Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Derek Michael, Founder of Real Estate Photography Academy, located in Carencro, LA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is The Real Estate Photography Academy, and my digital program is 7 Day Real Estate Photographer. My customers are beginner photographers, professional photographers, or anyone that wants to own a business.
Tell us about yourself
I started in Real Estate Photography back in 2015. My brother and I own this production business together. This is why I created a digital program to teach people how to do what we did in Real Estate Photography to grow their business.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner would have to be having a thriving business where customers log on to my website and book without me even knowing and having 10-12 shoots a day on autopilot! I also have hired three photographers to work alongside us, shooting listings day in and day out. I am proud of what we have built with this business!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing to handle as a business owner has to be having to wear multiple hats, dealing with roller coaster-like months, and starting out not knowing how you will make enough to pay bills. Also, the pressure that comes along with knowing that you don't want to fail yourself, but sometimes it will happen, but you have to get up and keep swinging.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get a good tax strategist, it's not the sexiest thing in the world to think about or pay for, but you will find out that if you make money, then you will need to figure out how to NOT pay Uncle Sam at the end of the year.
- Focus on building relationships, talk to your customers, get to know them, have a profile in your CRM to know when their birthday is, ask them how their kids are doing, etc.
- Do not give up if you truly believe in your product. Go out and make stuff happen, and don't ever doubt yourself.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.rephotoacademy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/derekmichael337
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialderekmichael/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekmichael/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.