Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Guillaume Lechat, a french advertising photographer based in Nashville, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I help young photographers to understand and break the advertising industry so they can shoot a campaign for global brands.
My customers are mainly:
- Young Photographers
- Wedding Photographers that want to switch to Advertising
- Portrait/ Family Photographers that want to switch to Advertising
Tell us about yourself
After being a Commercial and Advertising photographer for 17 years, shooting for a global campaign and traveling the world from one shoot to another, I wanted to create an educational platform that I wish I had when I wanted to become an Advertising Photographer. I offer coaching sessions, and I'm working on an online class right now that will be ready in a few months.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Do not give up and try different things until you understand your clients' needs. You don't need to be a salesperson if your product helps people.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Always something to work on. Always something to think about create/ test / develop. It's hard to switch off. I really think a business owner is an alchemist trying to find the best recipes.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You need to be passionate. If you are passionate and believe in your product, you will be happy to put in the extra hours.
- Understanding your market is key to creating the best product for them.
- Delegate what you can to be able to focus on the main idea of your business.
- In the first year, don't even think about the ROI; just focus on making it grow slowly.
- Audit your business every week. And the main question to ask is, what else. What else can you do? It's fun. DO IT!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.youradvertisingphotographer.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youradvertisingphotographer/
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.
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