What's a post-mortem and why you want to do this in business
This is a marketing agency term that I learned early on in business. Sounds a bit morbid, but it's a really useful process.
Simply put, a post-mortem is the autopsy you perform on an activity or project. It's taking a good, hard look at what went well, and what didn't go so well. In a boardroom it usually happens in a team, but you can adapt this to your needs.
Why would you want to do this?
To get insights, of course, which help give information and direction to your future initiatives. Say for example, you decided to do a boudoir marathon over a weekend. After the smoke has cleared, you have some time for reflection:
- You may have rented a hotel room. Did it all go as planned? Easy to find location? Good amenities for handling your clients, hair/makeup, the shoot?
- Did clients come on time? Any hiccups?
- Shooting go well? Lighting all worked? Challenges with equipment, props? Did clients leave happy?
- Contracts, payments, galleries, follow ups - all go as planned? Upsells?
- What was really amazing about it that you would do again?
- What might you improve upon?
Writing things out is always more helpful than allowing things to knock about in your head. It helps 'download' critical information that you may otherwise be forgetful of, can give clarity, and can help you visually see a bigger picture. The next time you decide to go ahead with your project, you can avoid mistakes, build on successes, and optimize the experience for maximum exposure, profit or practice.
You can even do a post-mortem after every shoot. It doesn't have to be an involved process - just jot down what went well and what didn't. This not only helps you up your game for the next shoot, but it also helps you see where your strengths lie and that can be used in many ways in your marketing. It also can help you find or hone your target audience.
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