A very important rule of the game to learn: Anytime you want to raise money, your first move should be to put together a proper prospectus.

This prospectus should include a resume of your background, your education, training, experience and any other personal qualities that might be counted as an asset to your potential success. It’s also a good idea to list the various loans you’ve had in the past, what they were for, and your history in paying them off.

You’ll have to explain in detail how the money you want is going to be used. If it’s for an existing business, you’ll need a profit and loss record for at least the preceding six months, and a plan showing how this additional money will produce greater profits. If it’s a new business, you’ll have to show your proposed business plan, your marketing research and projected costs, as well as anticipated income figures, with a summary for each year, over at least a three year period.

It’ll be advantageous to you to base your cost estimates high, and your income projections on minimal returns. This will enable you to “ride thru” those extreme “ups and downs” inherent in any beginning business. You should also describe what makes your

business unique – how it differs from your competition, and the opportunities for expansion or secondary products.

This prospectus will have to state precisely what you’re offering the investor in return for the use of his money. He’ll want to know the percentage of interest you’re willing to pay, and whether monthly, quarterly or on an annual basis. Are you offering a certain percentage of the profits? A percentage of the business? A seat on your board of directors?

An investor uses his money to make more money. He wants to make as much as he can, regardless whether it’s a short term or long term deal. In order to attract him, interest him, and persuade him to “put up” the money you need, you’ll not only have to offer him an opportunity for big profits, but you’ll have to spell it out in detail, and further, back up your claims with proof from your marketing research.

Venture investors are usually quite familiar with “high risk” proposals, yet they all want to minimize that risk as much as possible. Therefore, your prospectus should include a listing of your business and personal assets with documentation – usually copies of your tax returns for the past three years or more. Your prospective investor may not know anything about you or your business, but if he wants to know, he can pick up his telephone and know everything there is to know within 24 hours. The point here is, don’t ever try to “con” a potential investor. Be honest with him. Lay all the facts on the table for him. In most cases, if you’ve got a good idea and you’ve done your homework properly, an “interested investor” will understand your position and offer more help than you dared to ask.

When you have your prospectus prepared, know how much money you want, exactly how it will be used, and how you intend to repay it, you’re ready to start looking for investors.

As simple as it seems, one of the easiest ways of raising money is by advertising in a newspaper, online business directories or a national publication featuring such ads. Your ad should state the amount of money you want – always ask for more money than you need so you have room

for negotiating. Your ad should also state the type of business involved (to separate the curious from the truly interested), and the kind of return you’re promising on the investment.

Take a page from the party plan merchandisers. Set up a party and invite your friends over. Explain your business plan, the profit potentials, and how much you need. Give them each a copy of your prospectus and ask that they pledge a thousand dollars as

a non-participating partner in your business. Check with the current tax regulations. You may be allowed up to 25 partners in Sub Chapter 5 enterprises, opening the door for anyone to gather a group of friends around himself with something to offer them in return for their assistance in capitalizing his business.

You can also issue and sell up to $300,000 worth of stock in your company with out going through the Federal Trade Commission. You’ll need the help of an attorney to do this, however, and of course a good tax accountant as well wouldn’t hurt.

It’s always a good idea to have an attorney and an accountant help you make up your business prospectus. As you explain your plan to them, and ask for their advice, casually ask them if they’d mind letting you know of, or steer your way any potential investors they might happen to meet. Do the same with your banker. Give him a copy of your prospectus and ask him if he’d look it over and offer any suggestions for improving it, and of course, let you know of any potential investors. In either case, it’s always a good idea to let them know you’re willing to pay a “finder’s fee” if you can be directed to the right investor.

Professional people such as doctors and dentists are known to have a tendency to join occupational investment groups. The next time you talk with your doctor or dentist, give him a prospectus and explain your plan. He may want to invest on his own or

perhaps set up an appointment for you to talk with the manager of his investment group. Either way, you win because when you’re looking for money, it’s essential that you get the word out to as many potential investors as possible.

Don’t overlook the possibilities of the Small Business Investment Companies in your area. Look them up in your telephone book under “Investment Services.” These companies exist for the sole purpose of lending money to businesses which they feel have a good chance of making money. In many instances, they trade their help for a small interest in your company.

Many states have Business Development Commissions whose goal is to assist in the establishment and growth of new businesses. Not only do they offer favorable taxes and business expertise, most also offer money or facilities to help a new business get

started. Your Chamber of Commerce is the place to check for further information on this idea.

