If you know me, you know I freaking LOVE sales as much as I love romance, travel & taking pictures.
A lot of my workshop grads report a huge surge in sales after studying with me, such as Melanie – who posted this on Facebook today:
Hearing your success stories makes me feel AWESOME! and I want more of that for you and for me :)
Want to know how you can sell more easily, with more joy and make more money?
Scroll down for details… and please enjoy all the romance and beauty I experienced in Paris recently while shooting on the Seine…
For my Hottest Sales Tips…
Please join me for a Free Live BOUDIE CALL Q&A this Thursday on SALES & SELLING
The steps you absolutely MUST do before each sales session !
How to create a masterful In-Person Sales Session flow that will never leave you at a loss for words!
How to ensure your clients order during the first sales session
The importance of asking your clients if they want mustard on their sandwich (yup, you read that right) and more…
And for the first time ever, I have a Special Guest, Kristen Kalp, joining us on the call!
Why?
Well when I first saw Kristen’s Sales Without Shame program, I thought “B*tch stole my idea!”
But of course she didn’t. She did even better than that…
Kristen created THE BEST in-person sales tool out there. Her program is so aligned with all my beliefs and strategies and fills you in on everything you need to know to sell portraits effectively, simply and easily. She walks you through exactly what to do, in what order and guides you through every step of the process.
So I asked Kristen to join us on the call to share her wisdom, and she said yes!
EXCLUSIVE! BOUDIE CALL THIS THURSDAY!
Thursday, June 7th
1:00p EST / 10:00a PST
Call in details:
Dial-in Number: 1-218-862-1300
Conference Code: 668103
During the call, we’ll answer ALL your burning sales Q’s,
as well as some you might not even think to ask…
What single sales tip has made Christa and Kristen more money than any other?
What’s the best way to deal with clients who need more time to order or are from out of town?
How do I start to sell in person on a super low budget?
How do I overcome my fear of feeling “sales-y” and make more money yo?!
Post your Burning Sales Q in the comments below, and tune in on Thursday!
xoxo Christa
P.S. You can also hear me dish about sales and high-end client experiences during a juicy exclusive 45 min. interview with Kristen, which is available to folks who use her Sales Without Shame program. Details on that here.
I am a complete newbie so I want to know how the market is for boudoir photos and the best marketing that you can do for this field? Not really sure if it goes with this or not… if it doesn’t it is ok you don’t have to answer the question but it is something that I was curious about!
Thanks
I’m super digging this set, particularly the sepia-toned images! You probably already know my faves. Well done, Miss Meola, a master of the simple, classic and timeless image. Gorgeous!
“B*tch stole my idea!” That’s funny! And I am sold. Can’t wait to hear more from the both of ya.
Love the photos Christa! They really convey the great vibe of Paris and lovely women having a good time in Paris. :)
You inspire me every day, thank you for the amazing work (and sales skills!) that you share with all of us.
Yeah, I think you would be crazy to miss this call! Two mega-talents together!
Done Deal!
Yay! So excited but I have a networking event at the same exact time…replay??? <3 <3 <3 Caroline ~ Caroline White Photography ~
Caroline,
The entire call was recorded. The download is available here, starting tomorrow morning…
http://christameola.com/salestool
Enjoy!
xo Christa
what a genius idea for a call! an amazing photographer and an expert salesperson to teach you how to get more buck period… can’t wait!
Super excited to call in to my first Boudie Call!
Christa…these images are breathtaking. Priceless to this woman I am guessing. I love them. You do such amazing work, and capture such feeling…
I hope to tune in to your call!! thank you!
~Heather
1) God I love your smushie face! 2) I have had my web site launched, and shot my girlfriend Gen, and have got tons of reviews on that shoot. But, then NOTHING. I have been marketing on Facebook for 3 years, and twitter also. How can I market my business to keep the revenue coming in? I have goals, and packages. Not one enquiry. Plus, I am working full time right now in Small Business Sales for Bell Canada, so I gotta find some time, but scattered. Need help, because I feel like my passion is falling short. Little help?!?
Hi Tanya,
You bring up a great topic that I’d love to dive into! Your situation is more about branding, finding your ideal client and marketing. I will have calls on each of those topics coming up so stay tuned.
In the meantime, we hope to “see” you on the Sales call Thursday!
xo Christa
Love this pics and can’t wait for the rockin’ call. Learning from you two is a blessing :)
I love Christa’s work, and this sounds like an amazing opportunity to hear how it’s done!! Count me in!
I really, really wanted to take part but I am working at that time… replays please :)
Yes, Sandra, a complete recording of the call will be available for download. Check back to this blog post on Friday :)
Thanks for visiting!
xo C
Whoosh, mamacitas! This is hot stuff. We’re so lucky to get a window into your success stories. Thank you for setting this up and sharing your tips!! X
Smoking hot! I am fellow lover of sales, I just might need to check this out to get some hot tips. Love the pics! Flying you out to Paris for a photoshoot is sounding like a great idea ;) xo
Can’t wait! My burning question: how do you deal with clients who try to negotiate? (“I’d like this set of products and digital files valued at $1000 but will you take just $900? Otherwise, I’ll find another way to spend less.”)
Zoe,
thanks for a GREAT q! we answered it on the call…
download is avail here starting Fri 6/8: http://christameola.com/salestool
xoxo
Christa
AMAZING, SMART, PERFECT!!!!!
Absolutely Excited! Thank you.
What a beautiful post! Your work always inspires me, Christa :) I totally have a burning sales question:
I currently specialize in weddings and boudoirs. However, almost ALL my business is conducted about 1.5 hours away from my home office (which is actually set up really nice!). AND sometimes even those clients are just in town every once in a while. How do I convince potential and actual clients to come see me or sell to them out if town? All this driving is exhausting, time-consuming, and somewhat expensive. I should probably also state that since clients are not conveniently located, all their pics go onto an online proofing/purchasing gallery, which I dont believe is selling as much as I’d like.
What are some steps, contract lingo, etc that I should take to increase wedding event sales and my boudoir sales?
Much love and appreciation!
Lori
Ooooooo, juicy Q Lori!
Kristen and I will tackle this one on the call! Make sure to be there on Thursday, or check back to this blog post on Friday for the recording :)
Thanks for your Q!
xo C
Christa! Thanks for answering my question AND first if I might add :) Don’t worry, I listened to the rest of the call ;) But no, I’m not a mommy yet. haha! Well, I am if you count my lil chorkie Rupert. Thanks for the tips, analogies, and learning to choose the right “language.” I guess I need to consider some price list changes and buy more chocolate covered espresso beans for the road. Those things can keep my up FOR HOURS. lol! Thanks again!
Toodles!
Love all the pics…simple but elegant!!!
Your calls are always are noteworthy, inspiring and informative. Amazing!!
Wow!!! I’m jealous the pictures are gorgeous and just makes Paris look even MORE beautiful. Now I really want to go. Gorgeous pictures!!!
This setting is so perfect. She blends in perfectly to the Parisian setting, yet her beautiful features really stand out. I am sure the Q+A call is going to rock. I can not wait to hear what all you have to teach.
Here is a question for you.. Photographers have a ton of expenses. How do you manage all of the different expenses while still making everything look very high end? What’s the secret?
Keep up the great work!
xo
Theresa
That’s such a GREAT Q Theresa! I’ll have to do a call on that subject…
Creating High-End Style on a Shoestring Budget.
Look for that one coming soon!
Thanks for the Q!
xo C
I’m preparing to dive into the boudoir ‘experience’ business. I’m currently a hair and makeup artist and have a fabulous photographer I’ll be working with. I don’t know where to start…business plan, test shoots, advertising, etc. is it necessary to have an office with different sets to start or is there another cost friendly way to get started? What are the things you wish you had known when you started that you now know?
Can’t wait to join in the discussion! :)
Christa……oh Christa,
After tackling the entire boudoir workshop series in Seattle with those awesome folks from Creative Live and then finally getting onto your website and grabbing the 10 Money Shots I did my first shoot 2 weeks after….and the pics were frankly pretty gosh darn fab!! (Having the insiders knowledge so helped me here :-)
From those pics generated a few leads and my next shoot. But things are slow, so here is my question….
Having ONE set of pics in my possesion is a huge plus, how do I use this set most effectively in garnering that “NEXT” shoot….because my website is geared more towards fashion should I setup another “online persona” geared specifically towards boudoir and rock it out with that one set, or wait until I get a few more under my belt……
Your an amazing person and following and learning from you has been an incredible experience (I can truley see that NYC persona in you)
Can’t wait to listen in…
Chris.
Chris,
Thanks for the comment.
Don’t “wait til you have more under your belt.” Start now! I started with only one set of pics as my port as well.
