Contributing to Humanity; Not Competing for Profit

I’ve read some interesting articles lately on how to stay ahead of the game against the competition. Recently, I got an interesting e-mail connected to business questions asked on Quora. For some reason my Quora feed keeps sending me questions related to Elon Musk and the way he does business.

Maybe I’m in the dark, but I didn’t know who Elon Musk was until I kept seeing his name come up in my updates feed. He’s an accomplished entraprenur and is currently leading developments in space exploration. The amount of companies he’s been successful with has been actually quite impressive. What makes him more interesting is his mindset on success.

The question asked on Quora was, “Who is Elon Musk’s Enemy?” Someone who worked alongside Elon had essentially responded, “He doesn’t care about the competition. He focuses on moving ahead, gives out patented designs so his competitors are more successful, and thinks about developing humanity instead of maximizing profits for himself.” I was shocked to imagine that someone with such a philanthropist mindset could be so successful. Whether that’s how he really thinks – I don’t know. However, it brought me to examine my own thinking about business.

I debated whether I should be a transparent photographer - if I should let others know what techniques and marketing skills I use to be successful. But, if everyone knew my secrets, then how could I compete? The more I thought about it, the less I wanted to contribute to others. I wanted to be successful, and I don’t want other photographers to cherry-pick off my success. I was feeling greedy and felt like my efforts should be mine to be rewarded.

After I had made up my mind to keep to myself, I read a Bible verse the next day. Proverbs 11: 24-25 (NLT): “Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

I was quite impressed in reading this. It made me think, “What’s the point to this all?” We make up the concept of money - we feel entitled to our talents and forget that they are gifts freely given to us. We didn’t make ourselves, and we shouldn’t feel that we deserve to hoard money for ourselves when we’ve all been freely given to.

I further thought and realized, if I share my ideas, then I could help other photographers to be more successful - then more people would receive photography they like and benefit the field of photography as a whole. I can still get clients because I have my own natural style, and people who appreciate that style will hire me. I don’t need to convince other clients to hire me when another photographer may be a better fit for them.

If photographers develop as a whole, then it would help to move out the photographers who are better at marketing themselves than being actual photographers. Some photographers overcharge for mediocre photography because they have a lot of money to market themselves. It would create a better environment for everyone if people could get access to a photographer with skills, affordable rates, and a style that they prefer.

Maybe photography and art isn’t about making a lot of money. Maybe it’s about creating an art that’s accessible to everyone. I’m given my talents from God, why should I be greedy when I’ve been freely given to?

My own style will always be there, and no one can truly copy another person. Why should I be afraid of competition if it helps me to strive in being the best photographer I can be, and helps to create an environment in which everyone benefits? If I lose business as a photographer, then I can find another place to focus my energy and move on. I don’t need to hang onto photography as if it’s my only option to make a living. Open your thinking and options.

It’s best to contribute; not compete~