Industrial banks are usually much more amenable to making business loans than regular banks, so be sure to check out these institutions in your area. Insurance companies are prime sources of long term business capital, but each company varies its policies regarding the type of business it will consider. Check your local agent for the name and address of the person to contact. It’s also quite possible to get the directors of an other company to invest in your business. Look for a company that can benefit from your product or service. Also, be sure to check at your public library for available foundation grants. These can be the final answer to all your money needs if your business is perceived to be related to the objectives and activities of the foundation.

Finally, there’s the Money Broker or Finder. These are the people who take your prospectus and circulate it with various known lenders or investors. They always require an up-front or retainer fee, and there’s no way they can guarantee to get you the loan or the money you want.

There are many very good money brokers, and there are some that are not so good. They all take a percentage of the gross amount that’s finally procured for your needs. The important thing is to check them out fully; find out about the successful loans or investment plans they’ve arranged, and what kind of investor contacts they have – all of this before you put up any front money or pay any retainer fees.

There are many ways to raise money – from staging garage sales to selling stocks. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the only place you can find the money you need is through the bank or finance company.

Start thinking about the idea of inviting investors to share in your business as silent partners. Think about the idea of obtaining financing for a primary business by arranging financing for another business that will support the start-up, establishment and development of the primary business. Consider the feasibility of merging with a company that’s already organized, and with facilities that are compatible or related to your needs. Give some thought to the possibilities of getting the people supplying your production equipment to co-sign the loan you need for start-up capital.

Remember, there are thousands upon thousands of ways to obtain business start-up capital. This is truly the age of creative financing.

Disregard the stories you hear of “tight money,” and start making phone calls, talking to people, and making appointments to discuss your plans with the people who have money to invest. There’s more money now than there’s ever been for new business

investment. The problem is that most beginning “business builders” don’t know what to believe or which way to turn for help. They tend to believe the stories of “tight money,” and they set aside their plans for a business of their own until a time when start-up money might be easier to find.

The truth is this: Now is the time to make your move. Now is the time to act. The person with a truly viable business plan, and determination to succeed, will make use of every possible idea that can be imagined. And the ideas I’ve suggested here should serve as just a few of the unlimited sources of monetary help available and waiting for you!your banker. Give him a copy of your prospectus and ask him if he’d look it over

You should consider the SBA for help in your business venture

This link above is in North Carilina, but you can find one near you.

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In almost all instances, your first move should be to your encyclopedia. If you don’t have an up-to-date set, there’s always your public library. This is if you don’t have a computer or if you don’t have access to the internet. It’s alot easier now doing this research online, if you trust what you read from some online sources.

Finding local information, it’s best to go to your sources, But the internet offers a good source of information.

Most of the time, an encyclopedia will give you at least the general facts about your subject. You may have to check other sources for more detailed information.

Thus, your next move should be to books that have been written on the subject. The subject and title sections of the card catalog or the bound volumes of computer print outs in most public libraries will give you plenty of listings.

After you’ve selected a number of books for background information, check the magazines either directly related to your subject, or those carrying articles on the subject. Most of the time, you’ll find that magazines will provide you with more up-to-date and timely information than books.

To check out information on your subject in magazines, look in the Reader’s Guide To Periodical Literature. Under subject and author headings, the complete collection of this guide will list articles printed in magazines since the turn of the century. The Suggestions For Use section will instruct you on how to read the codes under each heading. If you can’t find your subject listed, think of similar subjects that might be related.

If your subject is part of a particular field of study, there may be a special index that will help you. Among these special indexes, you’ll find: Art Index, Business Periodicals Index, Consumers Index, Education Index, Humanities Index, Social Sciences Index, Biological and Agricultural Index, and Applied Sciences and Technology Index. You’ll even find a Popular Periodicals Index which lists articles that have appeared in currently popular magazines.

You’ll also find that most newspapers are veritable goldmines of reference material. Most of the big city newspapers have computerized indexes. Several of the special national newspapers such as the Wall Street Journal also have reference indexes.

Without a doubt, the New York Times Index is the most complete. In these newspaper indexes, subjects and people are listed alphabetically with the date, page number, and usually with the number of columns devoted to that particular story. About all you have to do to avail yourself of this information is to stop by the newspaper office, tell them the kind of information you’re looking for, and ask their help in locating it within their index.

Facts on File is a world news digest that’s found at most public libraries. This is a weekly publication that’s broken down into four categories: World Affairs, U.S. Affairs, Other Nations, and Miscellaneous.

Editorials on File is a similar service that comes out twice each month. It is a survey of newspaper editorials that span a wide range of subjects.

