What's the correlation between passion and profit? I think that depends, and it also varies with whom you ask. Are the two intertwined?
First of all, it is possible to own and run a business without much passion. It's not likely that one would initially start a company without a passion, but one can exist for some time without it. One can also start a business with a passion for money, a passion for the joy of just having a new venture, or a passion for the work within the business.
I would guess that most photographers started out as amateurs at some point in their lives and then decided that they were possessed by a passion for making a living out of taking photos for the rest of their days. While we have some role models who make upwards of mid six figures in the portrait and wedding market, most photographers do not expect their business to make them millionaires. They have traded financial wealth for the chance to just live their dream job.
It is likely that for most photographers the passion for photography inspired the business, and their success to date was to a great degree motivated by their passion. They spent at least a few years breathing and dreaming their business. Over time, they built a business that earned them a decent, or better, living. Then, for some of them, after the first years boredom set in, while others were inspired by new challenges.
The photographers who became bored, satisfied with the status quo of the business, continued to make their usual living, going home at closing time. The still passionate photographers also went home every night, but continued to think about their art, their business and their clients, excited about what the next day had in store.
Which one are you today? Have you noticed a correlation between your passion and your profits? Is one tied to the other?
Instead of dwelling on the next day's appointments and busy work, the passionate photographer thinks creatively about many things. These include new ideas for photographing clients, new locations, and so on, but also new ideas for marketing, new ideas for sales, new ways of exciting the clientele, and new ideas for innovation. So, instead of leaving the business where it is, or even shrinking, the passionate photographer is mentally and emotionally growing her business by the energy projected and the passion for the business.
And it is a business - a living, breathing entity. If your photography business excites you, ideas will result in action, and your prospects and clients will be drawn to you, sensing your excitement in the art as well as in your desire to give them something special.
If your business no longer sparks your imagination, do yourself and your clients a favor and sell it to a photographer who will infuse it with the passion it needs to grow it to the next level. You have already figured out that there is a connection between your passion and your profits.
Bill Hitz