I am trying to set my goals for 2008. I am anticipating some buzz from some published weddings in 2008 and I would like to start the year off right. I have done some analysis of COGS and overhead and my pricing isn't covering my expenses.

Goals
1. increase online print sales by limiting shoot to burn clients

2. prices that reflect my experience, expertise and time expended before and after the photo shoot, be it wedding, portrait or corporate

3. excellent customer service without giving away the farm

4. actual marketing plan (slideshows at the reception aren't all that productive for me)

5. albums, wall galleries and large prints.... or nothing. (why shoot it if they aren't going to see my finished product)


Tell me your goals!


Tell me how on earth to accomplish my goals.


I am on way too many forums

Everyone must be too busy with Christmas.

Aloha Jennifer!

Interesting set of goals...I don't know what you mean by "1. increase online print sales by limiting shoot to burn clients"...

Personally I don't believe in on line sales. I don't know any one who has been or is successful with that. Then again, I'm not a wedding photographer. I do photograph weddings, but my specialty is fine portraits of families, children and high school seniors, so I'm all about getting the print orders NOW! Not later, not posting on line, not giving proof CDs to order from later.

I don't really understand what you posted as your goals, so I'm no help to you on that.

My goals for 2008 are to increase my private portrait sessions to 10 per week at an average of $2000, and my promo sessions to 14 a week at an average of $300.

I want to start and maintain a newsletter, and a good integrated data base.

I also want to turn my apprentice into a partner in my business, and redesign my website to reflect the changes.

I also need to find a new home for my studio and get it ready as the lease here is not being renewed and ends Jan. '09.

All the best to you and ALL for 2008! Let's all make it a BANNER year!
A Hui HOU!!

Sounds like writing/re-writing your business plan would be a huge benefit to you. I think by writing one you will be able to smooth out all of the wrinkles in your plan and you will be able to accomplish the goals you have set for yourself. Hope this helps!

Keep your goals near your work space , visualize and keep on track
Mines are mainly toward workflow and eficiency , lean operation.