It’s economy and industry. Luckily, our studio does a broad spectrum of photography and will be able to get through this … but I feel for those that specialize in one and only one thing. We’re “battening” down the hatches personally — eliminating all frivolous (and non-frivolous) spending (thanks Steph, Mom and Dad for our day yesterday!). 🙂
In the photography industry, there are a ton of “soccer moms” taking business from those of us that have “real jobs”. 🙂 I can actually name half a dozen of our customers that gave us great reviews, scheduled multiple sessions, etc. that are now with another photographer.
It’s amazing …. gotta get it cheaper …. doesn’t (under ANY circumstance) mean the photography is better. And we have the benefit of having a studio too — the weather isn’t always a factor for us. So there!
But, it also means, we have to market better, get more customers and keep our prices in line — not too high, not too low and keep up our customer service level.
I have a new marketing plan to write for 2009 … focused exclusively on e-marketing … but also on getting our services out to other people … in other regions … that’s apparently what I’m good at … now I gotta execute! 🙂
Thank goodness this year’s Christmas party (which is going to be killer!) is 100% bartered! Woohoo! Dinner (at a ridiculous amount per person) and my cost is virtually ‘nil! 🙂 Ah … networking is sooooooo good! 🙂