The last few months I’ve been working like a madwoman to catch up on my coursework. Not the course I’m teaching, but the course I’m taking. As I have mentioned in other parts of this site, I have built an Online Learning Environment to teach photography. Yes, that’s a shameless plug, and if you subscribe to my newsletters you probably know that about me already. Anyhow, part of that work is researching other people’s sites and checking out the things they create and sell, and in some cases even buying their courses.
One thing I have noticed is that I’m hugely attracted to online businesses that have a relaxed, funky, modern, open and honest presentation and writing style.
More and more highly successful people are using their own quirky personalities to sell themselves and their services. It’s so refreshing from the usual average typical safe protective voice that my corporate photography clients use. (Sorry guys! We expect you to be that way though.) Coming from a never-let-them-see-you-sweat background it has taken me a while to trust my inner voice and to share all for the public to see. I’m open like that when I teach, so why not be more like that online? When I teach at SAIT, my students don’t really have a choice in their instructors. But when they ask what other courses I teach, and when, it says they want to learn from me again because they connect with my personality and my deep passion about what I teach. By the way, I also go to great efforts to make my classes fun and interesting.
Learning from the examples of others has given me great insight and inspiration into becoming who I am online.
I don’t want to be like them, but I love that they can be themselves. It will also attract my ideal students into my online photography courses and give me more opportunity for customized training.
How will I stand out from others in the crowded space of online photography instructors?
We all know our stuff, are good photographers and like to share information. Something really incredible will have to separate me from other photo educators, and that my friend, is ME!
I know what you’re thinking, “How self-centered is that?” Okay, I’m not naïve. I know that I’ll also need stellar content, a great site design and ease of use to keep you coming back and buying in. My point here though is to be yourself! That way there is no split personality thing going on. People either dig you or they don’t, and if they don’t maybe you shouldn’t be working with them in the first place. Stretch that a bit further to: People will either dig your photography or they won’t. Don’t sweat it if people don’t. As my mom always says, “Do what you love and the money will come.” (Okay, but why does it have to take so long, mom?)
Have a really you day!
p.s.
Here is a list of a few of the people I really like, a couple of them also have very distinct personalities.
- Catherine Cane – Be Awesome Online
- Grandma Mary – Grandma Mary Show
- Pamela Wilson – Big Brand System
- LaVonne Ellis – The Complete Flake
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Thanks so much for the shout-out Marlene! You rock and love your blog and all you do!
Well Grandma, you are very unique indeed, so how could I resist!