How Long In Business Before Speaking...

[Michael J. Plumeyer]

I'm curious. I just got back from a album design seminar and a friend mentioned to me about speakers (not this one, this one had been in business before I was born) and how long they are in business before they should be able to "speak" to others about business?

I'm just curious. I'm going to simply put forth a simple poll with 11 answers to choose from.

Thanks for voting, and if you want to post, please do so!

Michael

[Jen Eagan]

I can't really vote because I don't think a time can define when they're ready. If someone masters a skill in one year and they are comfortable with teaching and public speaking- then that's great and they're ready in one year. The next guy down can be in business for 10 years and is a "Jack of all trades, a master of none" then he STILL might not be ready- and might NEVER be ready. So- I totally can't vote because I don't think it's about a certain time.

[Brenda Rohde]

I agree with Jen. To a point. Experience means a lot, so I'd rather go see someone that had been around for a while. But some newer people know what they're talking about. I guess it all depends on the specific topic.

[Jen Hillenga]

I am biased on this one. I HOPE that the length of time one has been in business for one's self would not be the basis on whether or not someone can do well in a public speaking role. I've officially been in business for myself for less than a year, but I have been speaking and doing photoshop training for ummm...at least three. I've heard some speakers that were awesome that were new to the business and fired up, and I've heard some speakers that have been around forever that bore me to tears...so i guess in my book, it depends on the message and the enthusiasm and the knowledge base as opposed to the amount of time one has been in business.....but like I said, I'm biased.

[Guest]

I agree with Jen . . .there are many who've been in business for years who's work is terrible and they have practically no clients. There are other newcomers to this business whose work is fabulous and they're beating them off with a stick. That they are SUCCESSFUL should be the deciding factor . .. not whether or not they've reached the 10 year benchmark.

Kind Regards
-Billie

[Dirk Witt]

Michael, as many polls as you posted, I's have figured you would have learned by know to include an option that is not absolute. I agree with the others - time really has no relevance to when a person is worthy of speaking. No vote from me - just another worthless poll.

[Scott Crosby]

I think it depends on what they are speaking about. If it's about how to run a successful studio, or say something like digital seniors it would be different.

[Ginny Mattson]

Thanks for posting this poll Michael. In the question it mentions talking about the "business" of photography. Since most businesses last less then 5 years I think that should be the minimum for sure. Sometime things are so trendy that they come and go in a couple of years.

Teaching about some technical stuff like Photshop and Painter are a different story and time in a business shouldn't matter.


Ginny

[bob hancock]

I have always thought the best way to learn different trends , marketing ideas and all photography related information is from the speakers at your local or state photography association.
Most speakers have earned a masters in photography or a craftsman degree themselves.
Some on this form may disagree with myself, but I still belive this is the best way to see how qualified a photographer is , you cannot earn those degrees overnight some great photographers earn a masters in a few short years.
Wile others it takes several years to complete.
Having a masters or craftsman shows also that you were first a student , then a teacher, you have earned, and paid your dues.


Bob

[Deb Thomas]

I like Bob's answer. It's hard to use time as a qualifier. As an instructor of computer classes, I know that I feel better going into a class with some type of certification. So I agree that master or craftsman is a good qualification for speakers.

Deb

[J. *Burke*]

Michael,

I don't think it has ANYTHING to do with time. I think it should be QUALIFICATIONS that entitle someone to present. Unfortunately, photography is a profession that has ZERO requirements for entry. Many photographers balk at the thought of ANY type of regulation that would require SOME level of expertise. Physicians, CPAs, plumbers, mechanics, teachers, etc. are all REQUIRED to have and demonstrate some level of competence (licensing) before they are allowed to accept business. This has allowed these professions more financial success and greater public confidence and respect.

PPA perpetuates this nonsense by encouraging speakers by giving "merits" for just standing in front of any photo group and just breathing. The material presented could be totally inaccurate and still you get the big "m". I jumped into their CPP program years ago thinking it was a step in the right direction. Not. That program turned out to be a total joke. The so called 'ethics" were totally ignored, unmonitored and unenforced. Pay the money and PPA loves you. OK, that's my rant for the day

Burke

[bill dooling]

Without knowing what type of life experiences one brings with them into the business it is hard to say.

Did Einstein wait long enough, with enough credentials to introduce his Theory of Relativity. In the world of Physic academia probably not, but genius can not be covered with a blanket, it will be seen or heard.

Their are individuals so dynamic or creative that I say let them shine. Nice thing about photography is it is a visual world, we see their work before we invest time or money.

That being said I have wasted many hours on untalented, uneducated, dismal speakers. The kind where people are not only looking at their watches, their tapping them to see if they stopped.

Bill

[Ginny Mattson]

No offense to PPA and the State PPA groups, I know many Masters and Craftsman who are the typical "starving artist". Of course there are the ones who have wonderful businesses, I guess it's buyer beware.

Ginny

[J. *Burke*]

No offense to PPA and the State PPA groups, I know many Masters and Craftsman who are the typical "starving artist". Of course there are the ones who have wonderful businesses, I guess it's buyer beware.
Ginny

Ginny,

I'd like to offend them (PPA), what a spineless, totally useless organization! In fact I did and they went whimpering away with their tail between their legs (a whole other story). As a example of an organization with teeth, take a look at the MEA (the teachers union in MI). They threaten a strike at the mere thought of any school district trying to contain health care costs by putting coverage out on bids. MEA says any coverage other than our subsidiary and we go out on strike. I disagree with that line of thinking, but MEA IS a force to be reckoned with. Compare that to PPA which totally ignored the blatant copyright violations being endured by their membership (I personally offered many test cases) as "copy labs" cranked out stolen images by the HUNDREDS of thousands. These violators openly advertised in the backs of magazines for 100 wallets for $4.99 from ANY photo. It wasn't until Olan Mills pursued one of these violators and was victorious (I believe the settlement was $350,000) that PPA proclaimed they were "defending" the professional photographer and tried to high jack Olan Mills' success. Gee, that's rant 'two' for the day. I feel better already

Burke

[Carrie DeLaRosa]

Burke is on a roll! More PLEASE!!!
I personally know many photographers with "the letters after their name"/purchased.
One still doesn't make ends meet by paying himself!

A year and a half ago I was asked to teach at a PPNC Guild Conference for 2.5 hours.
First slideshow frame said the title "Don't Lose All of Your Marbles...the value of your time"...then below had: Carol DeLaRosa, NDAA.
After many perplexed looks, I began the seminar with: "No Degree At All".
Hey, I was honest! In business over 10 years, saw photographers with letters, and decided to stay degreeless.
When I asked "the lettermen/degreed commitee" why they asked me to teach, they put it bluntly: WE want to know HOW you are making ALL OF THIS MONEY!
Granted, I still use film and hadn't quite topped 250K that year. So I thought, If little ole me is asked by the GOOD OLE BOYS: whats really going on? Is it an ACT about Success from these people?
I taught. I learned the lesson.