Partnering with other businesses in your area is a great way to collaborate on projects, get your name out and connect with potential clients.  But how do you go about doing this?  For a couple of blog posts, I will share with you how I recently partnered with a boutique, what we are doing together and how this is helping both my business and theirs.

When it comes to senior photography, fashion is a huge part of it.  So it makes perfect sense to partner with a boutique since your senior clients will ask you the most important question in preparing for their session…”What do I wear?”

Boutiques are great local businesses to connect with because their clients could potentially be your clients and vice versa.  Just like makeup artists and hair stylists, boutiques provide a part of the experience that help your seniors get ready for their sessions.

So what do you need to do to find that perfect boutique to partner with??  Here are a few steps to help you begin the process of  partnering with a boutique.

Step 1 – Research

As with anything in business, research is the key that helps you succeed.  If you are thinking of partnering with a boutique, be sure to research your area and make a list of the boutiques that are in your area.  Find out what kinds of clothing, accessories, etc they sell.  See if they are carrying items that fit your target market.  Look at their price points.  Check out their websites and Facebook pages.  Find out all the information you can to help you determine the best fit for your business.  You want to partner with a boutique that is line with your business.  If you are a high end photographer then you want to partner with a boutique that is high end.  Remember your brand and find a boutique that has a similar feel for what you want to convey to your clients.

Step 2 – Ask Your Seniors

Going to the source for anything you are doing is a great idea.  Seniors love to share!  Ask them and I guarantee you will learn so much that will help you in your business.  I ask my seniors on their questionnaire, what is your favorite local boutique?  This helps me determine if there is a certain boutique that all my senior clients gravitate toward.  Comparing what the seniors say is their favorite to the boutiques on my list from my research will help me narrow down the best boutique to partner with.  I have found new boutiques I didn’t even know about by asking my seniors where they like to shop.

Step 3 – Visit the Boutiques

Once you have a list of potential boutiques to partner with, go shopping! 🙂 (this is my favorite part!)  You need to go visit these potential boutiques and see for yourself what they are offering.  Don’t just go in there like a cold call and immediately ask if you can partner with them. But rather visit them several times, chat with the sales associates and be friendly.  Get to know the stores that you could possibly partner with, check out the merchandise for yourself and see what the boutiques have to offer.  Make sure they are friendly and providing a great atmosphere that you would be happy to send your clients to.

These are the first steps in partnering with local boutiques.  Stay tuned for the next post which will be all about how to prepare for your first meeting with the potential boutique!  And because every post is better with a photo, check out the photo below which I took once I connected with the boutique that I work with.