Also, no need for an additional “persona” – keep it all on the same blog. You can separate galleries if you like, but there will be a lot of overlap (I’m guessing) in your style for both fashion and boudoir – they go so well together and as a fused style. Plus, it will be great for your ideal clients to see all your work yes? Also, it’s so much easier to update/maintain one site as well as easier/cheaper to market.
Make sense? Keep me updated and super thrilled you love my cLIVE workshop as well as got a ton out of using The Money Shots!
way to go :)
xox Christa
I’m just getting started with ‘guinea pig’ boudoir shoots (thank God for willing friends!) before I start really offering them to clients. I saw that my most burning questions are going to be answered – how to get them to order at the ordering session and what to do about out-of-towners or ppl that really do need more time.
I also would love to hear how to convince people to DO in-person ordering. I’ve been pushing this for a few months and get turned down flat every single time. I’ve even offered a bonus print for in-person ordering and nada.
So glad you two are teaming up for this!!! ‘See’ you gals tomorrow!
Hey Amy,
I think we totally answered your Q on the call – but just to drive it home: you can’t be “turned down” for an in-person ordering session if that’s your process and you only do it that way :)
Let us know how it goes!
xox Christa
OK – this all could NOT have come at a better time! Starting in-person sales is/was my #1 goal for 2012 and I have been feeling that goal slipping further & further away as the year has gone on. The more I tried to focus on the specifics & logistics of this thing-I’ve-never-done-before the more paralyzed I felt.
But I followed the link over to Sales Without Shame last night and pretty much did a happy-dance in my living room as the more I read about Kristen’s program the more I was convinced it was the answer to my paralysis…!
Bought it last night – read it – fantastically excited to now have a concrete plan to put into action. WOOT!
BUT [but but but!!] here is my burning question:
I could not be further from an in-person-sales model right now (I have no collections, I pretty much guide all my clients get the disc because it is the easiest thing to sell and has the highest profit margin when one is just putting pictures up online…I know, I know! not good. That’s why it was my #1 thing to change this year:). Obviously I have a lot of work to do creating collections & deciding what products I’m going to offer & at what prices – scary but doable! BUT I am currently booked up through the end of August and my fall is starting to fill up too. So (here’s the question – finally) how the heck do I deal with these clients who booked me based on my current offerings (mainly, digital images)?? Do I need to sell to all of those clients the “old” way and moving forward just institute the new policies with any new bookings?? Or is there another way to deal with it?
Would love to get both of your thoughts on that one!:)
(and THANKS so much for this opportunity Christa! excited for the call tomorrow!)
(and I should have said above that my concern with changing things for the clients who have already booked is mainly based on how my clients’ investment per session will have to change. Say I’m making $300/disc right now in profit. To make that same profit on a canvas or album my clients are going to have to spend way more than the $300. But they booked me knowing that they could get a disc for $300…. And therein lies the difficulty – in my head at least:)
Hi. Nice Paris images! What lens or lenses did you use?
Keep up the great work!
Thanks GT.
These were all shot with the 50mm 1.2.
xo C
OMG! The one where you’re behind her and she’s sitting, its from the waste up and b & w… wow!!! Its just timeless! That will be a classic 80 years from now. All these are drop dead gorgeous. But that one… WOW! I love images that you look at and you can’t tell if they were taken yesterday or 50 years ago. LOVE it!!!
Hi Christa. Glad to see you are back to posting regularly again. Love the photos. It was hard to pick but I think my favorite is the one with her standing next to the lamp post. There is so much emotion coming from the image! Super excited to read that you will be posting a recording of the conference call for those of us who can’t participate on Thursday.
First off, LOVE both of you guys! So excited to hear you both later today. Should be a very good time! Here is my burning question…How do I close the sale? I have just started doing in-person sales. So far, it has been going pretty well (way better than on-line) BUT, my mtgs always end with them needing to “make sure” their wall galleries will work, etc.etc. I’ve only had one person still on the fence, saying she will pay it as soon as she is able to. I obviously do not order anything until they pay. but how to get them to do it at the session?? With out being obnoxious?? I get so wishy washy at the end. help.
Christa, can’t wait for today, bought your workshop at Creative Live and love it.
I’ve got 2 questions:
1. I have a limited amount of products, keep it simple, less is more philosophy. If the client doesn’t want to by an album for example due to price, I know not to discount but what about offering a payment plan? If so when do I deliver the product?
2. During the process described above, let’s say the client changes her mind, after starting the payment-plan, how do you deal with the situation, while maintaining a good relationship and my reputation?
Thanks and can’t wait for the 2 of you.
