What photographers can teach dentists

Two weeks ago I attended a photography conference. Most of the attendees were self-employed wedding or portrait photographers.

There were many lectures on the technical aspects of photography but there were also quite a few on the business aspects. Photography and dentistry have a lot in common – most purchases by customers are discretionary and it's a small business where the owner works with clients.

The photographers wanted to know how to increase their productivity and hence their profitability. One photographer had the answer:

"Stop doing the work that someone else can do. Instead, do the work that only you can do."

A photographer earns money when they're working with clients taking pictures. They don't earn money when they're editing images, answering emails, paying bills, cleaning the studio, talking with suppliers, designing albums and so on and so on.

A dentist earns money when they're working with clients fixing teeth. They don't earn money when they're doing lab work, answering emails, paying bills, talking with suppliers, filling in lab slips, writing up patient charts and so on and so on.

Bottom line for both dentists and photographers is to stick to your unique skills and delegate the rest.

Unfortunately, many dentists (and photographers) are control freaks. They hate to delegate. Dentists regularly ask me if the staff can get the patient from reception. The answer is "Yes, of course." But, only if you let them.

Start delegating. Stop doing things that you don't need to do.

You'll be happier, earn more and work less. Isn't that what you want?