If you want to know about business trends, you should ask for and look at the Moody’s Reports. These cover banking and finance, industry and public utilities.

Most large public libraries also keep pamphlet files for brochures from various information services and government agencies. Be sure to ask about these.

Whenever you have a question or want more information on a subject, always check first in the material that has been written about it. Public libraries and news papers are free, and will definitely point you in the right direction even if you don’t know much about sources.

One of the best sources of information is people. Ask around and more often than not, you’ll find someone right in your own area who is well versed on your subject. An introductory phone call and an explanation as to why you’re researching the subject

will almost always lead you to many people who will be glad to talk with you.

Interviewing and talking with people will give you the chance to ask questions and hear specific explanations about the details that may not be fully covered in a book, newspaper or other publication.

When interviewing, your questions should be open-ended, in other words, questions which do not allow for a simple yes or no. You should get the people you’re talking with to discuss their experiences relative to the subject. Pose hypothetical situations, asking what they would do or what would happen under a given set of circumstances.

Researching and gathering information on a particular subject can be fun, exciting and very informative. It will never be dull or boring. The important thing is to search out all the available sources, and then to take advantage of them. From there, you’ll find it’s very much like putting a jigsaw puzzle together; the closer you get to completing the picture, the more excited you become.

Many people find that when they begin a research project on a specific subject, they quickly uncover so many interesting related subjects that it’s hard to confine their enthusiasm to just the one subject. This is what learning is all about, regardless of the use you eventually make of the information you gather. The more you learn, the more you want to learn.

Curiosity about all things, and good, basic research are the prime requisites for any successful writer. To have read about or experienced only a few aspects of a given subject won’t interest very many people. What the people want is a thorough discussion of the subject from as many different points of view as possible. This, of course, requires research, and to do research, you have to know where to find the material you want.

Hopefully, we’ve “turned you on” with the idea that the information you’re interested in is available and virtually at your fingertips. All it takes is just a bit of effort on your part to avail yourself of it. Just remember, whatever has been thought of or dreamed of by man since the beginning of time has been written about, and you can learn about it with a reasonable amount of searching under each heading. If you can’t find your subject listed, think of similar subjects.

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part-time while you are still earning a full-time income at your present

job. If you are like most people who are existing from payday to payday -

you don’t have a lot of money to invest in a full-time business. No need

to worry! Just use your favorite hobby as your business base and grow from

there! There’s no telling where you’ll be at 2 or 3 years down the road.

Perhaps you can even tell your present boss to “take that job and shove

it.” Wouldn’t that be great?

Using your present hobby or favorite Crafts as your business base has

many benefits. Why? Because ANY business you decide to become involved in

should be doing something you LOVE _ something you believe in _ something

that you would work at NO MATTER what income it would generate. This will

give you the stamina to see your business through the beginning hard times

and times when there is more work to do than you can handle. We all know

the feeling of doing a job that we hate to do. There is no way we can give

it 110% of our abilities because we procrastinate getting through it and

just want to get it over with. That’s why it is vitally important to

dearly love the product or service you have chosen to build your business

around.

Do you like cooking? Start a recipe newsletter for others who like the

same thing and sell your recipes by publishing a simple booklet. Do you

enjoy making crafts? Sell them through mail order (be sure and mark up the

price for shipping and handling). Do you enjoy working on cars? Print and

distribute flyers in your neighborhood listing your prices. Offer a coupon

discount for the customer to use on their first auto repair job. Do you

enjoy writing? Write a small booklet or how-to manual and sell it through

mail order or to multi-level enthusiasts. Do you enjoy computer programming?

Write a program and sell through shareware groups or even to mail order

computer owners.

Yes – just about anything you love doing can be magically transformed

into a business opportunity for you. Some items may only sell well in your

neighborhood, while some products and services do well in mail order. If

you decide to sell through mail order, all you need to do is write a simple

ad and have it typeset. Start out with a smaller 1-inch, 2-inch or 3-inch

ad. Ask the customer to send a “first-class stamp” or “$1.00″ for more

information. When they write you, include a 8 1/2×11 sheet detailing your

prices. Make sure you have a small order form to make it easy to order your

product or service. And of course _ include a cover letter stating that you

appreciate their inquiry and look forward to doing business with them in

the near future. You’d be surprised how many sales have been lost because

a business didn’t take the time to write a cover letter and personalize the

mailing.

