The Importance of Professional Headshots for Networking

The path to executing marketing strategies is lined with roadblocks. These roadblocks are a marketer's nemesis, and many are unknowingly self-inflicted by leadership. There is both art and science in marketing. But often, what goes uncredited and unnoticed is how much a good marketer needs to be able to clear roadblocks, including those that get personal for team members or leaders. Recently, I held a workshop on LinkedIn for a client's team as part of an employee advocacy campaign, helped another client plan the launch of a new website, and planned a strategy for showcasing the thought leadership/expertise of company leaders. Want to know the common roadblock that came up for each of those projects across all positions, from Founders to entry-level? The landmine of the personal photo. There are three paths with personal photos: 1. Great photo! 2. I think we might need to revisit your choice of photo. (Not fun for either of us.) 3. Where is your photo? Answer 1 happens about 20% of the time.  Answer 2 comes up more than it should, but answer 3 is the most prevalent. This one asset can grind projects to a halt. Without good headshots, website launches are delayed due to an incomplete “About Us” page, author posts on blogs go unused, press releases don’t go out, social selling projects don’t get off the ground, and more. We all judge ourselves differently in photos compared to others. We often choose the photo we think makes us look better, thinner, or younger. The Insta-worthy shots someone took of us on our last vacation or at an event. Sometimes, we dread it so much that we snap a hastily shot mugshot that looks like we might have been arrested or taken hostage. That's not how you want to be known. You want your entire team to be seen as approachable, personable, knowledgeable, and professional. Here are my recommendations to get past this roadblock: 🔸When “choice of photo” is the issue, I recommend using PhotoFeeler for objective opinions. (Link to this tool in the comments.) 🔸Make an investment that will yield one of the best ROI in your marketing: Invest in professional headshots for your team. 🔸 Hire a photographer to shoot photos in your offices or a professional setting with a real-life, uncluttered background.  🔸 Shoot all headshots in a similar style for a polished look for your brand. Remember to plan how you can replicate one-offs as new team members join. 🔸Negotiate a package where the photographer releases all images to you and includes basic clean-up/retouching. Don't let something as simple as photos block growth initiatives. If someone on your team is integral to the project's success, make sure they are included. Even with an employee advocacy campaign, where you invest in a photo for every employee, the ROI is substantial. Achieving the reach and frequency of your employees' posts, reviews, and referrals would be far more expensive with an ad campaign. #Marketing #Brand #EmployeeAdvocacy

Your LinkedIn Photo is You LinkedIn is a professional networking site, and while you certainly don’t want to shy away from letting a little bit of your personality shine through, when it comes to how you present yourself visually you need to be careful. You may think that a casual photo of you at a party with your friends showcases the fact that you are outgoing and friendly. However, a potential employer may take one look at the beer in your hand and decide you may be a liability rather than an asset. Fair or not, the truth is that potential employers, recruiters and networking contacts are going to look at your profile. Your LinkedIn photo is one of the first impressions that you will make on them. Regardless of how sharp your resume might be, if the image you've uploaded to the site paints an unprofessional picture of you few people are going to stick around to read it. Keep your headshot simple. Make sure you are dressed appropriately for the workplace. You don't want to be in a swimsuit or in a bizarre Halloween costume. Use your picture to help brand yourself as a professional. Also, keep shots of your spouse and kids out of the mix as well. During the interview process, employers are not allowed to ask you about your marital status, sexual orientation, or a myriad of other personal questions. There's no need to give them these answers and possibly eliminate yourself from consideration for a potential job just because your choice of picture couldn't keep its big mouth shut. Also, make sure to update your LinkedIn photo on a somewhat regular basis to reflect any changes in hairstyle or facial hair growth. When your interview is over and prospective employers go to the site to check out your profile you want them to recognize you. A picture is indeed worth a thousand words. Do your best to make those words speak highly of you. #linkedininsights #linkedinadvice #linkedinprofileoptimization #linkedinprofile #jobsearchadvice

