The Mentor's Corner

Business and Marketing for Pros

DO YOU HAVE A DREAM 50?

Create a “Dream Fifty” for maximum clarity and impact.

Dream-50

If your marketing plan is sorta like “post some stuff and hope for the best”, well…

You’re not alone.

But you’re also not in control.

Drumroll please!

Enter the Dream 50 List — a game-changer for photographers who are ready to stop the endless waiting and start some sweet winning.

The Dream 50 isn’t just a list of clients.

This puppy is a full-on strategy — a targeted, efficient, and relationship-driven approach to landing the right kind of work with the right kind of clients.

Here’s why building your Dream 50 should be your next move:

1. Targeted Outreach
(a.k.a. Stop Wasting Your Damn Time)

When you handpick your Dream 50, you’re identifying businesses, agencies, and individuals who are already a great fit for your work.

No more “spray and pray” marketing.

Instead, you focus on the clients who value strong visuals, create content regularly, align with your style — and treat creatives with respect.

(Yes, that last one matters. A lot.)

2. Efficiency and Focus
(a.k.a. Save Your Energy for the Right People)

Marketing can feel like shouting into a black hole.

The Dream 50 narrows your field of vision. You’re not trying to be everywhere for everyone — you’re laser-focused on the 50 relationships that actually matter.
This kind of focus beats “doing all the things” every single time.

3. Strategic Relationship Building
(a.k.a. Play the Long Game)

We’re not talking about scary cold calls and cheesy sales pitches.

We’re gonna start some real conversations.

How do we do that, you ask?

Simple. We:

  • Follow them on social.
  • Comment thoughtfully on their posts.
  • Send a smart, personalized email introducing yourself and your work.
  • Stay in touch with valuable and fresh content, not canned spam.

We’re not begging for a job — we’re building a connection.

And when they do need someone, guess who’ll come to mind first?

4. Prioritization and Planning
(a.k.a. Work Smarter)

Your Dream 50 shouldn’t be one giant, undifferentiated blob.

Break it down:

  • Tier 1: Ready to pitch now.
  • Tier 2: Almost ready — needs more relationship-building.
  • Tier 3: Aspirational clients — the dream gigs.

This way, you’re always working the system.

Shooting personal projects that would appeal to your Tier 2s and 3s?

That’s smart, without feeling like heavy-handed marketing.

5. Tracking and Accountability
(a.k.a. Grown-Up Business Moves)

Use a CRM.

Or a spreadsheet.
Or sticky notes if you must.
Hell, a pack of Post-its is only a buck at the Dollar Store.

The point is: Track your outreach.

  • Who you contacted.
  • When you followed up.
  • What you sent them.
  • What they said.

Consistency wins.

Sloppy memory loses – every time.

Bottom Line
(a.k.a. Why You Must Get Proactive)

The Dream 50 flips your marketing from reactive to proactive.

It forces you to get clear on who you want to work with — and then actually do the work to get on their radar.

It’s not glamorous. It’s not overnight.
But it works.

And it’s how real, sustainable, and personally aligned businesses are built.

Ready to Build Your Dream 50?
Here’s How to Actually Stop Wasting Time.
Today.

Look — hoping for work isn’t a marketing plan.

Neither is scrolling LinkedIn and calling it “networking.”

If you’re serious about getting better clients, it’s time to act like it.

Here’s how to start right now:

Make the List: Write down 50 businesses, agencies, or people you actually want to work with. No randoms. No “well, maybe if they asked.” Only the ones you’d be proud to put on your roster.

Tier Them:

  • Tier 1: You could pitch them today and feel good about it.
  • Tier 2: You’re close, but you need to warm them up a bit.
  • Tier 3: Total dream clients. (Start planting seeds anyway.)

Get on Their Radar:
Follow them. Engage with their posts. Send thoughtful emails. (No spammy “just circling back” nonsense.)

Track Everything:
Keep a simple CRM, spreadsheet, or even a notebook. (Amateurs rely on memory. Pros track progress.)

The goal?

Stop waiting to get picked. Start building the relationships that will build your career.

It doesn’t take magic.
It takes focus, persistence, and a little bit of guts.

And it starts today — if you’re ready.

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