We catch up and chat with Frankfurt Photographer Patrick Schmetzer in our latest interview:
Hi Patrick, Great to have you with us today! How did you get your idea or concept for the business?
I started with just photography and soon realized that many clients want just one person they can trust to do their media-related work. So, I started learning other areas and learning to combine them so I can make Social Media or Marketing Packages for client's business.
What is unique about your business?
What is unique about my business is that my clients have a wide variety of products and services they can choose from compared to other creatives who focus on just one area. This helps greatly because the client is doing a commitment to me because for example, I take care of his website, I design his logo, I do his flyers or menus as well as making images for his website, campaigns, marketing, or making Image Trailer or event videos.
What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur?
My key driving force was of being an entrepreneur was that I am happier in life when I am free. I have time to focus on my own goals in life instead of helping others reach theirs. Every minute and every hour I invest in my business Is also an investment in myself.
How do you build a successful customer base?
My client receives many benefits when working with me like a Client Portal for example where he has access to his files and also can see the progress of his work. Communication is regular and when there is an important deadline the client can expect me to deliver on time, even if I have to work longer into the night than my usual work hours.
Have you ever turned down a client?
I have turned down potential clients before when I can't ethically stand for his product or service, when I do not like the job at all or when I believe that he does not need certain things and that he is wasting his money. I am always honest with clients even if it means that I might lose a potential booking but I believe in a fair and honest work relationship. In the long run, both the client and myself will win from this.
What made you choose your current location?
My current location is in the middle of the big city. It helps me to stay on the radar in this entire area and I am very flexible when driving to locations because I am less likely to run into Rushhours which saves me a lot of time in the long run and makes me more reliable to the client.
How do you advertise your business?
I advertise my business through Google, Social Media, and Mouth propaganda.
To what do you attribute your success?
I attribute my success to being a fighter and constantly trying to improve myself in every business and life aspect. It is a never-ending journey, to keep coming up with new ways to get my client a better experience. I see my business as an iOS Version that constantly grows and gets new and better features. Also, I try to over-deliver, they get higher results than the customer is expecting.
What motivates you?
What motivates me the most is being free in life. I can wake up whenever I want, I can do what I want, I can work when I want, I can travel when I want, which of course is much harder and stressful behind the scenes than people see, but it still motivates me every day when I get up till I go to sleep.
What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
You always meet new interesting people which are on the same level as you mentally.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Never give up even if the climb is hard. You will make many mistakes, learn from them, and make them better the next time.
Fantastic! So tell us, how can people find out more about you?
You can visit my website and Instagram @patrick.schmetzer.
Thank you so much, Patrick, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!
