I acknowledge the hell out of my clients.

Let me clarify. I'm not talking about empty compliments. (Ever hear a "You're amazing!" and it just felt, well, like cotton candy?)   I'm talking about acknowledging the truth and being that I see in front of me. I especially like to end meetings with an acknowledgement of what someone brought to the encounter. "Thanks for your candor when we got stuck." "I appreciate the humor and perspective you brought today." "Thanks for coming ready to play!"

Specific. Being-based. (Not "thanks for bringing the brownies", but I DO appreciate brownies!). Uncompromisingly genuine.

We all need to be seen and recognized.

In the bullshit world of control (like so much of business culture), positive acknowledgement is often a manipulative technique, a way of "buttering people up," so they are more pliable and accommodating to me getting my way. No wonder we so often react to genuine compliments with suspicion and self-deprecation.

I want my clients to be seen and appreciated and celebrated. In every aspect of my photography business I strive to create a space of gratitude and appreciation and celebration, a place to come out and play, a place where badassity ensues.

Be more you. Own your own badassity. And acknowledge it others.