You Are In Charge
Keep Creating
Stoics believe that there are two kinds of things: those that are within our power to control, and those that are not. Things that are within our power include our own thoughts, our choices, and our actions. Things that are not within our power include the weather, other people’s behaviour, and our past.
The dichotomy of control is a powerful tool for managing our emotions and our lives. When we focus on things that are not within our power, we are setting ourselves up for frustration and disappointment. Instead, we should focus on things that are within our power, such as our own reactions to events.
When I used to teach back in Junior High School, I told my students to always study because I knew how important that was and I also made sure to tell them that, studying was within their control. Preparation is within their control. But what wasn’t within their control was the marks they got after the exam, so they ought to worry about one thing and that was studying. The outcome will take care of itself.
As a photographer, whether as a business person or hobbyist, you are in control of a lot of things, but when it comes to outcomes, you might not be in control of that, unless you have the power to manipulate outcomes too. This is why all you do as an artist is to prepare yourself and be ready when the right opportunity shows up on your front door.
I created an X account in August 2023. I started with zero followers and zero following. We all start from zero. What do I know how to do? I know how to teach. I know how to share content, valuable content that will be of value to photographers who want to become pros and monetize.
What did I do? I shared the information I knew on X for free and let the outcome take care of itself. You know that you can do everything right and still not get the right results.
In September I did not have anyone engaging with my content on X. I thought it was a waste of time. In October, I started seeing a few likes, here and there, and some comments and reposts. “It’s a start,” I thought. I noticed something: when we don’t see progress in what we do, we tend to want to quit. We assume what we know is not worth sharing because nobody is engaging.
The assumption might be right but do not stop there. Do not stop because nobody engaged your content for three straight months. I live in a neighbourhood that is middle-income. Most of the people here in Omanjor don’t make much. Rarely do people start and maintain food businesses successfully. But some who start keep showing up even if nobody buys for months and after a few years, their joints become household names.
Are you patient enough to wait for results or do you want to win now?
A few nights ago, a follower on X posted, ”As a photographer, I wonder why you not following this account,” and as a result of that, I got some good photographers following this account.
I was thinking, why would she share that? Why would she promote me? Then I thought, it’s because she finds value in what I share. When your audience promotes you, it means that they are actively spreading the word about your business or brand. When your audience promotes you, it is a sign that they trust your business and believe in the value of your products or services, and can lead to a number of positive benefits:
1) Increased brand awareness. 2) Improved customer acquisition/growth. 3) Enhanced customer loyalty. 4) Greater sales and revenue.
It’s not so different from what you do as a photographer. Prospects will reach out to you when you put out something they want and love. It is your job as a photographer to figure out what your prospect wants and provide that.
It’s simple. As a photographer, you specialize in a particular niche. In that role, you seek to give solutions to people’s problems. You share your solutions, telling the world that you can indeed deliver! By doing this, you attract a certain kind of people.
If you want your audience to promote you, there are a few things you can do to encourage them:
1) Create high-quality products and services.
2) Make it easy for your audience to share your content.
3) Engage with your audience on social media.
4) Show your appreciation for your audience’s support.
5) Provide excellent customer service — As @TheMayorOtu will say, “You’re in the people business.” Photography is basically customer service.
By following these tips, you can encourage your audience to become your brand advocates and help you grow your business. I’m happy to be creating content on X, content you deem valuable. There’s going to be more shared and more given out.
Note: Information is only potential power, what you do with that information can grant you success.
Remember, you’re in control of a few things. Focus on that. Focus on putting out your work. Focus on reaching clients. Focus on what you can control and let the outcome take care of itself.
Thank you for reading. I hope this short article helps you make wise decisions. If you’re a beginner photographer, I published a book for you, tap on the link to have access: The Photographer’s Companion: Picture Perfect, A Beginner’s Guide to Photography.
