Photographer, are you well suited and prepared for business?

 
Nikon D4,  Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM, Sigma 2x EX DG APO Autofocus Teleconverter, ISO 500, ƒ/5.6, 1/2000

These football players know the play; what’s the goal, and their competition. Are you this focused on your business?

Metaphors

A metaphor is a great way to get our heads around something we must work on. Now the bible uses a lot of metaphors. I think today’s football is very similar to the metaphor used in Ephesians 6:11, where Paul writes, “Put on all the armor that God gives so that you can defend yourself…”

Nikon D4,  Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM, Sigma 2x EX DG APO Autofocus Teleconverter, ISO 500, ƒ/5.6, 1/2000

Defense 

Today in football, you will notice that more than ever, the defense isn’t just trying to bring down the guy with the ball—they are trying to strip and turn it into a fumble.

Today you must be gripping the football with everything you got, or your competition will turn your big play into their big play.

You need to know your core values for your business and hold on to them just as if you were having others trying to make you fumble.

Nikon D4,  Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM, Sigma 2x EX DG APO Autofocus Teleconverter, ISO 1000, ƒ/5.6, 1/2000

Offense

You can break free of your competition and reach your goals daily—if you execute the plays you practiced repeatedly.

Worthy Opponents

Your competition isn’t your “enemy.” These are your colleagues. Like the NFL or MLB, you can get traded and play on their team the following week.

What you will notice is a worthy opponent makes you better. You also appreciate winning more when you have a worthy opponent than with no competition.

Questions for you

  • What is my goal?
  • Who are the players? Who is my client, and who is my competition?
  • What is my weakness that my competition is reaching for and trying to make me fumble?
  • What are the weaknesses of my competition?
  • Why should a client pick me when they have other choices?
  • What kind of preparation should I be doing now? Just like athletes train and watch game films to prepare for game day, is there something I can do to prepare?
  • Who is my coach?
  • Who is my trainer?
  • During my off-season, what am I doing to transform myself to be even better?