Think being vain is a problem for women in business? Think again!

Ever caught yourself glancing into the mirror and automatically given yourself a silent talking to? A lot of us women have been there and done that. After all, growing up most of us are conditioned to believe vanity is a negative trait for women. The impact of these beliefs can be long-lasting.

So Many of us struggle with how we believe we ‘should’ present ourselves according to society, versus what makes us feel naturally confident in our own skin. Women understand having professional branding shots are a necessity as their business and brand continues to evolve, but there’s a hesitation. It can sometimes feel like an over-indulgence… Or a bit… Vain. This is because traditionally photography of women has been focused on being visually pleasing to others, instead of a way to bring out authentic parts of yourself to visually connect with your clients. The parts they want and need to see in order to buy from you.

This hesitation leads to many women investing in photography that doesn’t deliver results or leaves them feeling like they’re trying to contort into the business women the world wants them to be, instead of who they are! Sound familiar?

Here’s a little secret: vanity is an asset for women in business. The way you look and present yourself matters. Whether you’re aware of it or not, all of us are constantly communicating with people visually via our body language, how we groom ourselves and so on. If you’re a businesswoman, some of these people you’re communicating with will be potential clients. Healthy vanity levels help you to understand the way you’re presenting yourself to others and how you authentically connect with people.

 

 

The world wants what you have to offer. Your clients want the real you. The person they have come to know and trust as the go-to brand. Reality is, you don’t need to search for a photographer who’ll make you ‘look’ confident in your photos. You need a professional who’ll work with you to ensure you truly feel confident by letting your personality shine through on camera.

Quality branding photos communicate your true personality. When you look at them, they should capture who you are and how far you’ve come in business at a glance. Your branding shots are an investment in you and your business, just as that shiny new laptop or your new desk is a business investment.

When done with the right strategy and approach, personal branding images will help you to sell yourself in the first second a buyer sees your face, visits your website or social media, or reads your marketing collateral. Let’s look at a real-life example to illustrate. One of my recent clients, Shevonne Joyce, is a high profile mentor with a global brand. One week after she released our shots online, she signed a new client worth four times her investment in the photos. That client told her the reason she reached out to Shevonne was due to seeing her photograph in a media article and the message it portrayed. This is an example of how your photos can do important marketing legwork for you.

 

 

Before you go, here are a few quick tips to help you select a personal branding photographer that will help you to create shots that deliver results:

• Always look for a professional who’s willing to work with you to create a personal branding strategy based on who you are, what your business is and your ideal clients (not who everyone thinks you ‘should’ be or how you ‘should’ present)
• Team up with someone you feel comfortable with, who’ll guide you during the photography session and who has expertise in visual intelligence
• Ensure they’re able to help you with how to use your images and where to place them to maximise your business results.

 

 

When you pay attention to the way you look and feel completely comfortable in your own skin, real confidence shines through and that does part of the selling for you! That’s exactly what people will see in your professional photos and it will help them make a buying decision with you.

Ready to invest in a personal branding photographer who can help you to achieve your business goals? Let’s connect and discuss your unique business needs today.

Cheers,