Never underestimate the value of putting in the work. This sounds like such a simple thing, but how often is it that we really push all the way? What happens when we hit 90%? 95% Do we say it’s not good enough? Do we say that we’re in the final stretch, so we need to push harder? Or do we ease off and let things slide? The difference is huge. Because right up to about 90%, most of us aren’t all that different. And the decisions you need to make aren’t all that different. Certain basic principles apply in sales, marketing, picture-taking, and pretty much anything else. And up to 90%, the basic necessities for execution take precedence. If you don’t push when things get close, then you’re not doing the things you need to to differentiate yourself. The 90% point is deceptive. It feels like you’re nearly there. But you’re really just getting started. And if you don’t make the big push right then and there, you’re not doing the things you need to do to learn what you are really all about. It’s in the final 10% that all the good stuff happens. Now, onto the news…
IWMYS
First, don’t forget about the I Will Make You Suffer Workshop from October 22-25. This is a perfect way to push through the last 10%. I was in touch with Becca, who participated in the last one, and I’m thrilled to hear how things have gone for her since. I’ll share more soon, but I’m just going to say there will be great stuff going on. Get your applications in!
Tiffinbox
I also wanted to share something I’m really excited about. Seshu runs a fantastic site that aggregates a boatload of information on every aspect of photography over at tiffinbox.org. His dedication and efforts to help the industry have always been an inspiration to me. If you haven’t been there and you’re looking for something to keep yourself in the game, be sure to check it out. There’s something for everyone.
And on that note, I’m particularly thrilled to announce that I was the recipient of the 2nd Annual Tiffinbox Award! That was just the type of cool news that keeps me going. Awesome stuff! When I saw his name in my inbox asking if I would accept it, I was absolutely tickled.
A Man to Fish – Hear me speak tonight, 8/28 at 9:15 PM EST
In other news, I was also interviewed on Todd Reichman’s site. For those unfamiliar, Todd is another great resource to know about. He runs A Man to Fish, and not dissimilar to Ground Glass, he focuses on the ins and outs of what you need to do to run a successful photography business. You can hear the interview here. Tonight, I’ll be talking with both Todd and Seshu tonight at 9:15, EST. Tune in at www.youtube.com/amantofish. Can’t wait to have some great discussion!
PhotoMint
One final thing. I keep meaning to mention Lara White over at PhotoMint. She caught my attention when I read a post she wrote after the David Jay spray-and-pray fiasco, and her sincerity caught my attention. Her site is a great place to get a lot of core information, and, best of all, she has a nicely organized “for beginners” section on her blog, so you can actually see all of the articles in context. I liked her biz dev book you can find in her store. In fact, it piqued my interest enough to give her a call and chat a few months back. Things got crazy, so I haven’t had the time to actually put up any of the interview, but I was impressed with her honesty and accessibility when we spoke. Be sure to give her site a visit. I’ll post more about the interview soon.
OK, so that’s it for now. For everyone out there in mid-season doldrums, where that laundry list just keeps getting larger, but production gets you down, hang in there! Now is exactly the time to start pushing and keep up the efforts. Hit that final 10% hard!
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