I have lived in Birmingham now for 6 years and in that time I have lived in Moseley, Kings Heath, Edgbaston and more recently I moved to Hockley.

7 Characteristics of an Effective Entrepreneur
by Spence Cater

Before a doctor diagnoses a specific disease, his patient must undergo a series of laboratory exams and assessments. He has to know the history of his patient and how lifestyle affected his present health problem. As results come in, that would be an indication of the time when a physician gives specific drugs and therapies for maintenance. This will eventually contribute to the level of optimum health for that individual. If all else fails, the process will be repeated again.

Similar to what the above mentioned situation has stated, an entrepreneur's responsibility would be pretty much the same. 
It's just that, he should see his customers as his patients and what they must have to survive a present predicament or a need. He must follow certain steps before doing anything irrational that could contribute to the downfall of his business. He should have certain characteristics innate in his personality, if he lacks one of these, he's most probably doomed to fail. 

Entrepreneurship is collectively defined as exhibiting one's vision, taking action, and pursuing that vision as a goal to be achieved in life.

Or another way of putting it: It's getting your arse out off the Sofa and doing something, rather than sitting there thinking about it.

Let's look at some of the main characteristics that you should have or at least start developing if you want to be a successful entrepreneur:

1. Optimism Seeing things in a positive way, despite setbacks and pitfalls will help you ride out any turbulence you experience, especially in the early days of getting your business off the ground . Winston Churchill said that 'A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.' So this is a crucial ingredient to the make-up of an entrepreneur

2. Creativity is thinking outside the box. Expanding one's mind of what is beyond the ordinary through fine research and collection of data. You must be able to think on your feet and consider options that are 'off the wall' if you want your business to stand out. Remember, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result!

3. Stability either physical, mental, social or emotional, as a leader you  must have a stable life so you can handle tough situations during tough times. Do you have a balanced life? a strong faith? a stable family life? You are going to need all the help you can get, so be sure you have support from your friends and family.

4. Charisma A good entrepreneur must have the ability to get peoples attention either, through sheer confidence or total belief in what they are doing or saying. A healthy does of authentic, genuine charm can go a long way in opening doors that stay shut for others

5.A Risk-taker You must be someone who has the guts to take the big leap of faith needed to get your idea moving. You should not be afraid of taking chances when opportunity strikes. Once you have enough information you and your 70 % sure, then it's time to take action.

6. Energetic  You must be willing to do whatever it takes to reach the finish line. Your drive must always be at its highest level for being an entrepreneur. This also means that you must take care of yourself physically and emotionally as you will often need to work long days, often without holidays, especially if you're bootstrapping and doing everything yourself to save on costs. Another famous quote from the Great Winston Churchill'Success is going from one failure to another without losing enthusiasm'

7. Switched-on An entrepreneur must be on the top of every innovation.You must be aware of new developments, current social situations and future trends. In business, life moves very fast and you need to see what's coming in order to avoid it or embrace it. Remember Woolworths?. Exactly.

One of the best recent examples of an Entrepreneur was the late Steve Jobs; he had all these qualities and then some.

So, Think big. Act. Make your business dreams come true.

I have read several blogs on tips to getting started as a Pro Photographer and most, if not all go on about what kit you need and what techniques to use and using Social Media etc and whilst there is some truth to this, the main point that is always missed is:
It's not about your APTITUDE, it's about your ATTITUDE, which will determine your ALTITUDE.

EH?
What does that mean?

It means in simpler terms: in order to become successful (altitude) in Photography or indeed ANY business, Clients aren't really interested in your technical skills and how many cameras you have (aptitude), they just want to trust that you will deliver exactly what they want, when they want it, with minimum fuss! (attitude)

Once you have built up your reputation and got regular work, then your style will develop and people will be interested in that but the bottom line is: People buy from People!

You may have won acclaim at University for your creative flair but if you can't deliver the goods to a deadline or if you give the clients what YOU want, then you won't be in business for long

So, how does one cultivate a professional attitude when your starting out?
Well, it's a very broad topic but I believe that it can all be boiled down to a single word: Preparation!

You need to know as much as you can about the job as you can: Where it is? Who/how many are going to be there? What is the brief?  Who are the main contacts? How long are you expected to be there? What format do they want the pictures,?When do the want them by?

Get as much information BEFORE even agreeing to the shoot as you can, as often people can smell a newbie and will often 'try it on' if they think you are inexperienced, By that I mean try and haggle the price down or ask for free extras, or get you stay longer etc.

I have had clients 'try it on' even after we have agreed a price! which is challenging and par for the course but if you can come across as Professional in your approach and attitude, then you  lessen the chances of that happening plus you could turn up with a Box Brownie and they won't care because YOU ARE IN CONTROL. 

Also, if you are asking lots of questions then clients are much more likely to assume that you are an experienced Pro and treat you accordingly.
When you are starting out and your confidence is still growing then thorough preparation will boost your confidence considerably
Confidence in your Photographic abilities is one thing, (which can only be achieved by shooting, shooting and more shooting; it's like learning to fly, you're only considered to be competent when you have done a certain amount of hours, so drop the book and pick up your camera and really get to know it, which is a whole separate issue for a future post!) but if you know exactly what is required of you and that you have agreed the fee before and got it in writing, whether that is just a record of your email exchanges or preferably an official contract which you can knock up yourself quite easily or download from any number of free sites, then you can relax on the shoot.

