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WIN A BUSINESS THERAPY SESSION!

03.25.10

So, your biz is having a bit of trouble. It might be your logo, it might be your marketing materials. Your web presence, your lack of focus, your inability to find time in the day to get anything done. Your Twitter addiction. Whatever it is, we’ll talk it out through equal parts e-mail and phone conversation.

One lucky winner will receive a business therapy session with me. You’ll fill out a branding questionnaire, I’ll come up with a list of improvements that could help your biz, and we’ll chat for thirty(ish) minutes.

Win a $149 business therapy session by signing up for the Brand Camp Merit Badge mail list below.

That’s it! If you’ve already signed up, you’re already eligible! The winner will be picked next Tuesday, the 30th. For brownie points, tell me WHY you should win in the comments below.

To earn an extra chance at winning, just follow Brand Camp on Twitter then tweet this:

Win a business therapy session with @brandcampblog here: http://bit.ly/1Fa45Y

Oh, and if you’re in a super-lucky mood, enter the My Branding Sucks giveaway over on the Totally Rad Actions blog, too.

Tags: biz, branding, business, entrepreneurship, giveaway

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Amy - April 22, 2010 - 11:26 pm

I have every problem you mentioned in the beginning of your post (maybe not a twitter *addiction* persay, but definitely an unhealthy relationship – ha!).

I’m sitting on the edge of a major change in my life – I’m going to be a mommy for the first time in August, and I want to get a great head start on making my business all I dream it can be before my baby girl gets here! Getting my business in order will not only help me stay sane once I’m dealing with 3 AM feedings, but it will also get me one step closer to the ultimate goal – building my business enough to leave my “day” job and be a work-at-home-mommy to Miss Arabella and any siblings she may one day have!

Marcia Stuhler - March 29, 2010 - 12:59 pm

I have dedicated this year to building my brand name and marketing myself. It’s funny to me that my full time job has many elements of marketing but I somehow can’t market my own business. When you are the CEO then it makes your job a little harder. So I would love to gain some knowledge where photography is concerned. This would give me the opportunity to get more in the business mind.

Kari - March 29, 2010 - 10:37 am

Why?

We want to be better, we want to look better, we want the world to know we’re better.

alexa - March 28, 2010 - 2:23 pm

I deserve to win because I have the drive, motivation, and smarts to put the knowledge I would gain into use. GOOD use. I’m just starting out and would love some more knowledge like this to aid me…. I would purchase, but, like I said, I am just starting out and therefore have invested quite a bit already. I really need this. Plus, I would write you a rave review. (as I’m sure that it will be AWESOME!) I think that this could be the info I need to really start off right… I’m putting it out there in the universe- c’mon email me with my info!

Renee Booe - March 27, 2010 - 5:47 pm

I need to win this. As a new business we are in desperate need for your professional expertise! Oh please please pick me!

Marla - March 26, 2010 - 8:07 pm

I think I should win because I LOVE your posts, your style of writing, your wit and feel that anyone with that much good stuff to give out can surely help me! I feel motivated and have MANY ahhh-haaa moments when I read your posts. Like everyone, I could use some focus and help and I would be SUPER excited if it could be from you!

Kelly - March 26, 2010 - 11:53 am

Like so many posting above, I need the push to stop marketing to my acquaintances s who can’t afford what I want to charge and step it up to the next level.

Lauren Everly - March 25, 2010 - 11:40 pm

I’m a Navy wife with two beautiful children that moves around every 4 years! It is so hard to try and establish a business that often! I’ve been to workshops and looked at other photographers website to see their layout and mine just eventually turned into this giant ball of…I have no idea what it is! I have a logo, but grew tired of it quickly. I recently bought Easy As Pie, which is AMAZING and Alicia referred me over to try and get some website help. I need a website that will move with me where ever I go and something that I am confident in and proud to show off. Hopefully we will stay here in Florida and I can finally get my name out there, but I need the right foundation and marketing tools to do so. I wish I was English lit major at times like this, but I’m not, Spell Check is always close by. So please consider me.
Thanks,
Lauren Everly

xander swanson - March 25, 2010 - 11:04 pm

I need this because I at least 90% suck. You know, that 90% of everything that has nothing to do with actually using a camera. Then there’s the other 10%… but I guess that would be another give away from another site, huh? And thanks for all your awesomely free tips and advice. mucho thanks

Deena - March 25, 2010 - 10:58 pm

I have every problem you mentioned in the beginning of your post (maybe not a twitter *addiction* persay, but definitely an unhealthy relationship – ha!).