Say Cheese! Many of you are either starting your professional journeys or looking to refresh your online presence. 🚀 So, today, I want to talk about the power of headshots and how they can elevate your brand! 💼 📸 What's the Big Deal About Headshots? 🤔 First impressions matter. Your headshot is often the first glimpse people get of you. 👀 Whether it's potential clients, employers, or colleagues, a well-crafted headshot can make all the difference! It conveys confidence, approachability, and professionalism—three essential traits for a lawyer! 🤝 🌟 Embrace Your Uniqueness! Remember, your headshot should reflect your personality and style. Don't be afraid to show a bit of your true self! 😄 Whether you're a classic suit aficionado or a casual-chic enthusiast, your headshot should capture the essence of YOU! 🎨 Behind the Scenes: Tips for a Winning Headshot! 📌 Location, Location, Location: Choose a setting that aligns with your professional image. A clean, clutter-free background can help you stand out! 📌 Lighting is Key: Natural light is your best friend! Find a spot with soft, diffused lighting to avoid harsh shadows. 📌 Dress to Impress: Opt for colors that complement your skin tone and represent your brand. But most importantly, wear what makes you feel confident! 💪 📌 Strike a Pose: Relax, and let your personality shine through! A genuine smile can work wonders, and a slight head tilt can add a touch of approachability. 📌 Professional Photographer: Invest in a talented photographer–they're worth it! They know how to capture your best angles and bring out the best version of you. 🚀 Level Up Your Online Presence! Once you have your headshots ready, it's time to make the most of them!💥 Update your LinkedIn profile, website, and other professional platforms with your new headshot. You'll notice an instant boost in engagement and connection requests! 📈 ✨ Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words–and your headshot could be the start of a thousand opportunities! So, get ready, strike a pose, and let your professional persona shine through! 🌟📸 Have you had a headshot adventure of your own? How did it impact your professional journey? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!👇 #headshots #firstimpressionscount #personalbranding101 *Special thanks to ChIPs Network, Kirkland & Ellis, and Michael Pool Photograph (https://lnkd.in/eXAxgxTd) for last week's Build Your Brand, Increase Your Impact event with headshots.

🔍 Is Your LinkedIn Photo Telling the Right Story? 📸 As a headshot photographer with years of experience, I've seen firsthand the power of a great photo. Your LinkedIn profile photo isn't just an image; it's the first impression you make on potential employers, clients, and colleagues. It's a snapshot of your professional persona. Here are a few questions to ask yourself about your LinkedIn photo: Does it reflect your current professional image? Is it clear and high-quality? Are you dressed appropriately for your industry? Does it convey confidence and approachability? Is the background free of distractions? Your photo should represent the best version of yourself, showcasing your professionalism and approachability. A strong, authentic photo can make all the difference in building connections and advancing your career. If you're unsure about your current photo or think it's time for an update, feel free to reach out. Let's ensure your LinkedIn presence is as impactful as your professional skills! #cnyheadshots

I get hundreds of applications for every sales role I post. If you want the interview, here’s how you actually get it. I spend about three seconds on your resume—just enough to confirm the basic requirements are met. Then I head straight to LinkedIn. Here’s what gets my attention: - Professional headshot - Relevant, polished background image - 500+ connections - Post made in the last 7 days - Visible activity that shows you’re engaged and building relationships Why does that matter? Because I’m hiring sales professionals. That means I need to know you can keep up in a fast-changing environment, stay current on trends, and show up with credibility and presence. Your resume is the baseline. Your personal brand is what gets you in the door. You don’t need to be a professional content creator. But if you want to grow in this industry, you do need to show up as a thought leader who invests in relevance, relationships, and visibility. As AI continues to evolve, your edge is in your creativity, strategic thinking, and how well you build and nurture human connection. That’s what gets you promoted. That’s what gets you clients. That’s what gets you hired.