EP 2: prioritizing people over profit
Join me as I explore creativity, purpose, and financial stewardship with Jon Taylor Sweet. He offers valuable insights for you guys regarding the concept of putting people over profit.
Finding Purpose in Creativity
Jon Sweet is a talented photographer, friend and creative professional, who believes that true creativity comes from a deep sense of purpose. He shares his journey Into the photography industry, emphasizing the importance of passion and genuine connections with people.
"I've always had this belief that people are the business."
His commitment to authenticity and building meaningful relationships with his clients has been huge and pivotal in his success. He sees photography as a way to connect with others and capture their stories, making each client and session a personal and fulfilling experience.
The Role of Community and Mentorship
He believes in the power of collaboration and the value of learning from others. Jon encourages aspiring artists to seek out mentorship opportunities and engage with their creative communities to grow both personally and professionally.
Prioritizing People Over Profit
A recurring theme in our conversation is the idea of prioritizing people over profit. Building genuine connections with clients and the relationships you have with other photographer long term is more important than a temporary monetary gain. Often turning down lucrative opportunities when he felt that the client relationship lacked authenticity.
"You have to find a high enough volume bar."
We explored the concept of financial stewardship and the importance of finding a balance between income and quality of life. We challenged the notion that more money necessarily doesn’t lead to a higher quality of life.
Embracing Conversations About Money and Prioritizing People Over Profit
Together we explored societal perceptions of income and spending habits. We challenged the idea that financial success can be measured solely by a six-figure income, highlighting the importance of making sure your personal priorities are aligned and defined.
"It's when you change the mindset to just stewarding it and letting it just exist as it is versus being married to it and it doesn't dictate your decisions."
There is a significant discomfort people often feel when talking about money. We spoke about how important it is to have conversations about finances, demystifying the topic and promoting healthier financial decision-making.
Join the Conversation
Jon offers valuable insights into the worlds of creativity, purpose, and stewardship. He reminds us that true fulfillment extends beyond financial wealth. Prioritizing people, seeking purpose, and embracing creativity are essential elements of a rich and meaningful life. Money, while important, should not overshadow the deeper aspects of our work and our connections with others.
About Jon:
Jon Taylor Sweet is a photographer based in the greater Seattle area but more importantly, a good friend of mine. His photography journey began in 2012 with an iPhone and Instagram. A friend gifted him a camera a few years later, which enabled him to turn his love for photography into a career.
Through Instagram, he discovered a diverse photography world, exploring wedding photography, creative lifestyle content, and commercial photography.
Find Jon online:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jontaylorsweet/
Website:http://www.jontaylorsweet.com
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