Miki DeVivo - March 25, 2010 - 6:24 pm

I could use some encouragement. This photo biz is so very important to me but I’m having a hard time putting that all into words so that others can understand my passion. I could also use a confidence boost. I’m self taught and I want to be seen as so much more than just a “mom with a camera.” I could use a plan to make sure that I’m headed in the right direction and that I’m recognized as a professional and an artist, even though I’ve had to figure all this out on my own. Thanks so much! I’ve learned so much from your blog. And thanks to for the recommendations for Ittybiz and Easy As Pie, they’ve been hugely helpful.

Carrie Hasson - March 25, 2010 - 4:45 pm

I NEED this.

a) because you hit the nail on my head, and described me perfectly in paragraph 1.

b) because I’m still gonna go back to twitter after I leave this comment.

c) because I need a PLAN.

d) because I’m a nice person.

e) because you seem like one too (hence the nice giveaway)

Mahalo!

Jennifer Garbett - March 25, 2010 - 4:09 pm

I understand the concept and that brand is important…well it’s everything. I’ve invested in a logo and I’ve invested in Easy as Pie to perfect my business plan/pricing strategy. I am still struggling completing the brand development and marketing pieces. You have so many good entries but I would of course enjoy a chance at this. Just need a little bit of help to complete my vision…thanks for the chance.

Liz - March 25, 2010 - 3:46 pm

I’ve got a brand. What I don’t have are excellent business habits. I could use some help and whip-cracking in that area. I think you’d be good at that.

ginny b. daniels - March 25, 2010 - 2:38 pm

Brand? I’ve had about 14 diff logos, but I’m still just a FONT…I need substance, I need clean lines…I need HELP. No one would get past my puny spash page to see that I’m serious, not just another MWAC….please help.

Elizabeth - March 25, 2010 - 1:51 pm

This would be great–we just moved, and I am having the biggest struggle restarting my business in our new city, especially because I never really got it where I wanted it in my old one.

Jeremiah Colling - March 25, 2010 - 1:49 pm

Because I have appreciated how much insight and knowledge you have shared since I’ve started reading your blog just a few months ago. And, as a working pro (with 4 kids!) I would definitely appreciate and greatly benefit from a focused business therapy session!

mandie - March 25, 2010 - 1:36 pm

I’m an 18 year old portrait & wedding photographer. And full-time college student. I’ve technically been in business for about a year, but I know it’s not working for me. I’ve put so much into this business, I just need to find that one thing that will get the ball really rolling.
I know that a business therapy session would give me a better place to start out at and hopefully help get things moving.

Plus I think that Kristen is pretty darn cool and I’d love the chance to chat with her! : )

Kristine - March 25, 2010 - 1:14 pm

I just started my photo business and am doing well, but I want to take it to the next level. I need to get my name out there more and any help would be greatly appreciated. Really hoping I win this! I’d be stoked!

Josh - March 25, 2010 - 1:05 pm

I want to win, well b/c even though we just did a new logo and are getting ready to implement it…I’m ready to know how to bring rest of our brand together. I’m getting ready to have my position end at the full-time “day-job” and will be coming home full time…It’s kind of scary as a dad/husband….but I know it’s the place I want to be and my wife wants me to be and plus I want to be around our lil 1 yr old girl so much more than what I can now being strung between to different paths!

I feel that this would be a great asset to help set things in motion!

Amy Hoogstad - March 25, 2010 - 1:02 pm

So, I feel like I’ve done the behind-the-scenes work (business plan, operations manual, defined target market, EAP pricing, etc.) and now I REALLY need some help with my image. There are things you can do yourself and this just ain’t one of them! It’s the last piece of the puzzle to get me well on my way. Thanks so much for the chance!

Josh Elliott - March 25, 2010 - 12:42 pm

I’d love to win because I just launched my new brand but am having trouble focusing and getting my name out there to bring clients in. Please help.

Kat Speyer - March 25, 2010 - 12:19 pm

I want to win because I’m just getting started and I want to do things the RIGHT way!

amanda - March 25, 2010 - 12:14 pm

crap. i hit post comment a second time because it said it failed the first time. sorry to double post – so lame!

amanda - March 25, 2010 - 12:13 pm

i signed up! i would like to win because i need my business to succeed. i started about a year ago and since hubby’s job is no longer, it looks like i will be the bread winner for this family of 6 for a while. and the business stuff…well sometimes i feel like i’m making progress but most days i feel a bit like old sisyphus and can’t figure out why i can’t get the darn rock up the hill.

ps: i tweeted too!

amanda - March 25, 2010 - 12:13 pm

ps: i tweeted too!

lesley - March 25, 2010 - 12:01 pm

Already was signed up on twitter, so I twitted it, and signed up for the email! Can’t wait to receive updates!

