So, a few weeks back, I had a post called My Day about an opportunity to present a proposal to grow my business. Friday, I was notified I did not get that contract. Disappointing, I can’t win them all, but this one hurt. Then, thanks to the world we live in, it was mere hours before it was known I did not get it. The news spread on a local social media page – the cats out of the bag, and some people knew I was going for it, so it was never 100% a secret. It being out there is not a bad thing at all. I am proud I went for it. I will go one step further and say I disagree with not getting it, but that is a more personal rant. We miss all the shots we don’t take right? This is the second time I have missed this shot, though. As of right now, I am not sure if I would shoot a third time, at least at this particular basket. It is important to take risks.
What is it I went for? School photos for my town. Being that photographer who goes into the school and takes all the pictures of all the students K-8. You would be surprised what goes into a job like that. It’s not like it once was. Large and medium-sized businesses have taken it over. Many are good, many are not, but the common factor with most is the photo is the least important part of the process. They would never admit it, but I will. I have educated myself on this process for a year since I did not make that first shot. Like many things in today’s world, it can be over complicated and somewhat outdated. I built a very competitive proposal, checked most of the marks that schools are looking for, and would offer personalized customer service, choice, and a solid product. They went in another direction. I respect that. And I thank them. Because here I am with a process I am proud of, a proposal that I can offer to any other district. I would not have this ready if they did not block my shot last year. This year’s shot, well, that one is a difference of opinion.
Now for Medway families, I will be working on my own school photo option, bigger than ever. Stay tuned.
Know anyone in a school system or preschool/daycare looking for a new photography vendor? Maybe someone that has been dealing with the same one for years, decades with the same results over and over, and it is time for a change. Change is hard. I get it. There is no risk in talking to someone new. And it is time we start shopping small again, big business is not always best. I want to earn the business every time someone uses me, and I got the proposal right here ready to go, don’t mind the crossed-out Medway. In all seriousness, I would make a really professional personalized proposal, it felt like a comedic way to the end of the post, but I had to ruin it by over-explaining the joke. I am a little gun shy right now. That missed shot hurt.
tr/trp
Bummer!