I must start this blog with an apology to all of the readers as this week, I am tardy with the blog due to the IUSA convention. It was with good intentions that I was going to write one before we came so it would post on time, but…well, you can guess what happened (or didn’t)!

On top of that, many of you stopped me at this convention and told me you like to read my blog and thanked me for being so consistent in my postings;-( Sorry to all of you and please forgive me:-)

OK, I wanted to tell you all who may not have attended a few of the things I learned this week. The first thing I heard over and over from the attendees was a general feeling of optimism that 2010 is going to be a better year. I heartily agreed with them and am planning on that outcome for us as well.

From Nancy Emmerich and Rose, her daughter, I learned that they schedule their Senior outdoor sessions all on one night each week and they always meet and stay in one general area, each session lasting 1/2 hour. They can fit 4 in at a time that way and it utilizes their time more efficiently. Also from the Emmerichs, I learned that the Seniors love signing their name on white paper which they scan and add to the images; sort of a personal touch. Great idea!

From Greg and Lisa Daniel, I learned that you create a desire with distinct branding (where have I heard that before), then you build a relationship and satisfy their needs by understanding the client’s vision and fulfilling it. They recommended the book “The Experience Economy” and “Work is Theater and Every Business a Stage” to take customer service up a few notches. They also get their clients to write a few words (a testimonial) at the pick-up and mentioned that if your client says they will just mail it, you will never receive it, so get it then! Great information.

From Drake Busath, I learned about posing families that were quite large and thinking of the heads as music notes to make sure our melody is not stagnant, but curvy. Guess you had to be there to understand this concept…additionally, we learned how he stitches panoramas of families together and gave us some helpful hints. I think he is one of the best teachers around right now, so if you ever see him listed as teaching anywhere near you, GO! You won’t be sorry!

After these programs, we wore ourselves out at the trade show and had the opportunity to teach at the Kodak booth, always an honor! One of the most creative ideas I saw at the trade show was at Jen Hillenga’s booth called Love Notes and she also has a wonderful collection of textured backgrounds and layouts that can be combined for cards, books and canvas wraps. You need to check her out at http://jensfabulousstuff.com/store/

I will post some photos from this week on our Fan Page later, so check them out there. The one of us with Bill Clinton and George Bush are hilarious! Until next Monday, have a great week!

Bev

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