Ivy - March 25, 2010 - 11:18 am

I need this because I need a good kick in the arse to move my business to the next level. I think I have just the basics, but some of the branding “stuff” is “Greek” to me. A bit too honest probably but what the heck. Thanks!

erika - March 25, 2010 - 11:15 am

*I* like my branding, but I know sometimes that isn’t enough! I want to make sure I’m giving off the right vibes to the right customers. Right now I haven’t done too much marketing off this branding so I feel like it would be the best time to change it if need be, and run with it if it’s Kristen-approved!

Arden Prucha - March 25, 2010 - 10:51 am

I have been in full blown mode for about a year now and am still in desperate need of doing it all correctly with ease, class, personality, and and individuality. So far everything I have done is from ‘me’ and I need some professionalism involved. I may be a good photographer, but that doesn’t mean I am the best at doing all of the business and branding without assistance.

Katie Neal Photo - March 25, 2010 - 10:31 am

I tried signing up, and it said it needed to verify my email, but I never got the verification email. So hopefully this can count! I also tweeted it! To be honest, I need help. I need it fast. I’m not sleeping well. I’m waking up with headaches. I just am paralyzed by too many things going on in my head and no way of actually getting a pen to paper. Meaning, I have ideas, I need a new brand, but I don’t know how to relay what I want to a designer (and don’t know what designer to choose!) I can’t do marketing material without a new brand. I can’t do a website without a new brand. Shoot, I don’t even want to do sample albums without a new brand. I know my brand doesn’t fit me now. I look at it and get frustrated. Of course, I made it myself just to get something on the internet. But, it just doesn’t work. I need someone to talk to me, to give me some tangible things I can do to move out of this RUT! And Lord knows I’m tired of waking up with headaches. HELP!

Amanda Howse - March 25, 2010 - 10:27 am

I am just starting out on my own, and would love all the hints, tips, tricks, etc. I can get!

Kaycee - March 25, 2010 - 10:24 am

I need some outside perspective … I have done all the self-analysis I can do. I am trying to establish in a new city and I feel like I’m stuck. People say they love my work, but I want them to book. I desperately need to move to the next step!

Jenn Lebron - March 25, 2010 - 10:23 am

I feel like I am in Limbo. My husband and I are stationed overseas and we are preparing to move back to Southern California. In all honesty, I feel the need to… be able to run with the big dogs back in SoCal, and I am working my way up there. I’d love the extra help and expertise to really set a…tone for ourselves and make our names known for when we get back to California.

tamsen donker - March 25, 2010 - 10:20 am

hmmm, how to prove that I need this more than anyone else? Well, I’m young still (25) and have a big plan for my future….this plan includes a large family (I’m expecting my third!) AND a successful business. When I was younger, I always imagined myself as a Stay At Home Mom….after having children and learning photography, I discovered a passion I could not ignore. But trying to build a strong, successful business while raising children and living on a small budget is not that easy! Really, any help I can get, I would take. I love to learn, I spend every free moment of every day learning code to build my website/blog, learning about lighting, posing, talking with other photographers, following blogs like this one….and I can see my photography growing! But I would love to see myself actually doing all this work and turning a profit too
Crossing my fingers, and praying I win!

Leeann Marie - March 25, 2010 - 10:18 am

I would LOVE some help! I have been doing this for about a year and have a lot of fun weddings coming up this season, but I’d really like to know how I can step it up a notch. I consistently get itchy with my branding and style, and never feel like it’s good enough.

GayleV - March 25, 2010 - 10:14 am

Oh–let me count the MANY ways this would be helpful!! I really just have no idea where to start with MARKETING and BRANDING. I routinely think about it and ponder, but just never know where to start. From logos to marketing materials to pricing–it is all just so overwhelming to me. HELP! THERAPY, HERE I AM!!

Stephania Whitfield - March 25, 2010 - 9:39 am

I have had 4 logos in the past 1 1/2 years…probably because I don’t know how to translate what I want my business to be into something visual. This is my 2nd year in wedding photography and I desperately want all of my business to be cohesive, from my website and blog to my marketing and pricing materials. I want to have a high booking rate from the potential clients that I meet or send info to. I want to be a successful business. I love what I do and I don’t want to “fail” at it simply because I don’t have the right business tools!

Anthony - March 25, 2010 - 9:30 am

About to put up a new website and make this year my year. Finding the time is the biggest snag and when I do, I want to do it right – be most effective at getting my web presence and general name and work recognition solid.

Antonina - March 25, 2010 - 9:24 am

Oh I’m soooo focus-less! And change my mind ALL the time. And also very, very shy when it comes to promoting myself. And I starting to hate my logo. And people enquire, say they love my work, but don’t book. And, and, and… I just need some therapy, please!