We all know that person who ducks for cover every time a camera comes out. Maybe you even are that person. With the explosion of social media and online communities, it is getting harder and harder to not have a flattering headshot. There just seems to be more and more call for using one for both professional and personal pursuits. To stop hiding behind avatars of flowers or your children, follow these simple tips:
1. Decide that you should have an attractive headshot for no other reason than you deserve it. There’s a reason why makeover shows often culminate in photo shoots. It’s remarkable how seeing yourself reflected can shape your self-image and self-confidence. If you haven’t had a professional photo taken since high school, you might be surprised at how it makes you feel.
2. Tear our pictures of pictures that appeal to you. Maybe it’s the lighting, maybe it’s the makeup. Maybe it’s the fact that they’re outdoors and look happy. Don’t try to figure it out – just hang on to them and keep them in a file. When you’re ready, you and your photographer will use them to help arrange a shoot that is likely to give you the results you want.
3. Pick a photographer whose work you like. To find one, call up some local modeling agencies and ask them who they recommend. Many photographers offer basic packages and clearly spell out how many looks and images you’ll receive for what price. Often a professional makeup artist and hair service is included.
4. Make the most of the shoot. Play music, wear your favorite clothes, bring friends or no one, whatever it takes to make you feel happy and comfortable. Schedule enough time so that you don’t feel rushed. If you’re really stretching outside your comfort zone, schedule a celebration drink with friends afterwards.
5. Use your resulting images widely – Post them on your social media accounts, use them in your marketing and public relations, have them on your website, as avatars in comments you post to blogs and maybe even on your business card. Your headshot is one more way for people to connect with you and feel comfortable with you. Enjoy having one that you’re proud of.
Barbara Wayman, president of BlueTree Media, LLC, publishes The Stand Out Newsletter, an award-winning ezine for people who want to know how to leverage the power of marketing and public relations. Get your free subscription today at http://www.bluetreemedia.com
This article may be reprinted when the copyright and author bio are included.
©2010 Barbara Wayman, BlueTree Media, LLC.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Trade Show Tips and Tricks
Has this ever happened to you? You decide to participate in a trade show so you print a stack of pricey brochures, spend three days shaking hands and afterwards you’re not really sure what you accomplished. Here are some tips I recommend to my clients to make the most of their trade show investments.
1. Have a goal – like any other business tactic, you’ll get better results if you begin with the end in mind. Are you going to the trade show to meet new prospects? To launch a new product? To take a leadership role in your industry? Know what you’re there to do and then set up every aspect your participation to support that.
2. Have a theme – the best show booths convey a message before the visitor even approaches. Assigning a creative theme to your booth can help you come up with great ideas to support your show costumes, promotional giveaways and handout materials. It is also a valuable ice-breaker. For example, if you’re a travel agent and you want to showcase your Caribbean products, play steel drum music, wear Hawaiian shirts and hand out pineapple shaped pens. You’ll get the message across.
3. Train your staff – Make sure everyone knows what they’re there to do and can talk knowledgably about your company, product and service.
4. Take advantage of the pre- and post- show windows – It doesn’t cost much to send out a mailer with a special offer inviting people to your booth before the show. Contacting people before and after adds only a small amount to your overall costs, but can deliver a big impact.
5. Quickly identify serious prospects vs. “lookie loo’s” – Trade shows are dynamic environments and the fact is you won’t have time to have in-depth conversations with everyone. Use some questions that help you sort out where to focus your time, and know how to send folks who are just looking on their way feeling good.
6. Follow up with your leads – I know this one seems obvious but you would be shocked at how many companies fail to follow up at all with the potential clients they met.
Barbara Wayman, president of BlueTree Media, LLC, publishes The Stand Out Newsletter, an award-winning ezine for people who want to know how to leverage the power of marketing and public relations. Get your free subscription today at http://www.bluetreemedia.com
This article may be reprinted when the copyright and author bio are included.
©2010 Barbara Wayman, BlueTree Media, LLC.
1. Have a goal – like any other business tactic, you’ll get better results if you begin with the end in mind. Are you going to the trade show to meet new prospects? To launch a new product? To take a leadership role in your industry? Know what you’re there to do and then set up every aspect your participation to support that.
2. Have a theme – the best show booths convey a message before the visitor even approaches. Assigning a creative theme to your booth can help you come up with great ideas to support your show costumes, promotional giveaways and handout materials. It is also a valuable ice-breaker. For example, if you’re a travel agent and you want to showcase your Caribbean products, play steel drum music, wear Hawaiian shirts and hand out pineapple shaped pens. You’ll get the message across.
3. Train your staff – Make sure everyone knows what they’re there to do and can talk knowledgably about your company, product and service.
4. Take advantage of the pre- and post- show windows – It doesn’t cost much to send out a mailer with a special offer inviting people to your booth before the show. Contacting people before and after adds only a small amount to your overall costs, but can deliver a big impact.
5. Quickly identify serious prospects vs. “lookie loo’s” – Trade shows are dynamic environments and the fact is you won’t have time to have in-depth conversations with everyone. Use some questions that help you sort out where to focus your time, and know how to send folks who are just looking on their way feeling good.
6. Follow up with your leads – I know this one seems obvious but you would be shocked at how many companies fail to follow up at all with the potential clients they met.
Barbara Wayman, president of BlueTree Media, LLC, publishes The Stand Out Newsletter, an award-winning ezine for people who want to know how to leverage the power of marketing and public relations. Get your free subscription today at http://www.bluetreemedia.com
This article may be reprinted when the copyright and author bio are included.
©2010 Barbara Wayman, BlueTree Media, LLC.
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