Time for a Re-Invention?

I’m not really sure how I feel about Suze Orman. I wouldn’t call myself a fan, but I do catch her show from time to time. I have never read one of her books. I caught her show the other night, and she had a photographer from Chicago appear via satellite. He was seeking her advice as to whether he should close his business. He had lost $23,000 this year so far after about 15 years of supporting himself, his family, and even a few employees. He felt that technology had gotten the better of him, and that in tough times people do not splurge on professional photography. His specialty is family portraiture, and he has taken a beating over the last couple of years. Everyone has a digital camera, and with Snapfish, Shutterfly, and Tiny Prints, it’s easy to upload your own photo and order cards for holidays, birth announcements and other life events. Now it would seem that only those with a lot of disposable income would hire someone to do something that they can do themselves. And how many of those folks are really left out here now?

Now I realize I am treading on dangerous ground here. I do not draw a direct correlation to this photographer’s situation and the printing industry. There are many key differences, not the least of which is that even though everyone might have a desktop printer to print a few sheets, not many companies or individuals have a 40 inch press that can produce a thousand brochures in two days. My point is this…

Suze told this guy to shut it all down and start over again. She called it a re-invention. I love this word. What this means is that this guy has the power to be anything and everything he wants to be. The key for him is to find an area of the marketplace that has demand, whether that be corporate events, art exhibitions, or nature photography. He already has the talent, the equipment, and the connections. So he can give himself the opportunity to build himself up all over again, and regain the success he once knew.

This is not to say that re-invention is easy. It requires taking a long, honest, hard look at the current situation, and the ability to admit what is not working. With some creativity, and maybe some help from colleagues, customers, and even the friendly competition, you might just find a whole new world out there that demands your expertise. Before you know it, you could be looking at a business that is renewed, re-energized, and REINVENTED.