Today, I am sharing my solo episode diving into a topic that can always use more info and ideas: handling objections. I shared my thoughts on this a while back, but I’m excited to give you a fresh take.
As Sandra Boynton’s coffee mug says, “Salesmanship begins when the customer says no.” This couldn’t be truer in our field. You can do everything perfectly—attract the ideal clients, have amazing sessions, and plant seeds for future purchases—but an objection can stop you in your tracks.
Objections can arise at any point: initial contact, during a call, in-person consultations, or sales sessions. We need to be prepared with responses that not only satisfy our clients but also encourage them to book us and invest in our products and services.
Here are some common objections you might face and how to handle them:
1. Initial Contact:
“I don’t use the phone. Just email, please.”
“Can I have only digitals?”
“Please send me your pricing.”
2. In-Person Consultations:
Price issues.
Pushback on the in-person sales session.
Time of day, location, clothing preferences.
3. Sales Sessions:
“Can we order later or some now and some later?” It’s important to remember that our goal isn’t just to make a sale because we need it. We believe that what we offer is a blessing to our clients. Always keep your “why” in mind.
Here are three key takeaways for handling objections:
Establish yourself as a Trusted Advisor:
First respond to questions with a clarification questions: When faced with a challenging question, take a breath, ask for clarification, and use the “Feel, Felt, Found” technique.
Stand firm on your policies using this phrase…”These were the prices and policies when you booked me, and they are still my prices and policies.”
Watch on YouTube or listen wherever podcasts are shared as I dive deeper into these points and
share more insights on handling objections effectively! And thanks, as always, for listening, subscribing, and connecting. I heart you big time! Luci
Connect with Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas:
Boy, oh boy, have I got a treat for you this week on The Profitable Photographer Podcast! This week the roles are getting reversed, and I am being put in the hot seat by fellow podcaster, and previous Profitable Photographer guest, Ingvild Kolnes.
Norwegian Photographer, Ingvild is a long-time photographer turned educator and mentor for other photographers. She even has her own podcast that you can check out, The Sustainable Photography Podcast.
Ingvild and I thought it might be fun to do a little podcast swap, and I am so glad that we did! What did we talk about? Well, all things In-Person Sales, of course! You all know that I am a huge believer in serving your clients through sales. Not only does it benefit you (hello growing your business and increasing your profit), but it also helps them value their experience, photos, and loved ones more.
Listen in as I share:
how to boost your sales skills
how to handle objections more effectively
why connecting with your clients is vital
the power of building relationships
how to create a sustainable photography business.
FREE GIFT…I am offering 8 listeners a “Create the Business of Your Dreams” coaching session. You can email me at luci@lucidumas.com or go to lucidumascoaching.com and set up a quick chat to apply. Woo Hoo!
Interested in learning more from Ingvild? Connect with her here:
In this episode of The Profitable Photographer, I am sharing some thoughts and strategies around money. Not the inner game or blocks or prosperity issues but some of the nuts and bolts about being in business.
You can listen on all the podcast platforms as well as my other 229 episodes or kick back and watch on the “You Tubes”. www.lucidumascoaching.com is a great place to check out what I am up to and offer.
Some of my tips include
1. Cash and income you might need to get started
2. How to set up 3 accounts in your business to help you stay profitable and not get caught cash poor at tax time
3. My perspective on paying for or sharing household responsibilities out of the family budget
Thanks in advance for following me here and podcast platforms.
Hugs! Luci
Photography Business Coach Luci Dumas’ Programs and Contact Info:
It’s safe to say that today’s guest is just as passionate about sales as I am. And, he is no stranger to the photography industry. Jai Long is an award-winning wedding photographer, creative business coach, host of the “Make Your Break” Podcast, serial entrepreneur, and the leader of a heart-filled, worldwide community of photographers. He even has his own course, Six Figure Business Map, where he helps photographers set and achieve “unrealistic” goals and overcome self-limiting beliefs. That was not a typo…he did say unrealistic and be sure to listen for his explanation.
Even though sales can have a negative connotation, Jay is clear that selling is an art and a gift to clients.. He shares with us that his perspective came from how he was raised. He knew, even as a child, that the only way to grow out of his existing circumstances was by selling. And, the older he got, the bigger his sales became.
Listen in as Jay and I discuss:
-The fear of rejection and success in regards to selling
-The need for courage to step out of your comfort zone
-3 must-haves for good sales
-How selling is a service.
To help you grow more confident in your own sales, you can even download a free copy of Jai’s Scripts for Sales Objections on his website, jailong.co.
Interested in learning more from Jai? Here’s where you can connect with him:
Welcome to The Profitable Photographer with Luci Dumas. Today’s solo episode is about how to network like a Rock Star. How to build relationships that lead to support of both of your businesses.
The core principle is to build relationships, leading with generosity and offering support first. Getting to know the person and the business. Find ways to refer them, promote them, learn what makes them wonderful and connect.
Many people jump too fast…”too much too soon”. Asking for someone to support your business before they know what you do and how it can support them rarely succeeds.
In this teaching, I share tips to help you build relationships in a way that doesn’t seem pushy and creates loyal professional friends. I cover…
1- The importance of being a “stocker” on their social media
2- How to get a warm connection. Lead with positivity about their business
3- Have a reason to connect that serves them first
4- Get together and see if you have a good connection
5- Why referring them and helping their business is a priority
In other words…create a real relationship, support them, ask for support that is a win for you and them. Once you make a good connection, there are lots of ways for them to introduce you to their best clients and help you get lots and lots of warm, wonderful leads.
A big, exciting and maybe a little scary dream to have a successful, profitable and creative photography business doing exactly what you love for wonderful, grateful clients? Or do you want to bring your business to the next level of fun and profit.? If so, then this Podcast is for you.
For over 36 years, I have made a great living as portrait and wedding business, Luci Dumas Fine Photography, with no other source of income. No rich husband or lottery winnings, through the ups and downs of the industry and economy.
Now as a business coach with Insight Training for Photographers, I love love love to support photographers who want to do the same. This podcast is full of practical business info, and insights gained from my years in business, plus interviews with amazing people. My desire is to help you along on your joyful journey to success, however that looks to you.
