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Guest Post: The Myth of the Headshot

10.07.2015 by Elizabeth // Leave a Comment

Britney GardnerToday’s Guest Post is by my pal Britney Gardner, a Visual Brand Strategist & Personal Brand Photographer. Before you schedule your next headshot appointment, make sure to read this!

At networking events, at conferences, in the elevator… we all need a succinct statement of what we do. For me I introduce myself as a personal branding strategist and photographer. In some circles, I receive a sea of nods and knowing smiles. In others, it’s more a collection of perplexed faces.

I could call myself a headshot photographer. I’d find myself with far more nods and much less confusion, but that wouldn’t be accurate. Why not? I don’t agree with the concept of “the headshot” when it comes to most small businesses. Definitely not for online entrepreneurs!

First of all, the word headshot implies a single photograph. More on that later, but for now, let’s go back to the origin of headshots. Remember, this is how a casting director chose people for auditions – it’s how they narrowed 200 down to ten. Casting for a particular part is driven first on looks, later on other things. And in the acting world, that works. But in the business world, we all hope to be considered first on skill, talent, personality… and concede they throw our looks into the pot later.

The myth of the headshot goes beyond just that, though. I haven’t met a single person for whom a single photograph would encompass all that they are. A person, like a business, is a multi-faceted thing. Even for an entrepreneur with the most narrow of niches, they need more than a single photo. My average client needs a photo for a horizontal banner on their website, an image for a poster, photos for online ads, blog posts, a cover photo for social media, and—yes—a photo that takes place of the traditional headshot for their social medial profile pictures. And for some of these categories, they need many options!

I like a headshot-like photo for my twitter profile, my Facebook profile. When I comment in groups, it’s a recognizable force as I move from place to place on Facebook. Beyond that, though, a variety of photos is the next big hurdle in the visual branding world. For some photo needs, a traditional headshot layout just won’t fit. Have you noticed how wide and short most website photos are? A square or vertical headshot has no place there. The wide photos are a cinematic space and perfect to show more of what it feels like to work with you.

image 2A collection of personal branding photos can build trust between you and the viewer. It can also turn them away. Marketing experts talk about building a tribe of people that follow you, people for whom shared interests are only a start. How can you do that with a single photo? When you show more of the real you in your business, you’ll be well on your way to attracting clients who get you. You’ll gain clients who want to see you succeed and are willing to invest in you.

Finding just one head and shoulders photograph to do all that? It’s impossible from a formatting point of view and difficult from an emotional or benefit realm. Instead of searching for the perfect photo, claim the perfect photo for a situation. Hire a photographer for a collection of photos that support your brand. Use a variety of photos across your online space. Become the expert, the first person people think of in your field, by employing a strategy with your branding.

Have you already seen a level of success in your business but know you’re ready to level up and need a little boost? I offer a Boost Your Brand strategy session to assess your current branding and plan the next steps for your business. I invite you to invest a small slice of time and photograph the business you want tomorrow, today.

Categories // Branding, Marketing, Networking, Speaking Tags // branding, guest post, headshots, marketing, networking, personal brand

LinkedIn: Do I Really Know EVERYONE?

07.14.2015 by Elizabeth // 3 Comments

Linkedin: do I know everyone?First off, no, I don’t.

I was chatting with another marketing consultant the other day and she commented that I have a good chunk of  LinkedIn connections, and I need to promote that more on my website. It seems like a humble brag (look how popular and well connected I am!) but then I thought more about it. I worked hard to make those connections! And while some of you may scoff at the amount, some of you may be wondering how to get to this point. And for those of you trying to increase your connections, here’s what I do…

