Why Skip Cohen Still Writes: Purpose, Practicality, and Pleasure
Skip Cohen explains why he keeps blogging and working: a personal mantra, a marketing focus rather than active photography, and a simple yardstick—does the day still make him smile?
Useful takeaways from this story.
He's driven by a personal mantra: 'I do it because I can. I can because I want to. I want to because you said I couldn't.'
Technology changes (SEO, AI, distribution) but business fundamentals—especially relationships—still matter most.
He continues because he enjoys it, has slowed down for family, and will stop only when he stops waking up smiling.
The useful part
SkipCohenUniversity Home SCU Blog Our Podcasts About Us the SCU Blog My Why... So, maybe this last Friday in September, I should bring more of you up to date on why I love writing this blog...and hope it helps you build a stronger business. Although I didn't hear this quote until after I left WPPI in 2009, it still fits my attitude toward projects I like to take on.
How it works
- I've done my best to follow one of my wife's favorite quotes: to thine own self be true.
- When I left Rangefiner/WPPI in 2009 to start my own company, I wanted to see if I had learned enough in all those years working for other companies.
- You don't have to be over-joyed at everything you work on, but if you're not happy with what you're doing then it's time for a change.
- Click on the link above and you can scroll through all of the episodes to date.
- I've worked alongside some of the very best, and learned so much.
What to take from it
First, you have to understand my mantra: I do it because I can. Third, years ago over lunch, Sarah Petty and I got into a fun discussion over the percentage of photographers who are simply bad business people. Most of you are right-brain creative types, which explains why you often disregard the operational side of your business.
Example or evidence
- Well, here I am 17 years later, still loving the marketing side of business and writing about it.
- While technology keeps changing with SEO, AI, and one's ability to expand their reach, the foundation of success is still built on the basics.
- it's a word that for far too many of you is buried beneath the baggage of stress in running your business.
- As I've written so many times, you can't create images that tug at people's heartstrings if you're own heart isn't in it!
Details worth keeping
However, my passion has always been on the marketing side. For years I had lived vicariously through so many of you. Although I've slowed down and definitely take more time for friends and family, primarily focused on Sheila and the two pups, Lucy and Belle, I'll continue to share whatever I can to help you run a better business and, yeah, have more fun in the process!
Related coverage
- Insurancejournal: A book called "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek covered this topic and gave inspiration for this article.
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