Also, start educating yourself by reading and researching other home-based

businesses. Before I opened up my business I read national publications

like “Small Business Opportunities,” “Entrepreneur,” “Home Office

Computing,” and “Spare Time Magazine.” Although there were some full page

ads in there filled with hype (claiming to make me $1 million dollars with

a sheet of paper) _ the articles are excellent. Don’t spend more than $3

for information in the beginning of your business because if a company is

legitimate you should be able to call them and discuss the opportunity over

the phone with them. Businesses that claim to put you in business

overnight should never demand a large amount of money from you. On the

contrary _ legitimate businesses have nothing to hide and will not charge

you more than a few dollars in postage to learn the “whole” story behind

their claims. Instead _ use these publications, as well as books from the

library on starting a business to further your knowledge of the world.

Another good move on your part is to invest a few hours by attending a

meeting that is sponsored by SCORE from the Small Business Administration

in your area. It’s free _ and the valuable information you obtain from

actual people who have been in business before is something that will be

extremely valuable in the months ahead. Just call the SBA to find out more

information.

Yes – it’s that easy! Of course, this is only the beginning. As with any

hobby, it will take time (probably many months) to realize a profit but

think of it this way: Most people that have a hobby know they have to spend

money to take part in their hobby. It only makes sense to invest money in

advertising your hobby to others so you can eventually make some of that

money back in sales for your own business!

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If you are one of these people, here are some practical thoughts to consider b fore hanging out the “Open-for-Business” sign.

In areas zoned “Residential Only,” your proposed business could be illegal. In many areas, zoning restrictions rule out home businesses involving the coming and going of many customers, clients or employees. Many Garner NC businesses that sell or even store any thing for sale on the premises also fall into this category.

Be sure to check with your local zoning office to see how the ordinances in your particular area may affect your business plans. You may need a special permit to operate your business from your home; and you may find that making small changes in your plan will put you into the position of meeting zoning standards.

Many communities grant home occupation permits for businesses that involve typing, sewing and teaching, but turn thumbs down on requests from photographers, interior decorators and home-improve ment businesses to be run from the home. And often, even if you are permitted to use your home for a given business, there will be restrictions that you may need to take into consideration. By all means, work with your zoning people, and save yourself time, trouble and dollars.

One of the requirements imposed might be off-street parking for your customers or patrons. And, signs are generally forbidden in residential districts. If you teach, there is almost always a limit on the number of students you may have at any one time.

Obtaining zoning approval for your business, then, could be as simple as filling out an application, or it could involve a public hearing. The important points the zoning officials will consider will center around how your business will affect the neighborhood.

Will it increase the traffic noticeably on your street? Will there be a substantial in crease in noise? And how will your neighbors feel about this business alongside their homes?

To repeat, check into the zoning restrictions, and then check again to determine if you will need a city license. If you’re selling something, you may need a vendor’s license, and be required to collect sales taxes on your transactions. The sales tax requirement would result in the need for careful record keeping.

Licensing can be an involved process, and depending upon the type of business, it could even involve the inspection of your home to determine if it meets with local health and building and fire codes. Should this be the case, you will need t o bring your facilities up to the local standards. Usually this will involve some simple repairs or adjustments that you can either do personally, or hire out to a handyman at a nominal cost.

Still more items to consider: Will your homeowner’s insurance cover the property and liability involved in your new business? This must definitely be resolved, so be sure to talk it over with your insurance agent.

Tax deductions, which were once one of the beauties of engaging in a home business, are not what they once were. To be eligible for business related deductions today, you must use that part of your home claimed exclusively and regularly as either the

principal location of your business, or the place reserved to meet patients, clients or customers.

An interesting case in point: If you use your den or a spare bedroom as the principal place of business, working there from 8:00 to 5:00 every day, but permit your children to watch TV in that room during the evening hours, the IRS dictates that you cannot claim a deduction for that room as your office or place of business.

There are, however, a couple of exceptions we will note to the “exclusive use” rule. One is the storage of inventory in your home, where your home is the location of your trade or business, and approval for your business, then, could be as sour trade or

business is the selling of products at retail or wholesale. According to the IRS, such storage space must be used on a regular basis, and be a separately identifiable space.

Another exception applies to day care services that are provided for children, the elderly, or physically or mentally handicapped. This exception applies only if the owner of the facility complies with the state laws for licensing.

To be eligible for business deductions, your business must be an activity under taken with the intent of making a profit. It’s presumed you meet this requirement if your business makes a profit in any two years of a five-year period.

