Kieron Heath (pictured below) is a portrait and fine art photographer who runs his own business. He recently wrote us about how he's been inspired by 37signals' philosophy and Getting Real.
In this age of the technological behemoths, venture capatalists and dragons dens (a British show where millionnaires ruin the dreams of startups with their eyes on being the next hasbro and walmart), it is so fresh and inspiring to have a group living the dream and telling everyone there is a better way and it can be done.
When I first looked at starting out as a photographer I put together a shopping list of equipment that I MUST HAVE! Without this list I thought I would never start. It was £20,000 in size. And would have made me spend a huge waste of time doing cashflow predictions and presentations to bank managers and investors.
Why did I not think my current camera would suffice, or my computer, or my printer. I ended up spending £700 on some studio lights a background and some business cards.
Like that, I'm ready to go.
I'm not going to charge huge amounts, I'm not looking to be a huge studio with five other stores. Just me a camera going to make beautiful works that I and my clients can be proud of.
With this slower approach I can upgrade my equipment and expand my advertising as my revenue increases.
Next year I will most likely go full time on the business and follow your 4 day week idea and become an efficient friendly photography business
Thanks for the inspiration and your continued work to make the web a better simpler place.
After reading the book, Kieron sent us another email.
Wow. You know you're reading one hell of a damn good book when half way through you start writing on a bit of paper furiously, drawing website layouts and thirty minutes later having a fully completed website on paper. And not only that, but a much better grasp on your own idea, and a whole new way of thinking about your customers and your interaction with them.
Throughout the whole book, the just do it mantra was going over and over in my head. Getting Real is literally about making something real, screw outlining and planning and constantly revising that plan - you're wasting time and energy. Just make that idea a reality as soon as possible.
And what's even better, 37signals have put their entire approach to business and web app development on the web for free. Now that's innovation in itself!
Thanks for making an awesome book... once again you've got me even more motivated.
You're welcome Kieron! If you want to learn more, check out Getting Real.
Do you have a Getting Real success story? Let us know.
