You meet a vendor and they are interested in photos of their venue or product.  Of course it may not be your specialty but these connections are important...critical.  Just as important is the follow through.  I can't believe how many people I meet that say 'I had photos taken but it took over 9 months to get them back...or I haven't seen them yet'.  My response 'REALLY?!!'.  Follow through and follow up is one of the most vital aspects of business ESPECIALLY as a small business owner.  Maybe it's the 10 years in the mortgage/escrow business that taught me that or maybe it's the neurotic, type A person that I am...BUT...I gotta say I have that as #1 on my list!  DELIVER!

Yesterday I met local bridal shop owners Zerlinda & Jen of Laineemeg Bridal.  Additionally they just opened Formals & Frills.  They have a beautiful boutique on 1st Street in Snohomish and know how to cater to their clients.  They offer a variety of both wedding, bridesmaids and prom dresses as well as the ability to dress the men!  Check them out, book an appointment and have the boutique experience.

I walk into the PRO Club Spa and I see a woman getting her makeup done...she may be an executive, a small business owner, a housewife, a mother, a survivor!  No matter who the woman is, she is nervous...excited to have her hair and makeup done but the first thing out of her mouth is 'I'm not a model'.  My thought...'Perfect'!  I know right then my goal is to make her feel comfortable...to earn her trust which then allows her to let her guard down, have fun and maybe even 'ENJOY' our session  (what a concept).

Meet Julie...a breastcancer survivor, with two small children under the age of 3, she took time to take care of herself after going through treatment and being everything to everyone else.  Of course losing weight is a goal but if I see anything I see an internal health happening.  A self confidence no matter what is happening in their life.  Julie has a spark about her...an inspiration!

Meet Patty...a Merril Lynch Stock broker.  She has never loved her photo being taken or the end result.  Patty brought it...she laughed, smized and became comfortable in her own skin...amazing to watch the transformation in just an hour.  Patty later called me and said she has never loved her photo...UNTIL now!!  At 56, she finally has the best photo of herself EVER...I am blown away by her compliment! 

Meet Renee...a manager at Microsoft, diagnosed with thyroid cancer 2 years ago...and then broke her foot.  After undergoing radiation treatment and a 12 week foot recovery she found herself with little tone left.  She enrolled in My Best 10 and gained 9 lbs of muscle and is feeling alive again.  Renee has such a sweet nature, peaceful and humble!!

All of these stories to me are about earning trust with my client.  No one feels comfortable in front of the camera and everyone needs direction and encouragement.  I love finding that connection with my client and am amazed that I always end up walking away more inspired by their stories!