“Without promotion something terrible happens—nothing.”

I saw this quote, and it got me thinking. So many people think that if they have a good idea, they can just throw up a blog or a website, and the money will come rolling in. Unfortunately, even in this virtual age of internet and technology, that RARELY happens.

As Mr. Barnum says, “Without promotion something terrible happens—nothing.” Even a website needs to be promoted. So does a blog. The promoting doesn't have to be paid advertising, but you need to promote somehow.

A lot of people would like to be landscape or nature photographers. They think how great it would be if they could just spend time outdoors and take great photos with really great cameras and gear. I mean, with a Nikon D3X and a AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR, you can't help but get good photos, right? (you should be able to hear my "tongue-in-cheek" tone here).

Problem is, even if you get the GREAT photos, put them on a nice looking website, and all your friends tell you how nice they are, you'll most likely still find yourself wondering why you've never sold a print. Promotion is everything. The big names in the business all promote there stuff. The really big names have the ability to promote there stuff without it even seeming like they're promoting anything.

Promoting effectively is a lot of hard work. It's not easy, and it's often VERY frustrating trying to figure out how to go about it effectively. But the thing is, “Without promotion something terrible happens—nothing.”

(by the way... I found the photo of P.T. Barnum over at http://www.ptbarnum.org/. Have a peek as it's an interesting tour).