Once you are this far along, you can deduct business expenses such as supplies, subscriptions to professional journals, and an allowance for the business use of your car or truck. You can also claim deductions for home related business expenses such as utilities, and in some cases, even a new paint job for your home.

The IRS is going to treat the part of your home you use for business as though it were a separate piece of property. This means that you’ll have to keep good records and take care not to mix business and personal matters. No specific method of record keeping is required, but your records must clearly justify any deductions you claim.

You can begin by calculating what percentage of the house is used for business, either by number of rooms or by area in square footage. Thus, if you use one of five rooms for your business, the business portion is 20 percent. If you run you r business out

of a room that’s 10 by 12 feet, and the total area of your home is 1,200 square feet, the business-space factor is 10 percent.

An extra computation is required if your business is a home day care center. This is one of the exempted activities in which the exclusive use rule doesn’t apply. Check with your tax preparer and the IRS for an exact determination.

If you’re a renter, you can deduct the part of your rent which is attributable to the business share of your house or apartment. Homeowners can take a deduction based on the depreciation of the business portion of their house.

There is a limit to the amount you can deduct. This is the amount equal to the gross income generated by the business, minus those home expenses you could deduct even if you weren’t operating a business from your home. As an example, real estate taxes and mortgage interest are deductible regardless of any business activity in your home, so you must subtract from your business’ gross income the percentage that’s allocable to the business portion of your home. You thus arrive at the maximum amount for home-related business deductions.

If you are self-employed, you claim your business deductions on Schedule C, Profit (or Loss) for Business or Profession. The IRS emphasizes that claiming business-at-home deductions does not automatically trigger an audit of your tax return. Even so, it is always wise to keep meticulously within the proper guidelines, and of course keep detailed records if you claim business related expenses when you are working out of your home. You should discuss this aspect of your operation with your tax preparer or a person qualified in the field of small business tax requirements.

If your business earnings aren’t subject to withholding tax, and your estimated federal taxes are $100 or more, you’ll probably be filing a Declaration of Estimated Tax, Form 1040-ES. To complete this form, you will have to estimate your income for the coming year and also make a computation of the income tax and self-employment tax you will owe. The self-employment taxes pay for Social Security coverage.

If you have a salaried job covered by Social Security, the self-employment tax applies only to the amount of your home business income that, when added to your salary, reaches the current ceiling. When you file your Form 1040-ES, which is due April 15, you must make the first of four equal installment payments on your estimated tax bill.

Another good way to trim your taxes is by setting up a Keogh plan or an Individual Retirement Account. With either of these, you can shelter some of your home business income from taxes by investing it for your retirement. To be eligible for business related deductions today, you must use that part of your home claimed exclusive.

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The entrepreneurial spirit is, of course, a part of our great national tradition. The problem is that many people devote a lot of their time to half-baked ideas and high-risk flings that have little chance of success.

There is always some gamble involved when you start a business, whether your investment is $50.00 or $500.00, or more. But once you begin to view your new business as “gambling,” the risk-to-reward ratio tilts out of wack! The shrewdest and most successful entrepreneurs know that “taking the plunge” works best when you take along time-tested principles that put the odds in their favor.

TAKE WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

AND BUILD YOUR BUSINESS AROUND IT

If you decide to join the ranks of self-employed freelance photographers, you will soon discover there is no magic in being able to earn thousands of dollars every year. Forget about the notion that you can start up a business just because you have a camera laying around you know little or nothing about. If you try the casual “learn on the job” approach with photography, your competitors will capitalize on your mistakes, promoting customers to turn elsewhere for the products and services you market.. Then your business will be floundering by the time you acquire the knowledge of what it takes to succeed. Never expect people to pay you while you practice on them and waste their time and money. And never take an assignment you know you can’t handle. Being honest with yourself and your customers will be to your benefit in the long-run.

The best approach to starting your freelance photography business is to start off slowly and build on a base of knowledge and experience. In other words, take the knowledge that you presently have about your camera and build a company around it. Start out by offering a particular service where you can be competitive from the first day you are open for business.

YOU DON’T NEED A STUDIO & FRENCH

PROVENCIAL FURNITURE TO GET STARTED

You don’t have to open a studio with elegant French provincial furniture, glass showcases, and large expensive frames all over the walls, to go into business as a freelance photographer. It’s actually just the opposite; you don’t need a studio at all!

What you will need is: a camera, a couple of strobe lights, light stands, digital camera and a black-and-white darkroom setup. From there, it’s just as easy for you to go to your customers as it is for them to go to a studio.

