put YOUR best face forward

I recommend that all of my clients put photos of themselves front and center in their marketing. It’s not my most popular suggestion. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever had a single client respond enthusiastically!

“Put your photo on EVERYTHING,” I advise. “No way,” the client always responds.

“Your face is a critical part of your brand,” I insist. “But I hate pictures of myself,” they counter.

“No one likes to see their own picture. But your clients need to see you and connect your face with your business,” I repeat.

If your success involves building personal relationships, sharing your face is an important part of establishing your brand. And in small business - making personal connections is the name of the game, isn’t it? If someone wants to work with a nameless, faceless, impersonal business, they will choose Amazon. If you want them to choose your small business - you have to make it personal. You have to build your brand around YOU. And that means sharing your photo. A lot.

I’m pretty good at helping my clients see why sharing personal photos is an important part of an effective marketing strategy. But when it comes to promoting my own business? I hide.

My own website has ZERO photos of me. The photo on my LinkedIn profile is a blurry, horrible selfie. My Facebook profile pic alternates regularly between my dog and my kids. The photo above, with the person hiding from the camera? That’s not even me! Why? Because as much as I advise, insist, and repeat that a small business owner’s photo is critical to successful marketing, I also dislike seeing my own picture!

I admit it - I’m a total hypocrite. And I thought I was getting away with it, but a good friend (and fabulously talented photographer) noticed and called me out. She advised, insisted, and repeated my own message back to me… and she was right.

And so, I took a deep breath, set my own insecurities aside, and scheduled a professional headshot session with LMG Photography. I resisted every urge to postpone and reschedule, and I went through with the session. And you know what? It was actually pretty fun! Lyndsey made me feel comfortable and she made me laugh. It was over before I knew it. I just saw the proofs, and I’m pretty excited to share them soon. You can tell we were having fun, and Lyndsey did a great job listening to my ideas and making them a reality.

Will I put my own photo on everything from now on? Yep.

Is my face is a critical part of my own brand? It sure is. My business is all about building relationships. And as much as I love my kids and my dog, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend that you hire them to get the message out about your small business. The fact is, my own face is that one that belongs front and center in my own marketing.

Do I now like seeing my own picture? Well… I wouldn’t go that far just yet, but I do like these photos better than my horrible selfies. Hiring a great photographer is a must, and I’m happy to recommend Lyndsey if you need a referral in Central Ohio.

It’s time to listen to my own advice. It turns out, I’m actually pretty good at helping small businesses build a brand and make a big impression. So, check back soon for some updated images, featuring yours truly, front and center. Unless, of course, YOU have a small business that needs my attention today? Give me a call - I’d love to talk about ideas with you… and put off sharing my photos just a little longer.