We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Megan Hardgrove a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Megan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?

I think for me, I try to remember everyone is human. I try to remain flexible, open with communication friendly, personable, etc. I think the best way to show someone how much you appreciate them, is to be kind and courteous. I will obviously still run things professionally, but there is definitely a way to go about it that let’s people know you appreciate them.

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 am Meg Hardgrove, with Meg Hardgrove Photography, (formerly M Pressions). I got into the photo business, technically, at age 13. That was the first time I ever modeled, and was having my picture taken consistently for quite some years. However, my most excited times were seeing the photos be worked on, made to fit something better, designed, etc. As I got older, I realized more and more I wanted all the cute pictures of my son, but could not afford them. So, I began to try to figure out how to take photos, and bought a camera, and basically the plan was for myself, and maybe some family & friends to benefit. It snowballed from there when I myself realized, I enjoyed so much in capturing those moments. From there, I think I just tried to continue educating myself in every capacity. Fun fact many people don’t know is: I actually have a BBA (Bachelor’s in Business Admin.), in addition to an Associate’s degree, because I so feel those should be more celebrated than they are. I say that to say, I have the educational piece of the business, but I still like to keep it light, and airy. I don’t like everything to feel transactional, so I tend to waiver towards feeling friendlier with my clients.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I think the best, and most effective, way to growing your clientele is to be a people person. I truly try to remember everyone is human, everyone gets annoyed, is late, is anxious, etc. I think the best way to grow clientele is to let your clientele grow itself, in being rewarded with referrals for who you are, along with your talent.

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

I think in life we constantly need to be prepared to accept change, and I think it will happen more often than we would like. I have had to pivot often, for life events, changes with my kids, changes with my other jobs, and so on. I think now, I have just always gotten to where now each time I have a story I could go on of when I had to pivot… I just roll with it. I trust the process, I try my best to do what I feel is helpful for myself, and others in those situations, and I embrace the pivot.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghardgrovephotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MegHardgrovePhotography