When I get to explain what my job is, it's the neatest thing to see "lightbulbs" come on for people. More often than not when people think of the word "branding" they think of a logo. While large companies that have been around many years are certainly branded that way, that's not the case for entrepreneurs and small businesses these days. I've said it once and I'll say it again because it's so important for you to understand that
YOU are Your Brand!
I'm all for logos, but too often people get hung up on the idea that the logo they choose is front and center in people's minds. When in actuality, YOU are who they think of when they know that you run a business. It's what they think of YOU that your brand is centered around. The beautiful thing about Personal Brand Photography is that you're helping people make those connections between you and your business. They're seeing you based on what you're putting out on your social media, your website, and your profiles.
Whether you realize it or not, if you've started a business, even recently like I have, you've already got a brand. People will relate your business to who you are and how you're known. For me, since I just moved here last year, I had a weak brand. I needed to get myself out in town so people would get to know me and know who I am. You may be in a similar situation, you're not new to town, but you don't get out much. Let me encourage you to do that soon. Connecting with other business owners is a great way to meet new people and find out that you have things in common. It's always a good idea to make it to mixers whenever possible.
I listened to a webinar today where Rebecca Horan explained that people often say you need to be yourself and that IS your brand. While that's true, she went on to explain, "You can be authentic and strategic at the same time. One doesn't cancel out the other." It's not inauthentic to post about random crazy days, but you don't want to push the negatives.
Is it really worth it to hire someone to photograph you doing things that are content worthy? A thousand times "Yes!" Successful people are doing just that. You won't see a profitable business that has mediocre images representing them or their products. It is a pet peeve of mine when shopping online, that people post poorly lit images of something I'm looking for on Craigslist or the like. I've been on the hunt for vintage kitchen table chairs for more than a year. Poorly lit images don't show the real colors of fabrics and wood can even look orange in ambient light. I want to see what the chair's material colors really are and know that the wood is going to match my kitchen table.
This is the reality of your images too. If your profile portrait or anything business related is not well lit or composed it detracts from the goal you have to look professional. I speak from personal experience when I tell you that having a Personal Branding Session done boosts your confidence levels too. I recently had my Branding Session taken with Candace Perry in Dallas, Texas. We had the best time working together. The image of me in this post is compliments of that session. I'm not a fan of being in front of the camera, but Candace guided me and made me feel good about myself. That's what a Brand Photographer like me can do for YOU.
You as your brand is the ability for people to appreciate how you make them feel when you're around. It's their expectations of you when they are purchasing what you have to offer; the quality they think of when referring to your products, it's all wrapped around you personally.
Foundations are extremely important when building anything. My youngest studied architecture in school. He would sometimes enlighten me about the way something was made or how deep a foundation needs to be for certain structures. Let me explain Branding in the light of architecture. You've got to start with a solid foundation. There must be a thought process that people think of when your name is mentioned. Make sure it's strong. It's vitally important for people to know you, to like you, and trust you. Period.
I could talk about this all day. To keep it manageable though, I'll continue with this idea next week. For now, take it all in and ponder on the idea that
#YourBrandIsUnique
If you're on Instagram following influencers from anywhere on the planet, you'll notice their feed is full of images of themselves. Some are close-ups of what is in their hands, some are showing where they are, some are an ecstatic reaction they're sharing, but all of them are showing that THEY are their brand. They understand the value of putting themselves out there. You need to catch that same vision!
Interested in how I can help you create images that are authentically You? Message me here and tell me what line of business you're in. I look forward to learning more about you soon.
Have questions? Feel free to drop them below. Chances are that you're not the only one.
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