How much money you make will depend on the amount of time you want to devote to your business. The beauty of being a freelance photographer is that you can create your own markets, and establish your own rates. If you go into freelancing with the intent to earn extra money working on weekends, you should be able to earn $1,000 – $2,000 per weekend if you did nothing but shoot weddings followed with package deals. If you decide to go into business on a full-time basis, then you could earn up to $50,000 and more depending on your specialty. It really boils down to one important thing; you must have the ability to use the equipment you have to produce a good photograph. People are willing to pay top dollar if you produce quality results. They don’t like paying for poor work that isn’t pleasing or effective.

BEING SUCCESSFUL IS SELLING

WHAT YOU ALREADY KNOW HOW TO PRODUCE

In this report we are assuming that you already know something about operating a camera, taking pictures, exposure, lighting, composition, and darkroom prodedures. That is the production end of it. Turning that knowledge into salable photography is the next step.

The first rule to remember is that if you are offered a job, and you don’t even know the basics, you better say “no thank you,” and tell your client why you’re passing it up. Tell him what you do specialize in at that moment. When the next job comes around, you will have an established reputation of being honest and that same person will be back 1) because he respects your honesty; and 2) because if you say you can do a job, you can.

ADVERTISE YOUR WORK IN A PORTFOLIO

Make up a portfolio of quality 8×10 prints to show your potential clients. It should consist of both color and black-and-white prints. Mount our 8×10 prints on attractive 11×14 boards. That way you can include a few 11×14 prints as well.

A complete portfolio should include some 35mm slides. Display them in 8.5×11 plastic sheets, which will hold 20 slides. If you intend to produce 24×22 transparencies for commercial and industrial assignments, sheets are available.

When you are satisified with your portfolio, call on advertising agencies and show the art director what you are capable of. Make appointments with the art and fashion directors of department stores and boutiques. Show business and industrial firms, and consider beforehand how their advertising and public relations departments could use your services.

Be prepared to show your work to anyone at anytime. Everyone is a potential customer, and you never know who will be needing your services next. Carry your portfolio in the car at all times. If you are proud of your work, show it! Make advertising what you do a part of yout everyday life.

KNOWING WHAT TO CHARGE

The first thing to remember is that you aren’t going into business to give it away. Being fair to both yourself and your customers is the principle you should follow when setting fees.

The way to do that is to determine what amount will adequately compensate you for your time, talent, and investment in equipment on a job-by-job basis.

Don’t fall into the trap of charging less for your work just because you aren’t working out of a studio, or don’t have brand-new, expensive equimpent. You still have overhead!

At times your expenses will seem endless as you pay for photo supplies, office supplies, advertising, travel expenses, water and electricity if you operate your own darkroom, darkroom supplies and equipment, taxes, business license, business stationery, portfolio costs, business cards, and depreciation on your vehicle and photo equipment. Never let anyone convince you that you should work for less because you don’t have overhead.

What you ultimately decide to charge for your work is something you will have to decide yourself. The area you live in, the economy in that area, the competition, and how much you need are all influencing factors.

These are basically two ways to set your fees: 1) You can charge per individual photograph or job. On a job you would have to know exactly how many different shots they would require, and allow for differences in your price quote; or, 2) You can charge an hourly rate that compensates you for your time and talent. Your hourly rate does not include the rolls of film you shoot, proofs, processing, or prints ordered by client. Your hourlly rate does not include the rolls of film you shoot, proofs, processing, or prints ordered by your client. Your hourly rate is for your time only, starting from the time you leave your home until you finish the job and return home. In some cases charging by the hour just wouldn’t be practical. For example, prom sets, graduation packages, dance schools, or Little League Teams where you are further ahead to charge by the photo. Commercial shots on the other hand, where you may be asked to take a single photo that ends up taking 1-2 hours to set up, wouldn’t pay if you charged by the photo.

EARN $50,000 PER YEAR WORKING ONE DAY A WEEK!

Whether it’s a good or bad economy, one thing is for certain – there will always be weddings and work for freelance photographers.

Word-of-mouth advertising works well no matter what product or service you are selling. But it works especially well if you are a photographer in the wedding pictures business. When a bride is pleased with the quality of your work, she will pay a $1,000 for your time, talent, albums for each of the parent couples, wall photos, and her album. But it is her album that everyone she ever knew, or ever will know, will be invited to look at.

Most of your work will come through referrals from brides who were happy with your work. You should also promote your business, however, by showing samples of your work to florists, bridal shops. boutiques, and caterers who normally have a lot of wedding business.

Just tell them you would be happy to send business their way, if they will do the same.

