I conducted some surveys last year to determine what clients really wanted. The overwhelming majority of clients preferred the all-inclusive option, which includes a session retainer fee, digital photos and small prints.
The response was unexpected, but so close to unanimous that I couldn’t ignore it. I decided to restructure EVERYTHING. I changed my business model from a product-based one to a service based one. Much like a Wedding photographer, instead of relying on selling a specific number of prints in order to reach my sales goal, I charged for my time.
Knowing exactly what clients would get was so easy. Many other aspects of my life are chaotic, unpredictable and hectic. I wanted my photography business easier to run. So I happily jumped right in.
Then, those who had said they wanted to have a one-stop shop with me, stopped booking. I was naturally alarmed, but the results of the survey were so clear! It was tough, but I persevered and added to my income by taking photos for publications as well as photographing the interiors. Even so, bookings were few.
It was only then that I realized there were differences between what my clients said they wanted and what they actually wanted.
It happens in every aspect of life.
As an example: I met him a little more than 14 years ago. He was funny, sarcastic, and quite frankly, odd. But I couldn’t get rid of him. I woke each morning in anticipation of seeing him again and I listened to every word he spoke.
The man I thought I wanted was nothing like what I had imagined. I was surprised to find that the kind of man I had in mind ended up being very different from the one who made me feel complete and filled my soul with longing. He was everything I never knew I wanted. He is still.