Photography - Keep a Diary

If you are just starting out it is all too easy to simply try and remember what bookings you have, even if it is just 2 or 3. This is when problems could arise.

Unless you have your bookings and even enquiries written down, you could fall victim to a double booking and this could harm your reputation and ultimately your business.

To keep a diary, I use a wall planner so when I receive a phone enquiry I can see at a glance whether I have a booking or another enquiry for a certain day. If you already have an enquiry for that day it usually works in your favour, play them off against each other.

If you do receive an enquiry for a day where you have already sent out a quote, explain this to the new client and say that you will pencil them in, contact the other people and confirm as to whether they require your services or not. If not, contact the second enquiry and make your pitch.

By creating this "sense of urgency" to both parties, you will normally end up with one of them booking you.

Don't think that just because it is a small job you don't need to make a note of it and never cancel a low paid job in favour of a high paying one, it will damage your reputation beyond repair.

Also remember to make a note of when you are meeting any future wedding couples or possible clients, not showing up to a preliminary meeting with a wedding couple will hardly instil confidence in them.

If you have a meeting planned for a certain day and you receive an enquiry for a paid job for that day also, in the first instance call the people you are meeting with and ask to re-schedule. If they can't, decline the new enquiry. You must always look after the confirmed bookings that you have over and above any "possible" work.

Lastly, by keeping a diary of both enquiries and confirmed bookings, you are able to work out your enquiry/bookings ratio and measure your success or failings. You can also measure your business's growth at a glance over the months and years.

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