Create friendships and your niche. Okay, have someone that is positive, not negative. I'm actually going to do another episode about update on toxic relationships and imposter syndrome. So stay tuned for that. It's coming. There's so much stuff I'm working on for you guys. But yes, having positive friends in your life that tell you to keep going that even keep you accountable when you try to talk negative about yourself. Oh, my gosh, If you don't, if you have a friend that literally will chime in and be like, Yeah, you do suck. I'm sorry. Like No, don't tell them anything. Negative, Okay? You don't wanna wallow in this self pity mentality. You want some? That girl, You're crazy. Don't ever say that again. You know, you're amazing. Keep going. Your stuff is gold. This is what you've done. And you're like, Oh, have I done that? Like sometimes especially for us. Threes. Like we get so caught up in what's ahead that we forget about the little tiny success is that we have done because we're like, All right, move on, move on to the next thing. Gold number 52 has to be accomplished in the next five minutes. You know, crazy things, anyway, so, yes, keep yourself accountable. Have a friend that keeps you accountable for the way you talk about yourself. Even the way you treat yourself. Um, yeah. Keep positive people around you. It will lift you up so much higher, and I will take off that negative burden you have like that. That sad your cloud. That's like covering. It's hovering over you, Um and then having a French of it's in your nature is just gold. Okay, you guys complain together about things that are obnoxious, but at the same time, you guys can rise together, push each other forward, and support each other, like having a friend and the net and your knees. That's like a cheerleader like, Oh, my goodness. You know, back in the day, what are you saying? That ah, well, years ago, when there was new photographers, other photographers would get so mad and they would complain in this platform, like, I'm so sick of all these people asking me a second job. Oh, I'm so sick of these people who think they know how to use a camera Boba forgetting that that was them at one point in time. But that's a whole nother topic for a home of the day. Um, and it's just you know now I think we're trying to help people versus trying to be so much better than them that they can never quote unquote get ahead of us, which that is like an invisible thing to me. I think I think you should want someone to succeed as much, if not more than you, because I don't know. I just I don't care. I'm competitive, like in my own self. And maybe everyone should be this way. You don't have to be better than someone as long as food is on your table and you're providing for your family yourself, your dreams, your goals like who cares who is doing better than you? Who cares, like there's like this narcissistic mentality in the world that you have to be the best. And if you're not, that you're not doing anything. No, look at what you have and look, look at the things that you've provided for yourself. You're doing something. Unless you're sitting on the couch doing nothing, then come on, get up. Let's go. Come on. We gotta do something with you. But in that, like, just be thankful for what you have. You don't have to always be better or being competition with somebody. I just don't understand it, which is weird, because three's a competitive. But I have trained myself not to be competitive against other people. It's not fair to yourself, your mental health and a con, and that's what makes people like, really ski me and, um I don't know, shady like you don't have to be researching what other people are doing trying to get ahead of them. Now, if you want to research what other people are doing so that you can figure out how they do it so you can help yourself, That's I don't care about research. Like if I said you can steal all my stuff, just don't steal like my website bio stuff, which has happened, happening constantly, but I'm getting on a tangent here. So anyway, guys, thank you for tuning in to this podcast today. I just want to be real with you. And I just wanted to help you guys. You can be focused without comparing to your competition. And even better, you can change your mind set and set yourself from the competition to succeed without being catty. Because that's mean, guys, let's let's be nice. Okay, well, that's all I have for the rebroadcast in episode. Feel free to let me know if you guys like these and since I'm not on instagram, feel free to email me. That's fun, right? Well, actually, if you cared, this is finally the week that I was coming back to social media. It has been so long, I've only taken a two week break at Max. So I really can't wait to talk to you guys and be friends with you. I hope my d m zehr blowed up because I'm going to go through all of them one by one and let you guys know how much I missed you. Take care, guys. Good.