As we emerge out of a global pandemic, we’re aware, more than ever, of the pain in the world. Our clients are coming to us mentally fragile and in need of extra care and healing. If you are thinking, “but I am just a portrait photographer, what can I do?” then this episode is for you.

As one of the wisest people I know, Houston photographer Cindy Crofford, was taught at a young age the importance of connecting with people. By learning to find the good in every single person, she is able to use her words and actions to strengthen and lift everyone she meets; especially her clients. 

Cindy’s clients aren’t just coming to her for her art, but for how she makes them feel. Her goal? 

To have each client leave feeling better about who they are and the family they have.

This episode will challenge you to look at how you are connecting with your own clients. It will empower you to spend a little more time and a little more mental energy to notice what makes each client special and what each client needs at this particular time in their lives. 

Not only will your images improve, so will your client relationships.

Most of us got into this business because we love people. But people can be complicated and never more so than now. Take a look at your business through the eyes of Cindy Crofford and you’ll leave happier, more positive and better able to bring your best self to your clients. 

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Connect with people by finding qualities you love about them.
• Show your vulnerability to put clients at ease.
• Allow yourself to be uncomfortable in order to learn more.
• Flip your thinking to avoid negativity.
• Make bold moves that lead to great blessings.

 

Here’s a glance at this episode:

• [2:16] - Allison shares her first recollection of meeting Cindy Crofford.
• [3:12] - Cindy is a founding member of the Mindshift Membership. She shares her background.
• [4:57] - She started out as an educator but wanted a change to be more present with her children.
• [6:36] - In her shift to a new career, she took a 3 week course and opened a new business and explains how it evolved into a portrait photographer.
• [8:15] - Regardless of her own fears and judgment, Cindy kept going.
• [9:31] - Cindy’s parents played a big role in how she approaches business and life.
• [10:25] - Cindy’s mom instilled in her the importance of learning how to love people.
• [13:13] - Sometimes we may feel like we have been around people too much. Cindy shares that she is not frazzled about being around people, but does get burnt out with tedious computer work.
• [14:09] - Cindy shares her discomfort and anxiety about making a big financial decision on her own.
• [15:51] - We have people we see that we want to emulate. Cindy shares the first time she remembers watching someone and wanted to be like her.
• [17:48] - During sessions, Cindy has the ability to coach families to show what they love about themselves and their family.
• [20:26] - What are you doing to heal the pain of the world? Cindy knows that is what her business does and she has a strong mission.
• [22:23] - Learn to flip your thinking.
• [24:05] - Be someone who loves to find joy and save it.
• [25:41] - Cindy shows herself in real ways and her vulnerability makes her clients show more than they expected in their photos.
• [27:20] - Allison shares her experience in joining a mom group of children with Autism.
• [30:40] - Being a “connector” is something that comes naturally to Cindy but it is also something she has learned to improve.
• [31:56] - Sit back, breathe, and listen for a minute.
• [33:12] - The stories we make up are usually negative.
• [34:58] - Why is our first instinct to be negative?
• [35:40] - Discover who you are as a business owner.
• [37:33] - Stop putting yourself down.
• [39:07] - Receiving a compliment is a completely different experience to giving one.
• [43:31] - Cindy shares how she immediately felt like she couldn’t hit the same gross income this year.
• [45:42] - “I want people to come to me because I am good, not because I’m cheap.”
• [48:31] - You can guide clients to decisions that are great for everyone.
• [50:34] - Making bold moves has led to great blessings.

 

Links and Resources:

Cindy Crofford
Website | Instagram

Do The ReWork
Website | Instagram

Allison Tyler Jones
Website | Instagram | LinkedIn