Have you ever had a professional headshot taken??
Most people haven't!
And unfortunately, I think it's a missed opportunity. If you have the financial ability to invest in yourself and your career, this is where I recommend you start!
Tell me more...
As a career coach I can tell you that there is value in having a professional headshot. Not only does it boost your confidence, but it builds your brand.
Let's face it, most of our world is digital. When was the last time you met up with someone without searching their name, business, or service offerings online before the meeting? Probably not very often! Digital presence matters and the best way to capture someones attention is through a really great headshot.
Let's talk about it...
1) LinkedIn
Most professionals have a LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is very different from other social platforms as it is designed to help you network, stay up to date on career related trends, and provides you with a polished page online. In North America we don't typically add photos to resumes, instead LinkedIn becomes the place for you to put a face to a name prior to an interview.
A successful LinkedIn profile will have a great photo, a thorough explanation of your professional background, and a few items to make you a real human. You want your LinkedIn page to entice a recruiter or hiring manager to invite you to an interview - they just have to meet you! And the perfect way to do that is with a great headshot!
2) Business Cards and Websites
Are you a business owner, side hustler, or hobby enthusiast? You probably have a business card or website advertising what you do. People want to see the person behind the product or service. They want to know you and your story. A professional headshot does not need to be over the top, but it should give viewers a glimpse at the person running the show.
It is so much easier to recall a face rather than a name, business title, or product. Giving people someone to connect to is exactly why professional headshots exist. Want to grow your business? Show off your face and personality!
3) Articles, Blogs, and Features
The world needs you and what you have to offer. I can't tell you how many of my clients dream of sharing their story, their expertise, or themselves with the world. I can also tell you that most of my clients are unwilling to take the risk to do so.
Why?
Rejection.
Want to feel more confident in that process?
Send over a professional headshot with the proposal.
Seeing yourself in a a professional headshot is an immediate confidence boost. You are able to visualize the person who is successful and accomplished rather than hearing the insecurities you have in your brain telling you to stay small.
If you knew you had a really great photo to be published in an article, would you submit yourself to be featured? Would you feel prepared to share yourself with others?
Trust me. Get the headshot.
4) Public Speaking
Along the same lines as the point above, I want you to be able to go after public speaking opportunities if you have a desire to do so. I want you to feel empowered to share your voice and I want you to feel prepared for that moment. Providing an organization with a brief bio and professional headshot is the perfect way to set yourself up for success. I know you are capable, but having that professional image will make you feel capable too.
5) Build Your Brand
Finally, I want you to build your brand. And in case you were wondering, yes we all have a professional brand. For some people it's positive - they are always prompt and responsive in their actions. For other it's not as positive - they always show up around 10 minutes late to meetings.
The point is your professional brand is how people define you when you are not in the room. It's the thing that helps you get opportunities or prevents you from achieving goals in a timely manner. My job as a coach is to help you build the best brand possible. That will look different for each person!
On that note, does your professional headshot need to include a full business suit and a stoic facial expression?? Absolutely not! We are moving away (thankfully) from that expectation. Professional headshots should be professional, but they do not need to be stuffy! Laugh, smile, wear a fun hat - show off your personality! Professional headshots are a great way to give people a glimpse into who you are and entice them to want to learn more.
If you are in need of a professional headshot, we have an upcoming event here in the Vancouver, WA area on March 26, 2022. Check it out here!
And keep an eye out on the upcoming events page for more opportunities!
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