First Impressions

First Impressions – What is your Personal Brand?

Sep 16, 2015

First Impressions

“You will never get a second chance to make a first impression” -Will Rogers 

Raise your hand if you have a social media profile – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin- the list goes on and on.

personal branding

These days it seems like everyone is on social media for one reason or another. Technology and social media have become a standard way of life. It is almost a habit for me to pick up my phone and check Facebook when sitting at a red light, or waiting in line at the grocery store. We feel kind of lost without it.

I recently joined Linkedin and after setting up my account and looking around the site something occurred to me. These days our social media profiles are our PERSONAL BRAND! We are selling ourselves to the world when we put up a photo, post a status update or share our thoughts. They are the FIRST IMPRESSION many people have of us. What does yours say about YOU?

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A few months ago I was asked to sit in on some interviews at my day job. I noticed after each interview my boss would immediately get on her phone. I finally asked what she was doing and she told me that she was checking their Facebook page. I am sure most of you are aware that your boss/potential boss is checking you out online and I am sure many of you have your social media profiles set to private for this reason. BUT, have you considered the fact that even if your profile is private your profile image isn’t!

What does that image say about you? 

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If you are trying to get a job and your profile picture shows you and your girlfriends hanging out at a bar with a beer in your hand what kind of impression is that giving your future employer?

Maybe you are self-employed and don’t have to worry about bosses checking you out online…but what about your clients? As a consumer I like to see the face behind the company/product that I am going to invest my money in. If the image I see is a cell phone selfie from the driver seat of your car (even if you look amazing) it isn’t going to impress me. But a professional headshot will!

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I recently came across an article on this very topic and loved what the author had to say:

“Sometimes we try and short cut this critical element by looking at our headshot as redundant, and as an unnecessary expense. But we should actually be looking at it as an opportunity to portray an image to our potential clients, to share our brand, and to show ‘the face behind the business’. We forget that when potential customers are looking at our businesses online, they are also looking at who we are and how we conduct business. They want to make sure that we are serious about quality and good customer service. If the photography on our website is done with a point-n-shoot and on-camera flash against a plain wall with a dark shadow around our head, it sends the wrong message. It shows lack of professionalism. And if we don’t appear to care about our own personal image, then why should our potential customers believe that we would use higher standards for the product or service we are offering?” 

 

fist impressions

 

You may not think of your headshot as a valuable investment in your business, but it can really push you to the next level. Clients, potential employers, other business professionals want to know you and the best way for them to see who you are and your personal brand is through your headshot.

Spend a little time online looking at other people in your industry. What does their headshot say about them?

If you need a headshot upgrade contact me today to book a session! Headshot sessions include hair and make-up and 2 digital files (additional files available as an add-on).

 

DFW Senior- Glamour- Wedding Photographer

 

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*Kendra Swalls is the photographer behind Paisley Layne Photography, and is a boutique portrait and wedding photographer in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She specializes in, beauty, senior and family portraits as well as wedding photography. Kendra’s style is fun and personality-driven while still retaining the timeless features of photography that create family heirlooms. She currently lives in Justin,TX  with her family: a husband that is not so patiently waiting for hunting season to start and a three year old daughter who wants to be a cowgirl and a painter when she grows up.  Kendra is currently booking 2015 & 2016 Portrait Sessions and Weddings in Dallas, Ft. Worth, Denton, Flower Mound, Southlake, Keller, Lewisville, Argyle and all of the North Texas area.

 

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