So, today was a first. I had my first Instagram troll.
I have been very lucky in not having to deal with any on-line abuse/negativity up until now, but today a ‘lovely’ photographer decided to call me out. Why am I telling you this? Well, firstly because I am still astounded that a photographer - someone who is a creative - who is also a small business - has decided that they felt the need to try and devalue my business.
Secondly, because I wanted you to see how I handled this person. They didn’t break me. They did, however, make me question - for about 2 seconds - whether what I was offering was of value. Those 2 seconds passed very, very quickly, and I realised that yes, I am offering a service that is valued. It also coincided with some amazing testimonials from clients that made me smile, and 3 bookings, so yeah, I must be doing something right.
I have been suffering from Imposter Syndrome lately, as Nicola, my lovely PR lady will testify to. She will send me through fantastic opportunities for major media names, and I have replied saying “That sounds amazing, but do I deserve to be amongst those great business people? Am I really good enough to sit alongside the business greats that have gone before me? Do I actually do a ‘proper’ job?” She has firmly slapped me back down to earth saying that yes, I do, and to get a grip. I bloody love Nicola!!!
So, how did I deal with the photographer who was aghast that I actually charged for my editing masterclasses!!!
I played along. I told him the facts - that a lot of people don’t want to ‘figure it out themselves’ (me included), that I want a bit of hand-holding to show me what to do, then had a bit of fun. When he stated that “it was his job to point out [that it was so easy a child could do it] to people” I gave him a thumbs up. Friends and past clients soon came to my defence - which I am eternally grateful for - asking him if he actually charged for his work, and why on earth did he feel the need to comment as he did!!! I could have deleted his comments and blocked him, but you know what. I think it’s good. It’s good that I showed everyone how I handled a tricky situation. it’s good that I actually had the opportunity to put my side forward as to why what I offer is important, and it was rather fabulous as all his comments made me more visible for the algorithm, thus me booking 3 clients off the back of it!!!
So, what have I learnt from Mr Angry? Firstly, let’s cut him some slack. He may be having a really shit day. His business has probably just collapsed, and is pretty pissed off that someone is making money from offering something that he didn’t think of. Secondly, not everyone is going to like what you do - and that is OK. It’s a big wide world out there. You can’t please everyone. And lastly, stay professional. I could have kicked off, but I have no idea what is going on in his world at the moment. I have no idea what prompted him to reply as he did. And he may be in a very dark place.
So, if anyone would like to learn how to edit their photos on their phone - so easy a child could do it - then please let me know. My 1:1 Zoom editing classes have proved a hit with those who would like to be guided through how to use the app, and to elevate their photography from OK to fabulous.