Always sign a contract with the bride so there are no misunderstandings. Specify exactly which photos will be taken, and of whom. Always include a “Release Paragraph” which states that you are not responsible for the loss of photographs resulting from camera malfunction, accidents in development, or film lost in the mail. You may also want to include a “Model Release” which will give you the right to use any photos as samples for advertising purposes.

SETTING YOUR FEE

Make certain the bride completely understands what your fee is, and what she will receive in return. There are various ways you can price weddings:

1) Offer a complete package that includes an engagement photo for the

newspaper, formal bridal portrait, and coverage of the rehersal party,

wedding and reception.

2) Coverage of the rehersal party, wedding and reception.

3) Wedding and reception

4) Wedding only

Weddings can be a goldmine. It’s not uncommon for a complete package that includes an 8×10 album for the bride, and a 4×5 album for each set of parents to run $1,000 or more. Many photographers set a $500 minimum charge for weddings. Even if you only did two weddings per weekend at the minimum charge, you could easily make $52,000 per year. Two complete wedding packages per week would earn you over $100,000 per year. That’s working one day per week! Now imagine how much money you could earn working full time!

OTHER FREELANCE JOBS

THAT CAN MAKE YOU BIG MONEY!

DANCE SCHOOL RECITALS

Dance recitals are only once a year, but taking photographs of beautiful childern in their costumes can mean increasing your banck account substantially.

Dance schools are every where, and they come in all sizes. By offering a photo package of one 8×10, two 5×7′s, four wallet photos, and one 5×7 class photo, you can make anywhere from $1,000 for the smallest classes, up to $5,000 for a class of 400-500 students. If you make the teachers responsible for posing the students, and offer one pose per child, you can process the largest classes in just a few days.

CHILDREN’S SPORTS PHOTOS

Children’s sports, such as Little League baseball, football, hockey, soccer, and basketball offer a very profitable opportunity to make fast cash for a freelance photographer. Every team (and the hundreds of parents in the stands) all want group shots and individual photos of every player. Most leagues will have at least 8-10 teams, with up to 30 children on a team, depending on the sport.

The person to approach for working out arrangements for a photographic session may be the coach, a director, committee, or sponsor. Dealing with one person works best. Check with the city or county recreation department. They will know who is using their facilities.

REAL ESTATE & ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Some of your best clients can be real estate agents, residential and commercial contractors, and architects. Real estate agents know that photographs are more effective in advertising a home or business than the typical classified ad. Doing all of a real estate agency’s listings can add substantially to you income.

INSURANCE PHOTOGRAPHY

Insurance companies will reimburse a policy holder only for those items they have documented. Increasingly, insurance adjusters are urging clients to photograph everything that’s covered by their policy on their home or business. It’s difficult to argue with a photographic inventory and for that reason people will pay you to photograph their possessions and file them away in a safety deposit box.

FAMILY PORTRAITS

When you take family portraits it’s best if you don’t use a studio. People always act and look more natural in their own homes or yards. Family pets are also easier to include when they are in familiar surroundings.

You can promote your “on location” family portrait service in the Sunday newspaper. Note the fact that they won’t even have to leave the comfort and privacy of their home, because you will come to them. Charge an initial fee, which includes the first portrait (16x20s and 20sx24s are not uncommon) plus travel expenses and other shooting costs. Always promote the Christmas card portraits, which the labs will offer.

CHURCHES & SYNAGOGUES

When church members become old enough to become regular members they are confirmed and oficially admitted to the church. Churches usually want group shots of the entire class plus individual photos for each family.

A bar mitzvah in the Jewish faith is similar to confirmation. When a boy turns thirteen, he then becomes a recognized member of his religion and the synagogue in a ceremony. With a confirmation and bar mitzvah are joyous occasions that are followed by a reception for family, friends, and religious members.

ANIMAL SHOWS & PET PORTRAITS

Pets and animals add up to a multi-billion dollar business in America. What animal and pet owners spend every year on food, grooming, pet-sitting, pet-walking, health products, and accessories is staggering. Offer your services as a pet and animal photographer and they will buy that also. There are freelance photographers who make a good living just going from one show to another that features horses, cats and dogs. Get in touch with your local veterinarian, who should be able to provide you with the names and addresses of sponsors for the various shows and organizations.

ANTIQUE DEALERS & AUCTIONEERS

Some large antique dealers have photos taken of their items for sale, and send the photos or color slides of special or unusual pieces to other dealers or customers.

