| When selling a product or service, especially online, | | | | comfortable with the photographer and have a |
| most small business owners forget that people | | | | good rapport? Is he or she willing to work with |
| buy from people. That's why it's good to have a | | | | you to look your best? This last question may |
| photo on your website - and for use for other | | | | seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how |
| marketing activities. A key principle of marketing | | | | many times I’ve seen professional photos |
| is to find something unique about what you offer | | | | with the subjects hair sticking out of place, |
| and make this the basis of your sales message. | | | | wrinkled clothing, or even worse, lipstick on the |
| Even if what you offer is a commodity, there is | | | | teeth! |
| always one thing unique in your business - you. | | | | 2) Bring examples of photos and poses of others |
| People don’t buy a product or service | | | | you like. This will help the photographer get an |
| from a company; they buy from a person. They | | | | idea of exactly what you have in mind. |
| want to get to know and trust you - that is, they | | | | Bring a couple of different outfits to change into |
| want to have a relationship with you. | | | | that express your personality. I recommend |
| That’s why having a good publicity photo | | | | bringing one a business-like’ outfit such |
| or head shot is essential in your marketing | | | | as a suit, and another more business |
| efforts. You’ll need it for your press kits, | | | | casual.’ If you have a signature accessory, |
| marketing materials, websites and for journalist to | | | | such as a tie, scarf or pin, make sure you bring it |
| use. That’s right. Many times a media | | | | along. |
| outlet — especially a small newspaper or | | | | 3) Have fun. Bring music if it helps you. Laugh and |
| trade magazine - wants to do a story about you | | | | enjoy yourself. It’s what makes an |
| but doesn’t have a photographer available | | | | otherwise boring photo have personality. |
| to take a photo. So having one that you like | | | | Keep your outfits simple. Avoid lots of patterns |
| available on a moment’s notice is essential. | | | | and stripes or too many accessories. And |
| How you look in your photos tells the world a lot | | | | don’t wear all white. |
| about how you do business. So shouldn’t | | | | 4) Apply your make up a bit darker than you |
| you make sure yours convey who you are? Here | | | | normally would. The bright lights can make anyone |
| are some tips to make sure your photos are deal | | | | look pale. (Men should dust on a bit of powder to |
| makers, not deal breakers: | | | | eliminate shine.) The final tip is also very useful to |
| 1) Meet with several photographers to get an idea | | | | remember when you are scheduled to do a TV |
| of his or her style and personality. Does it mesh | | | | interview. |
| with what you want to convey? Are you | | | | |