Reflection Eight

1. What stood out to you during the Marketing Fundamentals mini-course?

I really liked the clip talking about category definition, and the examples they used really helped me understand. Your core business can be narrowed to specific items, but you can also broaden your products. You can go from just selling furniture to being considered a home lifestyle store just by selling a wider variety on items. When you expand your product options, your business grows significantly but so does competition.

2. What course(s) caught your attention in LinkedIn Learning (Click Browse (Links to an external site.) next to the search bar) that would fit into your Professional Development Plan and Career Goals? How could you fit this into your schedule? Will you?

Underneath the Business Topics, under Marketing, there is a small business marketing. Underneath that tab are multiple courses but I am interested in the Social Media Marketing for Small Businesses By Martin Waxman. I would and am considering completing this course during my free trial this month. Social media is a very important aspect in marketing a photography business so I think this would be beneficial for me, especially because it is FREE!!

3. Small Business Revolution: Wabash (S1E1)  Out of the six businesses to be featured in Season 1, which one would you be most interested in helping as a marketer? What did you think about, learn from, relate to in this first episode? 

Thriftalicious would be my top choice. Being from a small town of less than 2,000 people, I get where this town is coming from.Personally, I am a huge thrifting fan, and this sounds like such a cool place for a small town. Especially for the residents to be able to donate items for their fellow community members. And even though thrifting is different, my small town has a Community Outreach Program/Building where you bring what you can and take what you need. I think this should be a thing for every small town and is such an awesome way to support your community!

Reflection Seven

Part 1 – What podcast/interview did you listen to? Who did the interviewer interview?

I listened to a photographer’s podcast called Shine & Thrive by Sara Monika. She created a mini marketing course and in this episode, she interviewed one of her students, Tia Abbott.

Part 2 – What type of questions did the interviewer ask? Or – what questions were answered?

She asked questions pertaining to the course and  most questions were answered with how it boosted her confidence, and how she can be her “perfectly imperfect” self with her clients!

Part 3 – Who would you like to do your Informational Interview with this semester (mid-level in career; someone you could ask for 20 mins. from)? Draft up 5 – 10 questions you would ask them.

I would like to interview a wedding photographer I look up to. Her name is Molly Hoffman, from Kc. I could ask her so many things but I would love to know if it is worth investing in the most expensive equipment to make your work the best. IS it worth it? Are styled shoots worth investing into? How do you gain so many clients that are perfectly suited for you? How do you know when to raise your rates while booking the clients YOU want?

Reflection Number Six

What are the key concepts/tips you’ll be applying to the emails you write in the future?

A few concepts I will be applying to the emails I write in the future are to make sure I address the person correctly. Making sure not to be to informal and knowing when to use the first name and last name, depending on the situation. I will also make sure to have a proper email signature and be conscious on how I choose to use a name drop.

What brand do you enjoy receiving email from? Why?

I enjoy receiving emails from Rachel Traxler, who is a Photographer Business Coach. Her subject lines always catch my attention. For example, here are a few of her latest newsletters subject lines.

  • It’s really that simple to explode your social media?
  • Seeing “new inquiry” in your inbox (with the eyes emoji)
  • SEO holding back???
  • Ditch these things!!!

Reflection Number Five

1. What projects, internships, volunteer work or life experiences would help you develop and/or showcase skills for the jobs you shared last week?  What projects, internships, volunteer work have you done which already align with those employers’ needs?

The jobs I shared last week were Property Marketing Coordinator, Mystery Shopper, and Event Marketing Assistant, so I think the most important volunteer work would include working with the community and learning how to coordinate events such as a food drive. Internships for Property coordinator would include shadowing at an Apartment complex. I have volunteered at my local storehouse and have done many food drives through my school and church.

 

2. What classes/certifications do you think would help you grow in confidence? If you had an extra 30 minutes-1 hour each day, what would you love to study or practice to advance yourself/career?

Certifications in seo (Search engine optimization) would make me more confident in my photography business as well as email marketing certifications. If I had an extra 30min a day, I would use it study all things photography and small business owning. Taking online courses, watching youtube videos, reading articles, etc.

 

3. Who would be someone you would enjoy interviewing to learn more about their work, company, and story? Identify two people you would like to reach out to. #informationalinterview

I would love to reach out to a photographer in Kansas City. Her name is Molly Hoffman, and I adore her work. I would also love to interview a husband+wife photo/video team who specializes in elopements.

Reflection Number 4

It is important to have a professional looking LinkedIn profile that relates to your career goals because it establishes who you are and what you have and wish to accomplish. Your page proves that you are a professional and trustworthy option as a potential employee. It also shows your credibility as a person and employee. More importantly, it can catch attention and make connections, leading to more job opportunities.

I joined Digital Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Event Planning, and Creative Design Pros groups. Property Marketing Coordinator, Mystery Shopper, Event Marketing Assistant. I think my strongest area is customer service and being detail oriented. I would like to develop in multi tasking.

Reflection Two

What did you learn about yourself through the assessments (StrengthsFinder and etc.)?

By taking the strengths finder assessment, I already knew positivity would be an outcome. That was no surprise to me. I have always been optimistic about everything. Everything also happens for a reason, so why not just live life and be happy. I also got futuristic which makes sense. I dont like thinking about the past or waht could of happened.

Which strengths/results describe you best?

I think Empathy, positivity, and adaptability are three great words to describe me. I can sense others emotions and put myself into their situation, but also having positivity can help with that a ton. And lastly adaptability. Living life day by day.

What strengths and skills do you think will be most important in achieving your career goals?

Honestly, I have never taken this assessment before now, and i truly think the results are accurate, so all of them. By owning my own business, strategic helps with the business side. Having positivity that my business will grow or even being positive around clients can go along way.

What are your top five values?

My Top 5 Values are Authenticity, Honesty, Uniqueness, Respect, and Creativity.

What are you most passionate about/interested in? Following my dreams with my photography business but also creating a fun, unique experience for my clients. I don’t want “family photos” to be a chore for ANYONE.

BONUS: What do your friends, professors, and others think sets you apart? Text or call them to find out.

One of my clients, Lindsey- Your creativity and bubbly personality just shines!

My bestie gal, Libby- Your age and success. Like, you have been killing it since day one.

My cousin, Cade- Your honesty, and your true passion for things that seem to call your name.

Friend, Taven- Personality! and style! You’re genuinely excited about every client and that shows.

Reflection Number One

Hi! My name is Abigale Sleezer and I am a freshman studying Marketing Management. I have minimal experience in marketing as I own my own photography business. As a professional photographer/videographer, I want to obtain as much knowledge about marketing as possible. Finding ways to promote my business, perfect the way I sell my business to others, and find ways to make my business grow is the ideal goal.