  1. Connect with EVERYONE you meet, as soon as you meet them. When I get home from a networking event, I do my best (sometimes it’s a week or two later) to connect with people I met. I send a personal note. This is ideal if you don’t have a need to send them a follow up email or need to connect with them for coffee or a business lead at that point.
  2. Encourage People to Connect with you. When I speak to groups I mention my LinkedIn. I also tell people (students specifically) to send a personal note. “Hi Elizabeth, your talk today in class was so inspirational I finally know what I want to do with my life. I’m eternally grateful for you!” The personal note reminds me of how we met. I’m on LinkedIn regularly but many people aren’t. Make sure you send a personal note to remind them how you connected. Yes you’re amazing and memorable, but if it’s been 5 months since I heard from you, you could be out of site out of mind.
  3. Don’t Give LinkedIn Your money. Dude, don’t. Yes there’s some interesting additional features, but if you are consistent with your follow through then you don’t need all the extras they offer.
  4. Don’t Connect with Strangers. Everyone has a different opinion on this, but my personal thoughts on LinkedIn are that these are people I have met or had a conversation with at one point and time. Some people are okay with adding people they don’t know, but for me, I’d prefer to connect with people I’ve met.
  5. My Social Media Links are everywhere – it’s in my newsletter footer, my email signature, and my website side bar. Make it easy for people to follow, fan and connect with you.

Increasing your online presence and authenticity takes time, consistency and engagement. Fill out your profile, add a PROFESSIONAL headshot, and start connecting, it can only help your business grow!

Categories // Social Media Tags // linkedin, networking, online presence, social media

Finding Good Speaking Opportunities

01.26.2012 by Elizabeth // Leave a Comment

dogs huddled to talk
Everyone likes a good public speaker! www.lickedlens.com

Many of my clients, and people in my network, ask me about speaking engagement opportunities. As you know, speaking is a great way to grow your business. But WHERE are you supposed to get that experience to fine tune your pitch, build your audience and get the BUZZ growing about you & your business?

Here’s a few ideas that I used when I was teaching workshops at the Puget Sound Business Journal and since then.

1. ASK

Seriously, do your friends, colleagues and network know that you have a variety of topics you speak on? I’m amazed how often I talk to someone and they don’t ask for something – even when I offer. Used your LinkedIn network to find out who has a connection to that perfect group you should be speaking to!

2. Make a list

What networking groups are you currently involved with? Do they have speaking opportunities for you there? Some of the larger organizations in town have smaller networking events where they are looking for good quality speakers on a variety of business related topics.

3. Target Market groups

Where is your target marketing hanging out and networking? If you aren’t already networking with them (which is a whole other lecture I’d be happy to give you), fix that. One thing I have learned from all my speaking with the Business Journal is that there is an association or group for EVERYTHING. Don’t believe me? Check out I Love Seattle http://www.iloveseattle.org/ for a great list to get started. Reach out to them – ask what they are looking for in speakers, attend an event to get an idea, if you are providing good quality content they will want you! Again, use your network for introductions.

4. Use your Network

Make it easy for your network to introduce you and get you connected. Here’s a sample email you could send to a colleague:

Hey Josh,

I saw that you are on the planning committee at XYZ Organization. I recently spoke at (similar organization) ABC Organization and would love to get connected with XYZ. I have a couple of topics I speak about in regards to Building a Successful Marketing Plan and How to start a company so you can hangout with your dog more. Would you be able to connect me with the right person on the luncheon/speaking committee? Let me know if you need any additional information from me.
Thank you!

(then include your full signature with email & phone, website, etc here).

5. Again, ASK

It’s worth repeating. I’m amazed how many people don’t ASK for help. Post it on your LinkedIn, tweet it, you can even add a speaking page to your website so organizations can easily find you. List topics you’ve spoken or written on, list organizations you’ve spoken to in the past, but you can’t grow your message if you don’t communicate it!

I know I missed a lot of ways to increase speaking opportunities, please feel free to share in the comments. And if you are involved in an organization looking for good speakers, please let me know – I would be happy to help make some connections to GREAT speakers – who HAVE asked!

Categories // Speaking Tags // networking, speaking

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Yellow Dog Consulting is a sales and marketing firm located in Hillsboro, Oregon with clients around the world. We work with small business owners who love what they do, but the sales and marketing part of their job sucks their will to live.

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