Create Yourself Smile File For When You Need Boost

With everything we need to think about running a photo styling business, these are some of the things you might be thinking about in your day-to-day running of your business. Traditionally, Photo and Prop Stylists (and creatives) have a website with only a portfolio of their work on their site. No creative "about me" page, extra pages, or a blog. BUT, times a' changing'.  To see and be seen ~ ya gotta get out there and participate in traditional (& creative) marketing efforts.  So, you might be thinking:

▪ Do I need to do more videos on IG?
▪ Do I need a Newsletter? What do I talk about?
▪ What topic should I use as a “Freebie/Opt-In”
▪ Do I really need a  “Freebie/Opt-In”
▪ I need to be a “content creator” now?
▪ How do I stand out?
▪ How do I get more clients?
▪ Am I charging enough?
▪ How do I raise my rate?
▪ Clubhhouse? Do I need to do Clubhouse?
Remember when Clubhouse was THE rage!  Now, we are onto other platforms.

& the list GOs ON.

Oh my! Don’t ya just wanna smile and not get so caught up IN it!?  I LITERALLY have a smile file for when things get overwhelming, hectic or just plain "having a bad day".

I have always been very organized in asking for “feedback” from clients. (testimonials) but the “smile file” really came to be by consulting and mentoring new and aspiring photo stylists ~ who would get very down by the fact they were not getting work, that clients would not always like their suggestions, styling, etc. ~ to the point that they thought “maybe this business in not for me”.

Soooooo, along came the smile file.  I suggested to gather everything that people complimented them on (comments in their IG Posts, their DM’s, FB posts, compliments they did receive from clients, any notes they received ~ everything!! ) We do tend to focus on the not so positive things clients say. When they had those “down days” and feeling “not so confident or appreciated” they could go right into their SMILE FILE and be perked right back up! Sometimes that's what we need ~ to be reminded. We tend to focus on the negative feedback and forget the positive when we are going through a “down day” or period of time.

So, on a business note, ya know I have to go there. I ask for feedback from clients, I send out surveys (not “businessney” ones ~ fun ones) and I ask those who have sent notes to me if I can use them in my promotional and brand materials.  

When you think about it, we don’t believe all advertising ~ but we DO believe people.  That’s why we go to Amazon Reviews & Yelp, right?

Start yourself a smile file! Do you have a smile file? What are your thoughts on starting one?  


Bonnie ~

Image Credit ｜ Editorial Stock Images