Podcast Summary: The Difference Maker Revolution Podcast

Episode: 3 Ways To Get Bookings Quickly
Date: October 27, 2025
Hosts: Steve Saporito (A), Ronan Ryle (B), Jeanine McLeod (C), Jonathan Ryle (D)

Episode Overview

In this high-energy, practical episode, the panel tackles a perennial question: "How do I get photography bookings quickly?" Drawing on decades of industry experience, the hosts unpack straightforward strategies—featuring real client examples, actionable scripts, and tried-and-true methods—for photographers to fill their calendars fast, whether they're established or just getting started.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Re-engage Existing Clients

• Don't Overlook Your Database:
  Rather than endlessly pursuing new clients, the fastest way to bookings is inviting existing or past clients to return for another session.
  • “When you've built a foundation and you created a relationship, getting your clients to use you more often and come back is the easiest way to grow a business.” — Steve (A) [00:04]
  • It's critical to reframe “past clients” as “existing clients” who might just need a prompt to return.
• Milestone Birthdays & Anniversaries:
  Track significant dates (birthdays, anniversaries) in your client database and use them as natural opportunities to reach out.
  • “We would always call milestone birthdays first or invite them back first because it's a special occasion… Just pick up the phone and say, hey, it’s your birthday next week… People find a reason to come back. They really do.” — Steve (A) [01:50]
• Give People Permission:
  Many customers just need to be reminded or invited back for a session.
  • “All he had to do was have a conversation and let her know it's okay to come back again and invite her to come back again, and she's booked in already.” — Ronan (B), recounting Andrew’s client story [07:08-07:21]
  • “A lot of people just need permission, but we have to give ourselves permission to do it.” — Steve (A) [07:21]

2. Use the Phone—Don’t Be Afraid!

• Speed over Perfection:
  When a booking slot opens unexpectedly—just pick up the phone and ask existing or upcoming clients to move forward.
  • “If we had a space open up, would they like to come in sooner? … It's much easier to book a session several weeks out than it is right now. So we call future sessions and say, would you like to come in sooner?” — Janine (C) [09:47]
• Simple Scripting Works:
  The outreach doesn't have to be complicated. Focus on clarity and benefit for the client.
  • “It's just simple. It doesn't have to be complicated. A lot of times people jump on, like, ‘Oh my god, that would be amazing!’” — Janine (C) [10:29]
• Create a Standby List:
  Keep a list of clients who wanted earlier dates in case sessions open up.
  • “So we had a standby list... Having a standby list, especially when you are having to push people back, really helps too.” — Steve (A) [11:47]

3. For New Photographers: Get Out & Network

• Start with Community:
  If you’re new and don’t have a big client base, join networking groups and talk to people—especially those in your target market.
  • “Whenever I'm coaching somebody who's starting, getting them to join a few networking groups… Talk to the mums whose kids are also playing in the park… Ask them about their children… it usually leads to a booking if you allow it to.” — Steve (A) [13:32]
• The ‘Giver Gains’ Mindset:
  Approach networking with value, not desperation. Find ways to help other businesses and their clients.
  • “You have to give first. If you go in looking to take, you have to give first.” — Ronan (B) [15:38]
  • “You need to get curious about other people in the group… If every client could be like this person, what would that person look like?” — Steve (A) [16:20]
• Build Alliances with Neighbors:
  Especially if opening a physical location, introduce yourself to nearby businesses—bring food or treats as an icebreaker.
  • “Bring food. No one will reject you if you bring food… No one's gonna… as soon as you say I'm your neighbor and I wanted to bring you some muffins and say hi, people soften really fast.” — Jeanine (C) [28:25]

4. Use a Marketing Budget for Instant Leads

• Digital Ads for the Fastest Results:
  If you have some budget, online ads (like Facebook) can generate immediate leads.
  • “You can launch an ad in about 30 minutes and have potential clients coming in the door in a few hours.” — Jonathan (D) [29:19]
  • Expect to spend $100–$200 per booking at first, and be prepared to follow up on leads promptly.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It's amazing how powerful our self talk is. Once we started believing that people would come back, then we got people back. It's incredible.” — Steve (A) [07:47]
• “You can't hide in a dark corner and expect the phone to ring. You've got to get out there.” — Steve (A) [13:32]
• “It's the difference between sounding desperate and sounding like a business owner who's launching something new… It's different to say, ‘I need your help’ than ‘I'm so desperate, please help.’” — Jeanine (C) [20:03]
• “If you struggle with this concept of calling your existing clients to get them to come back, have the reason in your mind ahead. A birthday is an easy one. Can be any birthday… If you have a reason, it’s not as scary as you think to pick up the phone.” — Jeanine (C) [25:00]
• Fun Banter:
  Humorous exchange about milestone birthdays and “pre-BlackBerry” days highlights the panel’s camaraderie and keeps the conversation lively. [01:33, 26:16]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• The Virtue of Existing Clients: [00:00–08:16]
• Andrew’s Client-Returning Success Story: [06:02–08:16]
• Filling Last-Minute Slots: [08:31–11:19]
• Managing Standby Lists: [11:47]
• What to Do as a New Photographer: [13:17–16:20]
• Networking and Mindset Tips: [15:38–20:03]
• Marketing Calendar & Having a Reason to Call: [20:03–26:16]
• Building Business Alliances with Neighbors: [26:59–28:41]
• Quick-Start with Facebook Ads: [29:02–30:33]
• Summary and Wrap-Up Banter: [30:33–31:32]

Takeaways for Photographers

• Reconnect with your former and existing clients. Most will gladly return for another great experience—you just have to ask.
• Personal calls (especially around meaningful dates) outperform passive emails.
• If you’re starting out, get visible—network, offer help, and partner with surrounding businesses.
• Don’t fear digital marketing, but set a budget and have the time to follow up.
• Always focus on giving value before asking for bookings or referrals.

This episode is packed with actionable, real-world strategies—delivered with humor, empathy, and an abundance of industry insights. If you want a more “booked” photography calendar, these Difference Makers prove it’s all about relationships, proactive outreach, and a sprinkle of boldness.