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Happy Thanksgiving!
I hope you've all had a wonderful time with friends and family and can unplug from work to enjoy the things that really matter in life.
I am back from Europe and have spent my Thanksgiving holiday reflecting on all the wonderful things that have happened during this year and where I was this time last year. So much has changed from last year to now in my life but also in the world. In the U.S. we are going through some hard economic times and if you listen to all the bad news it can have a negative effect on us. I think it is fitting now more than ever to share a few books that have had a profound effect on my life and business. If you've ever heard me speak then you know I always talk about my three favorite books, but today I'm going to add one that I never speak about in my photography workshops and seminars.
Many photographers cut back when times get rough and I totally understand that, but one area that you can not cut back on is promotion. When things get rough it is very important to promote your photography more. We are very fortunate with the internet and that we can use this tool to promote our work. There are many sources out there to help working photographers and one of my favorites is ADBASE.COM. I use this site constantly to promote my work and reach art buyers and editors around the country. However, before you can use this powerful tool you must first know how to use it and this is where my recommended reading comes into play.
My must read list of books are:
1: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
2) Selling the Invisible by Harry Beckwith
3) The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Each of these books will help you throughout your career is ways that you can not imagine. How to win friends speak to how you need to treat your clients and the people around you. Selling the invisible speaks to how you must market and promote yourself and so much more. The Alchemist speaks to this journey that we are all on. Very often we have a plan for how we'd like for our life and career to go but life has a different idea all together. These books will change your life and enhance it in ways that you can not imagine.
My last recommended book is one only my good friends know about and I am know sharing it with you. The subject of this book is one that I've read about for years and followed and I am sharing it with you now because of the times we are in and I believe you this knowledge can help to improve your life. This book is Buffettology by Mary Buffett and David Clark. I have read everything about Warren Buffett for years and the knowledge about this incredible individual can help us all prosper in the future.
Always Dream Big!
Matthew Jordan Smith
5 comments:
Thank you sooo much for sharing these AMAZING resources, along with the insight and knowledge that you have gained through experience. You are always a blessing!
Quentin R. Gunn
When I was listening to your profoto interview, I recall you mentioning books like this, thanks for the reminder. I'll try looking into one and seeing how it improves my interaction.
These books are great and are worth every penny. I just have to check out Buffetology (already ordered it). Thanks for the recommendation.
Hey Matthew,
I red all thsi book... Thank you for sharing your perspective.. The alchemist has been one of my all time favorites....
Matthew - I found your blog through Nicole Hill's blog (great interview!) and have enjoyed reading your posts. I'm starting out as a photographer right now and your encouragement to dream big and your willingness to share the specific things you have done with your personal projects and work is very inspiring. Thank you.
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