With the rise in social platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter, visuals are driving consumer engagement in both the business and corporate world.
There is no denying the fact that a good headshot will evoke greater trust, authenticity and greater interest in you and your business. Customers and stakeholders love to know who they are dealing with, so with a good headshot will ensure that your first impression makes a positive impact!
Professional headshots are not just for actors, celebrities or corporate heads or an expensive vanity project. In a world where anyone serious about their career or business has a personal brand (whether you like it or not); it’s important to control and manage how people see you.
Your headshot will help to take your online presence to greater heights if done correctly. It is your corporate handshake in a virtual world, so ensure that your photograph makes the right impression and sets the right tone by investing in your brand.
Thankfully, gone are the days when you had to look as if you had a rod up your back. If done correctly your headshot will let your personality shine through and sends out the right message about you.
Failure to invest in your headshot is like turning up to a networking event without a business card. People want to know the face behind the name. Your headshot should encourage people to engage with you. People connect with those they know, like and trust so ensure that you look like someone that they want to engage, work and do business with.
As a small business owner or corporate professional on the rise don’t underestimate how your headshot is a critical component for your personal branding strategy. Thankfully, the formal, pen holding, over staged poses don’t work for today’s socially conscious, savvy and connected customer. They want a headshot that matches your brand, so keep your image consistent, personable but more importantly professional.
So make sure your headshot enhances rather than devalues your personal brand.
Sonia Brown MBE is an entrepreneur, writer, uber connector and business advocator. With over 20 years in marketing, branding and life skills development, Sonia is an authority on many areas of business, leadership, diversity and branding. For further information visit www.soniabrown.co.uk
