Do you need a Professional Business Portrait?

 

I always used to hate picture day in grade school – you had to get dressed up (you had to stay clean) and I almost always ended up closing my eyes.

Even now, I really don’t like getting my picture taken, I’d much rather be behind the lens.  I’m sure everyone feels this way about their pictures, but I always think every picture of me looks weird!

But in the age of Social Media and the internet, it’s really important that you’ve got some good pictures of yourself.  There’s a reason that every Social Media profile asks for a picture and although creativity (i.e. using a picture of Elvis as your picture) can work in some situations, if you are promoting yourself and your business, you need a good professional picture of you.  Read on and I’ll tell you how to get one that’s really reasonably priced!

What’s the big deal with a picture?

I’ve talked to quite a few business owners that really don’t see what the point is.  In some cases, they’re concerned about privacy, in other cases they want their business to appear to be more than just a one person operation and for others, there’s just an element of not liking pictures of themselves!  (That one resonates for me…).

However, in all of those cases they’re missing the point.  The point is that people like to do business with people. 

You may or may not have an online business, but people are going to find you online (or at least they should be finding you online – give me a call if they’re not and I can help you out).  And when they find you online, they’ll be interested in your product or service, but they’ll also be interested in you.

Are you a real person?  Can they relate to you in some way?  Are you credible?  Are you trustworthy?  Do you look like you’re someone they want to do business with?

That’s a lot to ask of a picture (which is why it’s also important to share other stuff so they can get to know you…that’s also a key benefit of a blog!).  However a great professional portrait can really help you generate the image you’re looking for.  Use it on your web page, brochures, Social Media sites (like LinkedIn) – anywhere where you are telling people who you are and what you do.

Remember – people do business with people that they Know, Like and Trust – it’s tough to know, like and trust you if I can’t see what you look like.

So where can I get a Professional Photo at a good price?

I recently had the opportunity to work with Jim Mathis (who I met through the Leawood Chamber).  Not only is Jim a great guy, but he’s a very good photographer that’s really willing to work with whatever you need.

He does all sorts of commercial photography (along with more fun stuff like art prints, photos of bands, architecture, etc.)

But one of the main things he does are straightforward business portraits that are very reasonably priced!  For only $50, you can get a set of pictures taken at his studio (or at a nearby convenient location) and you’ll get the digital files within a day or two.

Here’s one of my shots from last week – I still don’t like pictures of me, but Jim did a great job!

You can reach him via his website (see link above) or you can call him at 913 269-6709.  Let him know that I sent you!  What picture are you using?  Is it time to upgrade to a new professional shot?

Shawn Kinkade   Kansas City Business Coach