Ok so just like my photomate (a photographer friend) LDPhotography I have also been found guilty of neglecting my blog. To be honest it will happen again. However, I have wanted for some time to express my concerns about a subject I am sure will touch everyone that reads it. Maybe it is because of my military and church background do I find this a very important element of my life.
But it amazing me, or should I more correctly say it sometimes is upsetting to see how people do not understand such an important principle to doing business, operating within a relationship, or just going about everyday life. Protocol 3a: a code prescribing strict adherence to correct etiquette and precedence (as in diplomatic exchange and in the military services) .
As a young man I had the honor to learn how a young gentle should treat and escort a young lady. I received formal training in order to escort a woman coming of age to her official presentation to higher society – She would be known as a Debutante.
Because of that training it was easy for me to understand that in anything you do there are a set of rules to follow.
Etiquette (one of my favorite words) speaks of Etiquette (pronounced [,eti'ket]) is a code of behavior that delineates expectations for social behavior according to contemporary conventional norms within a society, social class, or group. The French word étiquette, signifying ticket (of admission, etc.) first appeared in English around 1750.
Rules of etiquette encompass most aspects of social interaction in any society, though the term itself is not commonly used. A rule of etiquette may reflect an underlying ethical code, or it may reflect a person’s fashion or status. Rules of etiquette are usually unwritten, but aspects of etiquette have been codified from time to time.
In short I am referring to Manners; you know that principle moms, dads, and your grandmother always did their best to instill in you. Protocol!
Well it seems that in the photography business people have forgotten all about it. So I would like to share a little on it now.
1. If you call me for my rates and they are outside of your budget. Be adult enough to say, “That is outside of my budget, thank you for your time.” Or “Thank you I will continue to shop around.” How is it people are so comfortable with lying, it is lying when you “Ok, I will give you a call back when I am ready”, when you know you will not call back, because you either, cannot afford the rate, or you are not willing to pay that amount.
2. Do not set up a meeting and on the day of the meeting fail to call to say you cannot make it. Thing happen from time to time. But I recently had someone tell me they forgot and went to sleep. But that was after we talked and confirmed the appointment earliey that morning.
3. DO NOT schedule a date for a photoshoot when you know you have no intention of making the deposit, paying for the shoot or showing up. Just have the mental fortitude to say, “I CAN NOT AFFORD THAT, OR I HAVE FOUND SOMEONE ELSE WHO PRICE FITS MY BUDGET”.
SN: Removing someone from your friend’s list on Facebook will let them know two things:
a. You are a coward
b. You know nothing about protocol.
I could add so much more to this but those are the ones that is important in my mind right now. Just for my readers’ information people who conduct business in the above mention manner only have one time to do so with me. I do not give them the chance to disrespect my time and talent ever again.