When auctioneers are hired to auction off items from an estate, bankruptcy, a large business or industry, or any other large job that has valuable items on their list of sale items, they will often use color slides for TV, ads, brochures, and other promotional pieces.

GOLF COURSES & COUNTRY CLUBS

You can make some fast cash by making arrangements with a golf course or country club to have action photos taken of golfers when the hold tournaments and there is a crowd. Set up your camera on the first tee for foursome shots and action shots as each player swings.

PONY & CHILD PHOTOS

Back in the 1940s and ’50s photographers would travel the country and go door to door. For a fee, children could put on a cowboy hat, vest and chaffs, and climb onto a saddled pony to have their picture taken.

All you have to do is rent a gentle-natured pony, have a three-piece (one size fits all children) cowboy outfit, and an assistant standing by just in case the pony gets skittish, or the child decides to jump off. Then make arrangements to appear at ‘crazy days’ festivals, school carnivals, family reunions, shopping mall promotions, parades, or any other place where crowds gather.

PHOTOGRAPHING SCHOOL & COMMUNITY BANDS

Make arrangements with the band or booster club and make arrangements to take color group photos of the band and individual members. Mail sample prints to band directors outside your area and arrange for appointments to show your work and explain package offers and fees.

GRADUATION PHOTOS

Contact the senior class advisor and make arrangements to take graduation photos of seniors in their caps and gowns as they practice before the actual graduation ceremony. If you don’t have a portable background, use the stage curtains. Borrow a didploma from the school that each graduate can hold.

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way to break into your own Information Marketing business. Even if you do

not have training as a writer, you still can research and compile

information on interesting subjects.

You can self-publish just by typing your book or manual and having a

competent typesetter place it in camera-ready format for you.

Once the book or manual is ready for printing, ask your typesetter to

print out 10 or 15 copies on their laser printer. You’ll probably have

to pay extra for the copies, but it’s cheaper in the long run. If you want

50 or 100 copies, take the master the typesetter sends you and have them

printed at the local copy shop or print your own.

Once several copies are printed and bound, you can begin marketing them.

Advertise the book or manual in the mail order publications or other

publications geared toward the target market you are attempting to sell to.

(In other words, don’t sell a book about collecting dolls in Sports

Illustrated.) Send sample copies to publishers who offer reviews and

write-ups to take advantage of free advertising. You could even send a

free sample to the publisher of a well-known tabloid and ask for a plug

if they enjoyed the book.

Most mom-and-pop operations will allow you to place your book in their

store for 40% to 50% of the cover price. This way, copies that don’t sell

won’t cost you anything. All you have to do is check up on them once or

twice per week and make sure they are easy to find on the rack to attract

the eye of the potential customer. And if your booklet is filled with

recipes or local folklore _ local businesses will be thrilled to promote

and carry your book on their shelves. Local people love to read books about

their community and keep them as collectors items.

By marketing your own product _ orders will come directly to you or be

controlled by you. If you sell through the mail, you simply mail a copy

of your book or manual with a cover letter thanking the customer for their

order. Believe it or not _ It’s that simple! And best of all _ you keep

all the profits which is better than sharing the money with another

publisher who dropships for you.

Yes, there will be some costs involved in advertising, printing and

mailing to promote your self-published book or manual; but do you know

the costs involved in sending drafts out to publishers for acceptance?

Believe me, it runs into the $1,000′s! And big companies who will publish

your book for you start out with costs of $10,000.00 or more without the

guarantee that you will even make one sell!

One of the easiest types of books to publish and sell through the mail are 5×8″ booklets. To get a sample of one of mail order’s

most popular 5×8″ publications, send $2 to Graphico Publishing, PO Box 488, Bluff City TN 37618 and request a sample copy of Th

e GrapeVine Journal. Examine how it is put together and how it is printed.

If you really want to save money and put your own booklets together,

simply have them printed and shipped to you. Then, you will collate the

pages in the proper sequence, staple them in the middle (called saddle

stitching), fold in half and you’re done.

The only office tool you need to invest in is a long-armed stapler. One can be

purchased at your local office supply store or through Quill or Viking (two main mail order office supply companies.) The current price is around $40.

A printer, Kem’s Graphics, 549 Friendship Rd, Seneca SC 29678 specializes in low-cost printing of booklets but if you want to do-it-all-yourself, any good mail order printer

will print them and ship back to you. All you pay for is the 2-sided printing

price.

Plan your next book, manual or other publication and enjoy the benefits

of keeping all the proceeds. It’s really a fantastic way to make some extra

money while still keeping your job and your steady income.

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