Image via Wikipedia
I was filtering through my trusty Google Alert today - and picked up another great blog, Visual Roots Photography, who have also picked up on the concept of Personal Branding.
This makes sense, as an important element of a Personal Brand is your image (what we call STYLE).
Do you have a professionally prepared portrait of yourself? Do you use the same portrait across all your mediums - biography, online, business card etc?
It does not take much to generate a professional looking portrait - either through the services of someone like Visual Roots or ask your spouse or friends who fancy themselves as photographers (then ship the file off to elance for someone to work some Photoshop magic)
The real benefit of using the services of a professional photographer are all related to AUTHENTICITY. You see, an important part of a great portrait is that they spend some time with you to engage and get to know the real you!
This forms a very important part of the portrait - who has seen a portrait and then met the person only to feel that something ‘was not quite right?”
This applies to all your Personal Branding efforts…think about how your STYLE and personality can be communicated in your absence.
If someone reads your biography, sees your photo, visits your website, and then comments on your blog; will they get a surprise when they meet you, or will they know what to expect!
Keeping them guessing is good in some walks…but not with your Personal Brand…
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07 Jan 09 12:35 am
Hi Luke,
Thanks for reminding people how important an investment an authentic photo is. Since it’s probably the very first thing anyone will see on your profiles, websites, blogs, etc., your photo can either attract or turn people off.
Conducting searches on LinkedIn, for instance, I have seen profiles with just a logo posted, one for a CEO that showed him in a t-shirt drinking a beer, and, maybe the best one, a photo of a young child. Was this the person’s child or themselves as a child? Either way, it did them no good on their profile.
-Meg
07 Jan 09 1:31 am
Ah yes Meg…I still get a kick out of receiving invites to connect on LinkedIn from faceless “Industry Leaders” I saw a great post today on Twitter where someone remarked “Does anyone find it strange that all these people who are NOT earning 6 figure incomes are wanting to charge us money to tell us HOW to earn 6 figure incomes?” I feel the same when I see profiles with claims to fame - and a poor portrait photo!
27 Jan 09 4:17 am
I am wondering if including a professional photograph with a cover letter and resume for a director position is appropriate. I have a very professional photo which I feel would show that I am a professional. Is this correct to assume it’s okay?
27 Jan 09 7:29 am
Denise, including a photograph is always a good thing; if it is the right photo. Here in Australia we are a little bit hesitant to include photos and such on businesss cards and resumes, but I would still encourage it. If your professional photo looks like you, and it is not TOO made up - then it would be perfect to use. In my work, I see some studio prepared photographs that make people look like Hollywood actors…when I meet them I am seriously disappointed (and unimpressed).