I know this is a long time coming, but I am finally getting around to reviewing Karen Carey’s THRIVE Workshop (hosted, for this particular workshop, by Lena Hyde), that I attended in West Palm Beach in September of this year (Karen’s next workshop is in Philadelphia at the end of January 2012).

In a nutshell, it was both educational and inspirational.

Karen’s workshop sells itself as a sales workshop – for those photographers truly wanting to become profitable. Don’t be fooled, however, into thinking that it is all about ‘selling’ per se. That is only one part of it. Karen also delves into analyzing what you, as a photographer, are in fact selling – and puts you to the test to see if a) you know what that is, and b) if it sets you apart from other photographers in your field.

For those who know Karen, she is a no bullsh*t kind of gal. Please excuse the coarse language, but if you have ever had an extended chat with Karen, it is somewhat fitting . Karen tells it like it is. She can come across a little hardcore in some of her policies and strategies at times, but she runs a very profitable studio in Philadelphia, so clearly it works for her. It’s important to remember, however, in any workshop – to take all of the information with a grain of salt. You need to be comfortable enough (enough being the operative word), with the changes you will make down the road.

In the workshop I attended, we were fortunate to have Lena take the reins on one of the two mornings (the workshop was held at her gorgeous studio in West Palm Beach). She ran through her workflow and a typical Proselect presentation. As well, she talked about what works for her. It was short and sweet but full of solid information.

So… here is what I loved about the workshop:

• Karen Carey herself – a brilliant and lovely person all around – a true comedian as well (which never hurts in workshop learning environments )
• Role play scenarios
• Taking a deep and personal look at what is limiting you in your photography business
• Defining what separates you from others in your field
• Sales tactics and information that are tried and true
• Came away totally inspired to improve my business
• Met some great photographers and have stayed connected with many of them since

I asked a couple of other Thrivers to offer some feedback and this is what they said:

“Karen has a true gift for teaching and I will be forever changed because of her.”

“I came home with a whole new outlook on my business and my life. My sales tripled and I reached a personal goal that I NEVER thought I would ever see. Thrive/Karen taught me the confidence I need to move forward with my business. It was truly life changing for me!”

“What I found most effective at Thrive was being able to identify my own unique sales perspective and have the confidence to sell to my clients more effectively. It was especially helpful to see two completely different photographers/personalities/businesses [Karen & Lena] and know that attracting the right customer is not a formula. Each photographer was encouraged to see their own special qualities that would effectively raise their sales numbers by sheer confidence in that.”

Overall, a great workshop with great feedback. This is the second workshop I have attended of Karen’s and I highly recommend that you experience all that is Karen Carey at some point in your future. You will not be disappointed and it will be worth every penny .

Lastly, I had told Karen that I was going to do a post about Thrive and she generously offered the following:

Win a private mentoring session from Karen Carey! All you have to do is ”like” Karen Carey Photography and share this THRIVE Workshop post on your wall. A winner will be randomly selected by December 22, 2011. [Trust me - it will be well worth the effort if you win!]

Technorati Tags: Karen Carey, Lena Hyde, sales workshop, Thrive Workshop review

Tags: Karen Carey, Lena Hyde, sales workshop, Thrive Workshop review

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