10 things I have learned assisting Sue by Gerson Lopes

10 THINGS I’VE BEEN LEARNING BY ASSISTING SUE

The recent few months have been huge changing months in my life. I feel like I’m pushing the restart button on my computer, and it’s only reopening the dream pages on my tabs. In 5 months I went from teaching music during the day and devouring all I could about photography and business development at night till morning, to a full time learning experience assisting the actual person that I have been absorbing everything from these last years.

I moved across the country, from Charlotte, NC to Los Angeles, CA in pursue of this dream opportunity: to be around Sue Bryce, studying, learning, working, and creating my business and this future that was on my vision board. Since this is her Study Group, I thought I would share bits of my experiences with all of you guys. What I have been learning, straight from the source on a daily basis, might be interesting and benefit you too, it might help all of us to grow together.

1. Set your intention for the day – You will be amazed how your focus will change. I’m practicing that constantly now.

2. Work hard, every day – Honestly, this lady works 10 times more than what you see in her videos, speeches, and workshops. When you have an idea, write it down. When you have things to do, make a list and go over one by one. I’m learning I can accomplish much more than what I thought I could, just by doing that. “What can be the best use of my time?” Echoes in my head now.

3 Use the light you have for free – Yes it’s nice to have gear and all the best equipment around you to create beautiful photos, but you can do just the same or even better with simple natural light and reflectors. God’s light is the perfect light. I’m learning every day how to us it, reflect, bounce, cut, defuse. We all, have all we need, at our disposal, every day the sun is shining.

4. Laugh at dumb things, be serious at serious things – Life is about balance, that whole speech 50/50 remember?

5. You are here to create, not to compete – Be a creator, don’t worry about the other guy. You are creative and there is no limit for your creativity. I’ve seen Sue create from a conversation, from a look at a wall, from a gesture of a client… All colors, lights, shadows, poses, walls, floors, outfits… use it all, photograph it all, and post it on your social media every day. That leads me to my next point:

6. Social marketing my brand – I think you all will agree that most of us lack on social media reach, or at least we could do a much better work, correct? As you know, Sue is a master on that (just look at her numbers!) I’m learning to be more and more proactive, generating more buzz and interaction, specially on my Instagram and Facebook. I’m adapting my post from selfies and fun with friends, to portrait work and photoshoots. I’m trying to post every day, and answer back to every comment. You can be my accountability, call me out if I don’t right you back when you comment on my social media. Believe me, this simple action is changing my numbers, I’m so excited that now I have clients reaching out from Instagram.

7. USE EVERYTHING and use it to make money – I recently got caught by surprise when Sue introduced me as a Portrait Photographer and Classical Pianist. Although I’ve always worked with music, and that was my college education, for some reason I just now realized I of course have these skills that I could put to use and make money. Connecting both worlds, music and photography, and create art that can be helpful to others. That’s how the song “Flight” came about. Sue asked me to create a song for her video, you all watched, and heard the song. Very soon you all will be able to use it for you own videos too! It’s like a wave of creativity. So exciting!

8. Never stop learning your craft – I watch Sue doing internet research, reading books, watching documentaries, and trying to get better in all she does, every day. Literally, every day there are new lessons. When she delivers her talks you only see 1/10 of the work behind it. That’s an example that I want to follow. Study, study, study.

9. Pay attention to your demeanour – Have grace, be friendly, be funny, smile at everybody, even when you are exhausted. It will go a long way, you will melt many walls. I’m learning when you have your own business, you are the face of it. Everything depends on you, how you act, and how you interact with people (including your social media comments) reflects your brand. Sue does that masterfully, not only in her videos that you watch, and the interactions on the internet, but also with people on her every day life. I’m a witness of that.

10. Self development is a must! – Sue always say “your weakness is your power.” I used to believe my accent would stop me in business or make me look not as smart. She reminds me every day I speak two languages and that is a gift not a weakness. As you develop your business you develop yourself, as you develop yourself you develop your business. That’s the honest truth, brutal and simple. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I’m learning about myself since I started this journey. Saying that, I’m so happy and so excited for my business, for life, and the future that is coming. I really hope you will find your path too!

I look forward to keep you guys posted on my learning experiences and the development of my business. As of right now I’m excited to let you know that I just finished portfolio building, I updated my website, and I’m open for business.

CHEERS!
G.

GÉRSON LOPES
www.gersonlopes.com