Nikon D2X, Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM, ISO 400, ƒ/2.8, 1/1600

Self-sufficiency is another word for poverty.

I read that and immediately bristled, but as I listened more to Matt Ridley’s comment, I realized he was right.

Listen to Matt here:

The more we work for each other, the better off we are.

The key to how much work you get depends on how much networking you have done. What you learn from networking are two things that are extremely important to your being able to pursue your passion for photography.

What you do must benefit others.

No one cares, no matter how nice you are and how much you care. What matters is how those things inside you move you to action. You are measured by what you do and not by what you think.

I remember the story where Jesus cursed the fig tree for not producing fruit [Mark 11:12-25]. But, of course, that was the purpose of the tree.

People will not buy what you produce unless it benefits them.

David Wong wrote:

Either you will go about the task of seeing to those needs by learning a unique set of skills, or the world will reject you, no matter how kind, giving, and polite you are. You will be poor, you will be alone, you will be left out in the cold.

Does that seem mean, or crass, or materialistic? What about love and kindness — don’t those things matter? Of course. As long as they result in you doing things for people that they can’t get elsewhere.

Nikon D2X, Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM, ISO 400, ƒ/2.8, 1/400

Sell the Dream

No matter how passionate you are about something, nobody cares about it simply because you do.

I love to watch Shark Tank, the TV show. However, after you listen to them, I hear many who have ideas that are not marketable each week.

If you want clients or customers, you need to be concerned with why they should care about what you’re doing, even when you’re doing what you love. Don’t be so in love with your passion and busy doing it that you forget to look up and show others why they should care as much as you do.

Your challenge is communicating the gift of your passion, mission, and unique value.

Nothing succeeds like success.

One of the best ways to get people excited about your offer is to show them your success. Showing your successes is how many NGOs get their support. Here is the problem and a success story where we have made a difference. They then will show how there are many more to help and need your support.

Here is a great example that I helped Honduras Outreach produce this past year.

Summary: Don’t focus on being self-sufficient. Focus on being a service to your fellow man. The key to your success is not just to find your passion but to find out how this benefits other people. Once you have this nugget, you are well prepared to promote what you can do for others.