Who decides what Success Team I will be on, and how can I be sure itís the right one? The ST Chapter Coaches and ST Liaison handle this very important step. From years of experience we know how important it is to assemble good teams, what works, and what doesnít. Many factors are considered regarding each personís individual situation to achieve the best fit.
Why do assistant & affiliate members have to be on their own teams; can't they be included in photographers' teams? Success Teams are a member benefit for Emerging Photographers and Photographers only. Assistants who are earning a living shooting their own images should upgrade their membership to become eligible. Because Success Teams are peer groups, affiliates (non-photographer members of APA who are not pursuing a career in photography) will be placed in their own peer group.
Can I arrange to be on a team with my friend? If you are in the same peer group, yes. Make sure to mention your request on your registration form, and that your friend also registers with a similar note.
If I am not geographically close enough to other team members, how can I be on a team? One of the primary purposes of this program is to offer the Success Team program to all APA members, regardless of where they are located. There are ways members outside major cities can be on a team. (1) Other APA members may be close-by whom you may not know about. (2) If you are willing to travel a short distance to meet, let us know how far. APA members living 1.5 hours from each other can often find a common ground to meet requiring 45 minutes of travel. Some teams have traveled much further.
Who are the Coaches and what are their qualifications? APA’s team coaches are local APA photographers who have studied the APA Success team coaching manuals and work with teams and guide the establishment of new teams. More coaches throughout the nation are being added as the program grows.
How long does the initial training take? Training sessions are handled at the first meeting and explain the team approach to individual success. The first meeting usually gets the team together at a local restaurant for a social dinner to get to know each other. Then the team goes to a nearby photographer’s studio or home to get their team work started and learn the fundamentals of success teams.
Success Teams are popular with talented, committed, and proactive photographers. They love the collaborative environment and working with other photographers to achieve their goals. Photographers who understand the importance of focusing on career development know how valuable it is. Many credit the program for jumpstarting and/or recharging their careers.
Success Teams are popular with talented, committed, and proactive photographers. They love the collaborative environment and working with other photographers to achieve their goals. Photographers who understand the importance of focusing on career development know how invaluable it is. Many credit the program for jumpstarting and/or recharging their careers.
Why can't I pay in installments? YES. The sign up fee is $50 and is done entirely on–line using your credit card. An ongoing monthly fee of $6 per month is also authorized to help cover ongoing administrative and coaching expenses that must be paid as we go.
When will I be placed on a team? That depends upon where you live and how many other APA members are waiting to get on a team in your area. Our goal is to place all applicants on teams within 6-8 weeks, but for a few it may take longer.
How will team members be replaced as attrition occurs? Attrition is a normal process as we all go through transitions in life, and we are prepared for it. Teams are carefully monitored, and arrangements are made to replace missing team members in a number of ways. New team members may be given special training to bring them up to speed so they can join existing teams, teams may be combined, or a combination of both methods can be used. This process is considered an advantage as it introduces fresh minds and viewpoints into the team dynamic. Our job is to provide a long-term benefit for all members, and as team members learn how to better utilize the training, they will benefit from it better over time.
How long do teams normally last? That depends on each team. On average, teams tend to last about two to three years. But they can last much longer than that, especially with the attrition solutions mentioned above. The point is that we all change. The exciting part is when teammates decide to continue even after a team has dissolved, and form a new team. On the second go-around, they progress faster and get more out of the team because of their prior experiences. Gaining hands-on experience with the principles of the true barn-raising experience is a wonderful benefit that last a lifetime.
What happens if other team members are not productive, dragging the team down? The Participation Agreement (download here) addresses this issue and provides guidelines for conduct. The unique nature of this program requires each person to be proactive and committed to their own goals as well as the team effort. The registration process has been revised to help potential participants determine if they have the required commitment. As mentioned earlier, situations change, and the team liaisonís job is to make sure each team remains healthy. If you have a concern, discuss it with your team captain who will know how to find a solution.
Can I switch Teams later on? Yes. When teams are assigned, we ask each team member to commit to your team for three months. In most cases, the team dynamic creates a bond which teammates are reluctant to break. If you still want to change, tell your team captain or your team liaison and we will work to move you to another team.
Why can't I attend the training and then decide if I want to join a team? The training program is a very intense and interactive environment limited to seven people. It is confidential in nature, and involves administrative and coaching costs related to each participant.
Are there any other special benefits for Success Team members only? There are many special benefits that may not be readily apparent. It starts with having your own support team. Deep friendships and special bonds develop, creating an environment where members share important resources and provide each other with encouragement, support, accountability, and validation. The resulting synergy is energizing, empowering, and very real to team members.
Other significant benefits are the APA success team on-line forum where success team members only can communicate with other APA Success Team members nationwide. Belonging to a trade association is a smart step in advancing your career in photography. Becoming a Success Team member is a giant leap forward.
REGISTER HERE to sign up with a team in your area.