Christa,
Your work is beyond stunning and has really inspired me to find and embrace my own style of photography, especially while I am making the big transition from family and children’s portraits to my beloved boudoir and women’s photos. One of the issues I am running into, other than my ideal client being completely different, is being able to explain the value of my work and my products in a way that people grasp completely. My past clients, while they are not my ideal client any longer, don’t understand how I could go from literally giving away sessions to charging what I consider quite reasonable rates. I have finally embraced my art and don’t wish to devalue it any longer. What are the best tips for selling the public on my true value, or the best sales tools you found useful when you made your transition?
Thanks so much for this call….about 20 minutes away now!! Sorry for the late comment, but I can’t wait!
I can’t wait for the boudie call Christa! I don’t have any specific questions, because what I really need help with is the flow of the sales session and what to say to the client! So what to say and when do I say it? LOL.
Hi. Love the call by the way. My issue is finding the right clients to sell to. All my clients are at the tip top of their budget and all the people they refer are the same. I only have 3 repeat clients who can really afford me and only 2 never balk at price. Besides these 3 clients I have never had a client order past what their package included b/c of price. BTW, all my packages include prints.
Loving the call! My question is how do you come up with your price list? Do you discuss the pricing on the first phone call?
My clients always ask “what is included”.. You mean $800 just for the sitting and no prints ??
Do you believe in having a low session fee so that they are not expecting images to be included …
Thank you for putting this call together.
Hi christa and kristen!
I made the decision recently to switch my business almost exclusively to boudoir. Before I did that, I made myself book MY OWN boudoir session with another photog to get into my client’s head. Biggest thing I learned is that anxiety the next day – holy cow, I sat and refreshed the photographer’s page over and over and got nothing but stressed out about it for days till I finally got my proofs.
So to counter that anxiety, I’ve been posting a bombshell sneak peek for my clients the next day, so they are excited and anticipating the proofing session rather than anxious and dreading it. “what if I look terrible” should NEVER cross my client’s mind, and this preview does seem to alleviate that self-doubt.
However, My sneak peek image NEVER sells, and digital proofs sell less than in-person proofing, so I’m trying to switch over to in-person proofs wherever possible but do you have a suggestion for countering that post-session anxiety without shooting myself in the foot sales-wise??
Another question – do you sell a package up front, or do you have a session fee and retainer fee which later goes toward prints, or what? My biggest stumbling point with in-person sales is that when I do sell a package up front my client is always hesitant to buy more than what they’ve already paid for. They order prints to fully take advantage of whatever their deposit covers, then nothing more and will NOT budge beyond that dollar amount, it’s super frustrating, but I want to know they’re going to order, and I won’t just be making the session fee off of them with no print sales later. How do I back a required order minimum without a deposit?
Thanks for taking my call. Not a good time for my phone to die though – right in the middle of my question!
–Erik
I was so looking forward to this call and then wasn’t able to make it. Will there be a number we can call into to hear a replay?
Thank you!
Hi there :) I`ve been watching several Creative Live courses (including yours Christa, of course), reading business for photographers books etc. but there is something that bugs me and so far I haven`t heard it being asked by anyone. I`m from Croatia where it`s absolutely common for photographers to charge a certain amount of money for the session + products + edited photos + DVD with all good photos to their customer and then they say their farewells and never speak again. Since money is an issue here, everyone wants to know exactly what and how much they are getting for what they payed for, and may that be as cheaper as possible :) First of all, I guess it made photography look too cheap and with that terrible “anyone can do it, it`s all digital” feeling. And secondly, clearly there is no chance to upsale, earn possibly more etc. In the end it comes to the situation where you depend on the amount of clients that hire you (sometimes yoru schedule is full and sometimes there is no one at the door) and you will earn only that amount you charged and not a dime more. I may be totally willing to try to change the mindset of people (I tend to do that and than get frustrated :D ), but as you can see, this is totally devaluing our work and effort. Hiring a photographer for a session here is considered a luxury and not giving digital files on DVD is absolutely not understood (or vice versa: charging a lot for “just a DVD with files” would raise a lot of eyebrows). Thoughts? :)
Oops… Just missed the call. Is there a replay for those that didn’t make it to the call?
Thank you,
Jean
OMG Christa!!! I don’t know how I missed seeing this post!!! I LOVE these images. Simple, beautiful, just so so lovely. hope to make it to Paris with you one of these days :)
I did download SWS. Kristin’s awesome, you’re awesome and I hope to start implementing all y’all’s awesome biz tips real soon XOXO
So lovely…the place, the girl, the photos…xxx