Lifestyle

Ace photographer Tareck Raffoul shares 3 tips to be successful in photography

Published

5 years ago

August 28, 2020

“A deeper look at photographer Tareck Raffoul’s roots, his passion for photography, and his inputs on how to succeed in photography.”

Traveling to different countries and clicking random pictures doesn’t require any real skill. From the perspective of a professional photographer, the real challenge lies in capturing images that would do justice to the model, product, brand… These photographs must depict a subliminal story. Tareck Raffoul firmly believes that every picture he clicks needs to have a soul of its own, something people can experience through the image itself

There is no magical formula for achieving great success. There’s no wand you can wave that will turn you into an instant celebrity in your chosen field. This applies to both the world of business and the world of arts. It takes hard work and patience to succeed at anything you are passionate about. Just ask Tareck Raffoul.

Here are some tips that Tareck wants you to know:

1. Choose a focus.

“Most people start out wanting to take photos of everything,” said Raffoul. “It’s better to become great at taking pictures of one type or two types, like fashion, interior, nature, or food.” Selecting a focus will make it easier for potential clients to find you and use your services. It also gives you the chance to be the very best in your field.

2. Build a great website and portfolio.

“If you have a great website, it will get jobs for you without you lifting a finger,” said Raffoul. “I worked with a designer to build my portfolio and website, and it’s helped.” There are premium website builders like SquareSpace and Wix that can help you build your own if you can’t afford a professional designer. Make sure it’s easy to navigate, minimal, and that your content is stunning, the main focus should be your work.

3. Create a brand.

Turn your name into a brand, creating a brand does a great deal to help you market yourself. It can involve creating a logo with an identity, adding some flair to your digital presence, and carefully choosing your communication strategy. “Having clear communication and a strong brand image makes the client feel like they know you before they even meet you,” said Tareck.

When asked about the secret of his success, Raffoul won’t hesitate to tell you it’s all about pursuing what makes you want to wake up every morning and aim for the clouds.

Lifestyle

Powerful Corporate Gifting Strategies to Build and Strengthen Business Partnerships

Published

1 day ago

April 15, 2025

Michelle Langton

If you want to build and strengthen business partnerships with your clients and top investors, there are a few key steps you must take. One essential strategy is corporate gifting. This simple act goes beyond building a partnership. It will also increase your customer retention rate and promote your business even beyond the shore of your country.

But before you consider gifting any item, there are some strategies to put in place. This will ensure your gift makes a lasting impression and resonates well with your clients. Below are powerful corporate gifting strategies to build and strengthen business partnerships with your clients and top investors.

Choose a Personalized Item

Rather than choosing an ordinary gift for your clients and investors, opt for a personalized item. Customised corporate gifts such as T-shirts, coffee mugs, and bags create a stronger emotional connection than generic gifts. They also leave a more lasting impression than most other gift types.

Imagine how investors and your clients will feel when you beautifully inscribe their image or favorite quotes on a T-shirt. Of course, they will feel valued, appreciated, and ready to invest more in your business.

Consider Their Culture and Background

As an entrepreneur, it’s essential to be culturally competent and sensitive. Your gifts should resonate with your clients’ and investors’ cultural backgrounds. Otherwise, they may be quickly discarded or overlooked. If your investors and audience are predominantly of Black heritage, consider giving them a custom T-shirt featuring a map of Africa or inspirational quotes from iconic Black leaders.

Their religious beliefs are also important. Specific religions may find some images or symbols inappropriate. For instance, if you’re giving a gift to a Muslim investor, avoid designs that include images like pigs, as they are considered offensive in Islamic culture.

Consider a Functional Gift

You should also consider the gift’s functionality. A gift that can be used every day will be more valuable than an impractical one. Even if the gift is expensive but doesn’t have any functional purpose, it won’t serve the purpose it was intended for.

Instead of purely sentimental keepsakes or abstract gifts, consider practical items like pens, notebooks, backpacks, coffee mugs, umbrellas, or water bottles. Just make sure the gift is well-designed and features your brand logo and identity. This not only increases brand visibility but also helps strengthen the connection between you and your investors.

Tie it to a story

Tie your gifts to a story to make them more memorable and emotionally meaningful. For example, if during your business’s early days, your employees always worked tirelessly day and night, you could opt for a custom hourglass. Clients and investors who receive such a gift will appreciate your business’s journey of patience and perseverance.

Offer Quality Gifts

Gifts given to investors or clients who have significantly contributed to your business growth should reflect their value. They shouldn’t be cheap or low-grade items. The gift doesn’t have to be trendy or widely popular, but it should come from a reputable and high-end brand. This will give your gift more credibility. Besides, the recipients will feel comfortable to use the gift among their colleagues.