We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lisa Lord. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lisa below.

Lisa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

If I were to start my business over in 2024, I would immediately start with getting to the heart of my business, my vision and what value I have to offer the world. I would also find a niche and really narrow down who I want to work with and how I can help them.

For YEARS in my business I tried to serve everyone because I was scared that I was turning people away. In all reality, I was shouting to the masses and therefore speaking to no one.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I got into photography 13 years ago as a way to make some extra income as a stay at home mom. My passion morphed into loving not just photography but also business. Now I love helping other business owners represent themselves well online and in their marketing through brand strategy and branding photography.

So many business owners don’t understand the power of branding and how important it is for your business. They think branding is a trend that will soon blow over and don’t realize that it is costing them time and money by NOT working on their branding.

When you work with me, we dig into the vision, value, voice, visuals and vehicle (marketing) of your brand. When you bring all those pieces together, you gain clarity, confidence and consistency which leads to CUSTOMERS!

I have helped countless business owners gain clarity, show up in their marketing, create a social media plan that doesn’t seem overwhelming and allows them to show up authentically and professionally in all areas of their business. I love supporting and encouraging small business owners and helping them to step into their awesomeness!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I knew in my heart that what I was doing wasn’t working. I was trying to be everything to everyone. I told myself it was because I loved doing all kinds of photography. In all reality, I was scared that if I niched down, I wouldn’t make enough money and my business would fall.

Finally, in the fall of 2022…I made the pivot. I decided that branding was what I really loved to do and that I had a real passion for other business owners. So I started charging down that path (without looking back…too much). I spent hours researching and honing my skills. I went to workshops and took courses and I really put my money where I wanted to go.

Now that I have pivoted into branding…there is no going back. I love what I do and I feel truly aligned. Instead of spinning my wheels and desperately grabbing for anything that comes my way, I know my value and my purpose. I can easily say no to something that isn’t in my scope of work and can charge exactly what I need to charge to make my business profitable. It has made me a sought after branding photographer and expert in my area!

The only negative is that it took me way too long to figure it out and take the plunge. I wish I would have started down this narrower path years ago, but I am glad that I finally had the courage to step out and take the step to pivot and niche down.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

CONSISTENCY. That is how I have built my social media presence. You have to show up and be SOCIAL. That is why it is called social media!

Social media is the bane of most business owner’s existence. It feels overwhelming and frustrating. You have to figure out how to make it fun and also make it sustainable. Come up with a rhythm and framework for your social media. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel! Find a platform you enjoy and that your ideal client/customer is active on and then commit to that platform. You don’t have to do it all!

Then come up with a schedule that is doable and stick to it. Be consistent. Whether you are posting twice a week or 7 days a week, make it sustainable or you will give up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://photolilo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilophotographyandbranding/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lilophotographyandbranding
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilophotographyandbranding/