how can I get my photography business up an going, I have all the nessasary equipment but no customers? help!?
553368
You need a professional portfolio to show prospective clients.
445966
Okay, let's get you going.  Start by getting a portfolio together and putting your work on line.  You can get an inexpensive web page and/or  blog and post your photo's.  Get free and or inexpensive business cards on line at a place like VistaPrint.com (your first 250 cards are free).  Then start with friends and family and see if you can start getting some opportunities to work.  Create flyers about your company and what you offer and drop them off at homes in your neighborhood.  See if the local newspaper has a section where they interview new local business'.  Join networking groups.  Hope this helps.  Most important, JUST DO IT!  Good luck.
962833
Hi there,\nCreate your own 'portable' business.\n\nhttp://webmaster-directory.first411.com\n\nis a great resource.\n\nMore Power to You!
295155
You may want to check out the home businesses listed on this site - there are a number of free how-to articles and listings of books where you can find information about a particular business idea. They have a how-to start a photography business, among other things\n\nhttp://www.powerhomebiz.com/BizIdeas/bizideas.htm
690583
You could open a shop but that could be high cost.\n\nHave you thought about offering the service TO other shops. Contact your gift shop, art shop, florists, choc shop etc and see if they would like to offer that service - you can collect and deliver. Minimal outlay until you get the clientale to justify a shop. As an artist you can create some nice looking poster or mock-ups and use these as displays for these outlets.
522103
You will have to have some yardworking equipment, start off small.  Push lawnmower, string trimmer if possible, and a blower.  A broom will work in place of a blower if necessary.\nIf you want to keep your startup costs down, aquire used equipment from pawn shops and/or yard sales. Work you way up to equipment that will help you work faster, with better results.  But unless you have several thousand dollars into it from the beginning, you'll need to start small.\n\nStart small, work your way up.  Use a portion of your earnings to buy better equipment. Let your good work build your business. Let customers brag about your work to their friends and aquaintences.  One of the best things about yardwork is your "business card" is in front of every house you do.  It is also one of the worst things, if your performance is bad.\n\nMost people want to get rich quick, not willing to do the work necessary to build a long lasting business. HONESTY with ALL the people you deal with, customers, suppliers, accountant, and especially yourself. This is the ONLY way to build a longlasting, profitable business.  Take pride in your work, knowing that a customer can go elsewhere to get their yard done.  Admit your mistakes, take responsibility for them and you'll see profit down the road.
494666
First either you, a friend, or hire someone to take good pics, preferably digital.  Find software that you are comfortable with that you can design catalog with and then print on quality printer and paper. Or find an inexpensive printing place and find out what software they use so you can design it and transfer to them for print.  Last just hire a printer to do it all.
141857
The first step is to determine what type of photography you want to do. You can do assignment photography, focus on photographing children, doing portraits, or collecting photos for a stock photography business. \n\nFrom the article "Starting a Home Based Photography Business", here are some steps you may want to consider:\n\n1. Think through your business by writing a business plan\n2. Establish your legal business activity\n3. Open your business banking account\n4. Check zoning restrictions in your area esp if clients are going to come to your home\n5. Invest in your equipment\n6. Setup insurance\n7. Join professional organizations\n8. Finalize photo and lab arrangements\n\nThe article includes some recommended books that you can read for more in-depth information:\n\n- How To Start a Home-Based Photography Business \n- How You Can Make $25,000 a Year With Your Camera \n- The Business of Studio Photography : How to Start and Run a Successful Photography Studio \n- How to Operate a Successful Photo Portrait Studio \n- Photographer's Guide to Marketing and Self-Promotion \n- Sell & Re-Sell Your Photos : How to Sell Your Pictures to a World of Markets a Mailbox Away
152933
Make up business cards with punches on them, creating a free sandwich when the card is full, or a free capuccino. Get cups, with your business name on them, sell them, giving a discount on refills. That brings the customer back to you to get a discounted drink. Anything that gets the customer returning is good. Put out samples of some items. Have other non-food items available for sale that advertise your business. Put out a sidewalk sign, advertising your grand opening. Use balloons & banners on the front of your building. Have friends or your kids stand out in front passing out balloons with your business name printed on them. Have fun. Good luck. <*)))><
721774
You have a good idea to start small and work up from there. You need to make sure all your paper work is in order before you do anything. Make sure your drivers are good drivers. Then start contacting local companies that ship out to get loads. As you start there will be a lot more that will come along with a  good reputation. Good Luck
58271
I'm not personally familiar with that area but I'd recommend taking a look around your area & see if you notice any types of services that are lacking. Have you ever found yourself thinking, "I wish I could find this type of service here." Perhaps do a poll of people in your area to see what type of services they would like to see. If there's a small business resource center in your area, contact them for advice.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
999378
You can begin selling them through istockphoto.com.\nMembership is free.  Once you have set up your account you can upload photos.  People can visit the site and pay to download photos for use in their website, brochure etc.  If someone downloads one of your photos you get a percentage of the sale.   It is a great way for an amateur to learn what types of pictures are marketable.
411636
Go to CEDIA 's website, I think it is CEDIA.Org, they might have some help for you.  Second, go to your local builders, electricians, interior designers, architects, basically people in the building trades who deal with customers everyday that need your services.  Let them know you are available.  Lastly, join a local service organization, such as a home builders association.  That way you will network with others that can give you leads.  Do good honest work, charge a fair price, and your business will grow.
365624
Word of mouth is always the best business.  Always ask for referrals from anyone you do business with and ask for referral from someone who says no.  "I was unable to help you, do you know of someone who might need my services"?\n\nBest of luck to you.
847040
I guess you doing marketing & Advert. Kee it up! and be sure you have a good product and you can support your product.Good Luck!
935616
Most important thing is dont give up. More competition the better. What you must try to do is make some difference from what you were and what is available in the other shop.\nFirst go through your sales history and examine what is in demand mostly,  ex. 1. what type of items 2. the quality etc. \nMay be books or candles are more in demand. See whether you can sneak a peek into the other shop. I'm sure that other person started his business after giving a careful consideration to you who has been in business for 18 years. \nDepending on your finances see whether you can change the stuff you have been selling, 'cos your stuff might be a little outdated. We cannot say from here 'cos it depends on what you have been selling. You can even put a small sale and get rid of the old stuff for a cheap price. that could attract more customers , but not for long. \nTry to change the look too. As someone else has said you can put lanterna and candles to make the place attractive. Also go out of the town to a posh big gift shop and see what they have done. You dont have to copy or I'm not saying you should, but that will give you an idea as to what the trend is. You might not even be able to do everything they have done too. \nMy experiance with gift shops is that they must change with the seasons of the year as well as retaining some for someone who wants to buy something such as a b'day gift etc. Also if a person can get something inexpensive but looks good and of good quality the better. So dont give up. Do a bit of research as to the needs of your community. \nGood luck!
212779
Save some money or get a loan, buy your own equipment and start selling your own magazine locally. Who knows? Maybe lots of people WILL buy it and then you can expand some more.\n\nAnother idea would be to make your own electronic magzine for sale online. \n\nYou never know, if you don't give it a go!