The Gory Part

A little while back, I found myself in the mounting and finishing room – yes I actually do real work – with a very sharp knife, a metal ruler, some laminated prints and some Kapaboard. Without going into all the gory details, it wasn't long before part of my finger was missing and "blood red" became the new colour scheme of the floor and walls. Normally this wouldn't concern me too much. What did concern me was in five days I was going to Bali on a family holiday. I needed this fixed and I needed it fixed NOW. Given how Balinese water affects my stomach, the thought of said water invading an open wound was beyond comprehension.

So what did I do? I tried to fix it myself - then I realised that was not a good idea.

Plan B

So, I went to the doctor. Now I was impressed by this setup. The place was in downtown Mt. Lawley - very easy for me to get to. It was nicely decorated, clearly someone appreciated photography, and there were heaps of doctors. The place ran quite efficiently. There were a few customer service attendants and people seemed to be dealt with promptly. Sick people going in, less sick people going out. This was happening every 10 to 15 minutes. Yeah baby. "Ka-ching!" $$$ no bulk billing here.

In Capable Hands

Soon it was my turn to see the doctor. I sit down and show her my wound. She stands up and asks me to follow her. Geez I hardly had a chance to get comfortable. Down the hall we go. Where to? The nurse's station, of course. Actually it was more like a small operating theatre. Again I'm impressed. And that was pretty much the last I saw of the doctor.

A Good Solution to a Bloody Problem

From then on I was being treated by another professional. She asked me all sorts of questions. I was so impressed I thought she could have been a doctor, too. All the while I was being mended sick people were going in to see doctors and coming out less sick. I had a bit of time then - not to think about my own stupidity - but to think about business. It just so happens that my business is also my passion so I'm always looking for parallels.

Three Lessons

This is what I learned:

1. Outsourcing production to equally capable personnel is the key to success. Sure the doctor had to pay a nurse to fix me up but I bet the nurse costs a lot less than the doctor's earning potential.
2. Photographers make money selling their services just like doctors do. Profit is created when revenues are greater than expenses.
3. Sometimes enlightenment comes from stupid mistakes.

Outsourcing for Productivity and Profit

At Fitzies we can help you outsource production. From raw conversions to printing and framing and album assembly, a turn-key solution is available. We'll help you to get out from behind your computers so you can shoot and sell. Do what you do best and leave the rest to us. We invest in technology and training and have the best and most experienced staff to help you out.

What was your last bright idea?