FlashFilm Academy - Be Inspired. Be Creative. Be Profitable.

View Original

Why You Should Be Cautious of Business Advice from Friends in the Content Creation Industry

In today's interconnected world, advice flows freely from all directions, often landing directly from the lips of friends whose opinions we value and trust. However, when it comes to running a photography or video production business, the well-intentioned advice of friends can sometimes lead you astray. Diving into the nuances of why this is the case can save you both time and headache, and we'll walk you through the perils of friendly advice, equipping you with the knowledge to discern between valuable insights and opinions that might do more harm than good.

The Influence of Friends' Advice on Your Business

Friendship naturally breeds familiarity and support, making friends one of the first go-to sources for advice. While it’s comforting to seek their opinions, many friends lack the business expertise required to provide actionable insights. Friends may offer advice based on their perceptions and personal experiences rather than concrete business knowledge. This reliance on friendly advice can cloud your judgment, leading to decisions that may not align with your business goals or market realities.

The Fallacy of Chasing Trends in Content Creation

One of the most common pieces of advice from friends is to follow current social media trends. While trends can indeed bring visibility for individual influencers, they are often not practical for structured businesses. By the time you identify, plan, and create content based on a trend, it often becomes outdated. This lag can result in wasted resources and missed opportunities that could have been better spent on evergreen content or strategies tailored to your target audience.

Empty Encouragements: Friends Who Promise but Don't Purchase

It's not unusual to hear friends enthusiastically say they would hire your services or buy your products, only to never follow through. This well-meant but hollow support can create a misleading picture of demand for your offerings. Instead of relying on friendly assurances, focus on gathering authentic customer feedback. Real insights from your target audience provide a more accurate barometer of your business prospects, guiding you to make informed decisions that drive genuine business growth.

Understanding Perceptions of Value and Pricing Your Services

Another common pitfall in accepting friends' business advice concerns pricing. Friends might suggest that you are charging too much, not understanding the full scope of your services and the value you provide. Friends often remember you in a personal context, which can distort their perception of your professional worth. Pricing should reflect your expertise, market rates, and the unique value you bring to your clients, not simply what your friends would be willing to pay. Separate your personal relationships from your business practices to maintain a professional perception that aligns with your industry standards.

Conclusion: Seeking Professional Advice Over Friendly Opinions

While maintaining friendships is invaluable, it's crucial to differentiate between personal support and professional advice. Friendly opinions, while supportive, may lack the depth and understanding needed to navigate the complexities of a photography or video production business. Instead, seek guidance from industry professionals and mentors who can provide you with actionable insights tailored to your specific business context. By doing so, you’re more likely to make informed decisions that propel your business forward, ensuring its sustainability and success in the competitive content creation industry.

See this content in the original post