What's the next step?

Ok, I have had a few successful gigs but how do I make it a regular occurrence?  Marketing is challenging and expensive so I must choose the right medium for maximum effect.  I have created a Facebook Fan Page and many of my friends have joined.  What I need now is a medium/method to drive business to my services.  I have purchased a domain name that should tie it all together but due to bureaucratic red tape, I have to wait for it to be moved from one service provider to another before I can start to use it.  This would help to solidify the brand but I still need to connect with the local customer base.  I am considering a marketing strategy using printed media (more to follow) but have to wait for confirmation on the domain name as it is a critical piece in the advertisement.  Photography is an industry with room for growth - I just want to carve out my niche and grab my piece of the pie!  Who do I have to shoot to make it in this business?!!

I created something beautiful - now what?

When an artist creates a piece of work and is pleased with it, naturally he/she feels as though buyers should be beating down the doors offering a great price for it! At least that is how I feel.

The challenge for me is not what to shoot or how to express it but rather, how do I get people who are in the market for art to see and ultimately to purchase my work! I am struggling with this challenge as I am sure many artists do - so what is the answer? Do I make prints, frame them and go door to looking for potential sales? Do I setup a table at the local convenience store and push my art there? Do I try unsolicited marketing like sending fliers or brochures to businesses? Arrrggg!! I am stuck.

Patience is a virtue with which I was not well endowed, so my need to see results forces me to find a marketing solution. I will troll the net and speak to any and everyone until the answer reveals itself...

Without Action

Not praising the worthy prevents contention,
Not esteeming the valuable prevents theft,
Not displaying the beautiful prevents desire.

In this manner the sage governs people:
Emptying their minds,
Filling their bellies,
Weakening their ambitions,
And strengthening their bones.

If people lack knowledge and desire
Then they can not act;
If no action is taken
Harmony remains.

-LaoTze-

Sheldon Straker PHOTOGRAPHY