FSB070: Kevin Swan
March 6, 2009 by Ron Dawson
Filed under FSB Radio
Get ready for a roller coaster ride. This is one of those episodes that goes from one extreme to another. Our guest today is none other than that marketing maven in the world of wedding photography, and co-founder of Kiss Wedding Books, Kevin Swan. Kevin is a man known to state his mind and get into a few heated debates. Whether its whether or not marketing is more important than art in a successful studio (for the record, he admits both are important), or if it’s his conservative political beliefs, Kevin is someone who can both inspire and infuriate. In the first half of the show, you get a Harvard School caliber business course on marketing and branding. Kevin shares how in his first year of business in 2004, he booked 36+/- weddings. Last year in 2008, his profit (not revenue, but profit) on just album sales was almost $100,000. One of my favorite quotes from Kevin in this episode is, “By saying no to some things, you’ll succeed more in the things you say yes to.”
Then, we make a 180 degree turn into the dreaded “F” word territory. That’s right…FAITH. Kevin shares about his faith, how he came into it, and his thoughts on how one’s faith should and shouldn’t be incorporated into your business. For you long-time listeners and fans of the show, this one is a true delight. If you’re one of those people who get offended when people talk about the dreaded “F” word, turn the interview off about 25 minutes in.
Today’s outro music is courtesy of Triple Scoop Music.
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Next week, we’ll have Trevor Brucki, co-founder of Il Foto, a triumvirate of Winnipeg, Canada wedding photographers committed to fighting Breast Cancer.
This was a great interview. Thanks for sharing everything Kevin!
Yay! Kevin’s an awesome guy and this is a GREAT interview, Ron! I learned so much…
Thanks for not being afraid to let people discuss their faith. =)
Thanks for partitioning the interview into a practical advice and magical nonsense segments. I’m deeply uninterested in hearing anyone discuss at length how their every breath is authorized and guided by a invisible, skyward God-friend; BUT, I do love hearing people’s practical stories about how they came to professional photography.
Thanks for partitioning the interview into a practical advice and magical nonsense segments. I’m deeply uninterested in hearing anyone discuss at length how their every breath is authorized and guided by a invisible, skyward God-friend; BUT, I do love hearing people’s practical stories about how they came to professional photography.
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.