SB2
has been a positive learning experience beyond our expectations. The
immense volume of practical information we received during this
gathering of industry leaders will take many weeks of deciphering and
application to our business. Some of the facts we learned were already
known to us, but we were reminded of what we need to improve and act
upon; in some instances we were validated in our current correct
approach and in many more we learned a whole new way of making our
business efficient, safe and profitable.
This
wealth of knowledge is the most time and cost efficient way for us to
move forward with our marketing efforts. As an invaluable bonus, we
also met many of our national leaders and made great connections with
other professionals who have the same goals and passion for our trade,
making this event priceless.
~Pierre and Cathy Dutertre
SB2: Educational, Inspirational, and Spiritual!
Photographers
gathering together like wolves in a pack; this time it’s not for a
hunt, but rather to restructure what they are doing, collectively, for
the good of the pack.
Sharing
ideas and working out problems as a group, the contributions of diverse
individuals energizes the breadth of the art we share, "Photography!"
Having
been in the industry for 22 years I have a good grasp on this business
and I live with the passion of it that makes photography my life’s
work.
Going to SB2 not only confirmed my feelings about doing it right, it showed me more ways to accomplish Our Dream!
Attending
SB2 will give you more insight into the industry and business practices
you can put to use, what we all learn from each other is far beyond
what each of us could learn on our own.
I
encourage each and every person who has a passion to make photography
their life to attend SB2, you have something to contribute and what you
will learn is invaluable. Be part of the pack! ~David Monroe
SB2
was the most incredible three-day event that I have ever attended. In
my 25 years of business in commercial photography, I have never seen
this much wealth and quality of business knowledge at one seminar for
any price, much less for this low price. If you do your self or your
business any favors this year, this would be it. You won’t be
disappointed. There is much to be learned and gained whether you are
new to the business or a 25-year veteran like me.
~Ed McDonald
The
entire weekend of SB2 left me feeling absolutely invigorated to "get
back to work" in this crazy world of the business of photography. I
went through a "Web-Based Marketing" Class with Blake Discher and
we did a negotiation role-playing exercises to train, examine, and
re-evaluate how we market ourselves as photographers to potential
clients, whether they be high-powered ad agencies or the mom and pop
soda shop down the street. At first I thought it would be corny, but
after it was all said and done, I felt like I just learned a new
language. Just sitting there, among definite professionals who’ve been
in business for decades, listening to how they negotiate was worth ten
times what I paid to go to the conference.
By
the end of SB2, I felt deeply saddened by the fact that the last time
this absolutely critical event happened was 14 years ago, and after the
last one this year (Chicago 11-13), who knows when the next one will
occur. If you are reading this and you’re a professional, a student, or
an emerging professional like me, seriously consider going to the next
SB2 event. The market is tough enough as it is and 14 years is an
awfully long time to wait for the next train.
~Ken Lopez
What
struck me about SB2 was how much value I get for being a member of
ASMP. The program was fantastic and worth much more than we paid.
Similar programs would cost in excess of $1,000. But I realized more
value than what can from the program. References the presenters used
caused me to realize the value of the online resources that I have
never explored. At the end of the weekend I concluded that the value
of the information, support, and networking that ASMP delivers to us is
equivalent to that a franchisor in other industries would sell for tens
of thousands of dollars.
~Wallace Weeks
"Photographers
helping photographers" was apparent at the SB2 seminar in Atlanta. In
action, we spent the weekend with over one hundred and thirty
photographers freely sharing ideas, business practices, negotiating
tips and creating friendships. The speakers brought to the table years
of experience, energizing old thoughts and creating new ones like that
old business practice of a written thank you note and the notion of a
photo blog. I can’t wait for National’s next event.
~Jay Carlson
