Chapter 11: Supplemental Programs Return to the Marketing and Products Guide »

In recent years, more and more portrait/wedding photographers have recognized the value to their profitability of expanding their businesses into the realm of school and event photography, areas that used to be the exclusive province of large out-of-town conglomerates. While it once was nearly impossible for a local studio to compete with these heavily resourced companies, Marathon has helped countless studios to level the playing field through a host of its marketing and work flow products and outstanding educational offerings.

What these enterprising photographers have learned is that local organizations are much happier using the services of a reliable local photographer because the quality of the photography, the degree of consumer satisfaction, and overall accountability to their school or event is far better than they receive from large chain shooters.

Whether your goal is simply to pick up a little business during slow times of the year or to create a stand-alone school and events division of your business, Marathon can help you to capture your share of this lucrative market through its turnkey marketing and work flow products and its comprehensive publications capabilities.

Directories and Event Books Learn More »

More families are photographed at church than at any other venue. Now is the time to grow your family portrait business by taking your studio directly to the consumer through offering church directory services in your local area. It’s easy, it’s lucrative, and it’s a year-round opportunity.

Why give up this market to out-of-town companies that are here today and gone tomorrow? Marathon has the turnkey marketing system and total work flow solutions you need to get started: high-impact marketing resources, top-quality directory printing services and complimentary layout software to get your book published. Marathon also offers workshops to teach you how to conduct your program and expert advice to help you succeed.

With Marathon’s free software, simply import your photographs and the associated names into the program, and the software automatically lays out the portraits and text in the proper order—ready to be printed. Each 8½"x11" directory is customized with choice of background, cover design, font style, and page layout format. Choose from 9, 12, or 16 portrait images per page. Marathon’s short-run directories are produced on our state-of-the-art, variable-data digital press in full color and features 100-lb. coated text stock with a heavier cover for durability.
Consider these profit-producing directory ideas:

• Gated communities
• Military bases
• Class reunions
• Sports leagues
• Employee directories
• School dances
• Country clubs
• Community organizations
• Homeowners associations
• Preschools/daycare centers
• Family reunions
• Dance studios
• Physician directories
• Professional directories
• Fraternal organizations

DVD Workshop Series Learn More »

Each DVD Set includes instruction by Chris Wunder, America’s #1 Sales & Marketing Educator for event, school and directory photographers. He’s helped thousands of studios to grow new business through easy-to-follow instructions built on years of practical experience. You can do it too!

Church Directories for Fun and Profit!

Church Directories represent your #1 opportunity to reach the lucrative family portrait market year-round. Don’t let out-of-town competition take your local business! Find out how to conduct a church directory promotion, what churches expect from you, how to get churches to book with you, how much to charge for portraits, how to maximize your profits, plus tips for publishing your directories. You’ll learn a proven sales and marketing formula to beat the competition COLD! Three DVD set—almost 5 hours of content.

Year-Round Marketing Means Year-Round Cash!

Learn 17 ways to earn more money by adding photography of events, sports and directories of all types to your studio business plan. Learn the “secrets” of finding and booking more business and “guerilla marketing” strategies to compete effectively and WIN BIG! You’ll learn innovative concepts to set your business above the rest and give you a competitive edge. You’ll also learn the BEST time of the year to market each promotion to maximize your opportunities. This program will help make every month a profitable one! Two DVD set—almost 3½ hours of content.

The ABCs of School Photography!

An introduction for the portrait studio, sports, wedding or event photographer who wants to cash in on this lucrative business. Learn what it takes to operate a successful underclass school photography business in your local area. Learn how to “fast track” the booking process, what schools expect, what they avoid and what will make them choose you as their portrait provider. Learn about the “rebates” and “commissions” schools expect and how to use them to your advantage. Other school profit centers—Spring portraits, classroom groups, composites, yearbooks and more will be discussed. Earning BIG BUCKS is “elementary” after you’ve seen this program. Three DVD set—almost 5 hours of content.

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