I did a shoot for BAFTA which was a big deal for me at the time but because I had made sure I knew exactly what sorts of pictures they were looking for, times, dates, venues, contact numbers and I had done a thorough 'recce' of the venue previously, I was able to stay calm,  professional and was able to enjoy the shoot on the day because I had all the bases covered

Another tip is to always have lots of spare cards and batteries for Flash and for your camera and ALWAYS take your own food and drink.
I am a Vegan so I am used to taking my own food places as most places don't have Soya Milk or much choice suitable food but even at a wedding reception, never assume they will feed you or that they food will be available when YOU need it, I would also take lots of fruit and healthy snacks as weddings in particular, especially of it's your first one, are completely exhausting both mentally and physically so you need to be on your A-game. 
You can have all the kit and experience but if you're hungry and thirsty then you are going to struggle.

Cultivating a Professional attitude and approach is essential for getting future work. The aim is to get at least 2 further jobs/bookings from every job you do: This is why your attitude is more important than your aptitude.

Think of yourself as a Businessman/woman who happens to be a Photographer, rather than the other way around.

Your aim is to make money, so you can sustain your business, invest in better kit and do what you love doing, it's not to show off fancy lighting techniques you have learned at University or impress them with your array of Kit, that's fine if you want to keep Photography as a hobby but if you want to go Pro then you have to change your attitude before you change your Kit!


A final tip I will leave you with, which I think will always stay true is
Always UNDER PROMISE AND OVER DELIVER!

An example of this could be: You are offered a straightforward Wedding for example, you have agreed on the package, price and you have got them to sign a contract. 
You think you can easily get all the proof pictures edited, logged and sent to the client to view within 2 weeks, BUT you tell the client 3 weeks. Then you do the shoot, do the post production and deliver the pictures a week early without stressing yourself out PLUS throw in a framed 10x8 B&W print of one of your favourite shots as a little gift from you.

Suddenly you have gone from a 5/10 to a 10/10 with very little extra cost or effort and will almost guarantee that the ecstatic couple will be telling everyone how great you are and nothing beats word of mouth advertising, even in these PPC Google adwords times.

So, in every area, Kit, Job and Personal: PREPARATION IS KEY.

Prepare and don't Despair!


Love, Light & Blessings

Spence

I have just returned from a quite amazing few days out on the Coast of Sun in Spain; eating great food, being with amazing, warm, generous, wise people; soaking up the lovely warm weather and feel mentally, physically and spiritually revitalised and ready to experience 2012 which, as you know, has been hailed as one of the most transformative years in History.
I like many, spent the end of 2011, reflecting on what that year had brought me and indeed, where I would like 2012 to take me.
Since my little trip away, my eyes have been opened to the possibilities in life and I have seen first hand, how hugely successful people live their lives in abundance, happiness and great Wealth.


A few things I noticed which really stood out to me that all the very wealthy people I met all had in common.

1. They are humble. - I was introduced to a multi-millionaire who was quite happy to sit next to me, a relative stranger, and shoot the breeze, talking about Football, Industry and feeling scared about being stuck in a lift. He was dressed casually and the only hint of wealth was a Breitling watch.
2. They are generous - A friend of mine, who owns a very successful stationery company, paid for me and his friends to eat out at very exclusive restaurants, visit a very exclusive health spa and stay in his beautiful £500,000 apartment for free! all because he loved sharing his good fortune.
3.They watch the pennies - Despite paying for the best meals and entertainment, both of the millionaires I met recently, shunned expensive cars (liabilities) and would eat modestly, ordering inexpensive meals and leaving no waste.

These are all things that are the hallmarks of successful people and things that I myself will be focussing on in my own character as they are essential characteristics for a better, more prosperous life, which is definitely what I am working towards for 2012 and beyond

You know when Christmas is on the way when the German market is in full swing. Every year this market gets bigger and bigger, i think it will start spreading up Broad Street soon!
Due to the sheer amount of people, stalls and variety of things to buy and eat, i decided to walk the entire length of the market which must be over half a mile! and capture the goings on as I go.
The weather out side was frightful, so I wrapped up warm and armed myself with my trusty 15mm 2.8 fish eye lens and my ever trusty 50mm 1.8 and set out to see if i could capture the atmosphere of this annual event before my feet went completely numb!
See what you think, if I gave you a card or you/your stall appears in one of these pictures then drop me a line and let me know which ones you would like to keep.

Hi, as you can tell, we are currently experimenting with different features and widgets on the website, please let us know what you think would be a good inclusion or what you think could be better, I am always open to constructive criticism and your feedback helps me provide a better service for you.
Have you any ideas for projects, products or themes, or even better have you any feedback from our services? let us know please.

Enjoy the day!

Last night, I went down to The PULSE nightclub in Dudley where a Launch night was happening for the vibrant new company UK JAM DOWN. www.ukjamdown.co.uk
UJD aim to promote talented Homegrown artists, Models, Singers, Poets and DJ's across the pond in Jamaica and vice/versa, they also are planing bespoke tours of the Island for pleasure seeking tourists to sample the REAL Jamaica, led by respected locals who know where all the best and most authentic experiences can be found.
So I found myself quickly surrounded by very glamorous women, Dancers and Singers all preparing for their Showcase and launch event.
Far from being the party type myself, I stuck around just long enough to capture most of the build up and behind the scenes anticipation as the crowd swelled and the music got louder, just waiting for the first act to kick the evening off, which began at midnight and went on to 6am! 
Here's some of the shots which capture the atmosphere of the night.
If you're a Singer, Model, Rapper, Poet or DJ and would like to audition for UKJAMDOWN the go their website and drop them a line, you could be performing in Jamaica!

The official launch of this new site is the highly auspicious date 11.11.11 which is tomorrow.
Look forward to your comments and enquiries.

Love & Light

Spence

Just changed my DNS settings so the site should be live within 48 hours..