by Cindy on April 2, 2013
Recently I decided to go for it and had professional headshots taken. What made me finally take the plunge, after so many years? Maybe to help prepare for my upcoming book. Maybe I was tired of scrambling around for a decent bio picture when needed. Another good reason was the blog redesign I am planning, and my About Me page is in dire need of an update. Everything I have been reading seems to support the need for professional headshots & I’d like to share my top 3 with you.
3 Reasons for a Professional Bio Photo
1. Blog/Website “About Me” page –
I read something the other week that really surprised me. A website About Me page is one of the most visited pages on your website/blog. This really makes sense when we stop to think about our natural desire to put a face to a name. In order to connect, we want to know who we are dealing with. We are meeting one another virtually, so a recent picture is a great first step in building an online relationship.
2. Publications
Many trade publications request a picture for your bio when your work is published. If you plan to write a book, it goes without saying that there will be a need for your picture as well for future publicity. Essentially your face is a part of your marketing package! Rather than scrambling for a recent picture that looks decent, it is a such a relief to have a professional picture readily available.
3. Branding
You are the heart of your business brand! Your headshot represents your brand, especially if you are using social media networking as a business activity. The bio picture you share is one of the first things that is seen on FB, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google, blog comments, and many other locations. What does it say about your brand?
I had a really great experience having my photos taken with an amazing photographer, Stephanie Dougher of Stephanie Dee Photography. Take a peek at Stephanie’s work, and you’ll see why I contacted her as soon as I decided to have headshots taken. As luck would have it, the day of my session turned out to be a bitter cold day (in between bouts of rain and snow!). I soon forgot about the weather though, as Stephanie was so fun and engaging. She put me at ease immediately; I didn’t feel incredibly self-conscious about having my picture taken. Let me share a few of my favorites from our session (and you can see her sweet post with more photos here).
If you are in the Maryland/DC/Virginia area, you’ll want to get on Stephanie’s calendar to have your headshots taken too. You can follow Stephanie on Twitter or on Facebook to see more beautiful photography. A great big THANK YOU to Stephanie – you rock! 🙂
{Now, what to wear for your headshot? Luckily I was able to change clothes during my shoot and I changed my jewelry. It’s all about the jewelry for us jewelry designers! I chose pieces that have a special meaning to me and picked a few of my favorites. In some of the shots, I wore a necklace that was featured in Diane Cook’s “With One Finding” challenge that was featured in Belle Armoire Jewelry (the write up here).}
The second necklace I chose featured a pastel mix of enameled beads by Barbara Lewis that I mixed with vintage jewelry components. This necklace was featured in the Bead Soup book (write up here).
Additional reading for you, if you’re like me and plan to update your About Me page in the near future:
Remember, you are what makes your site one-of-a-kind!
– Cindy, xoxo
Tagged as:
Business
by Cindy on March 2, 2013
Hello + and welcome to my studio!
I’m participating in the weekly photo challenge, Focus on Life. For Week #9, our photo prompt is Knock, Knock! Here you see the doors that open into my studio. This room is my little slice of heaven. Along one wall, my collection of Victorian albums are stacked on the book case. On the opposite side of the room, tools lie in wait on my “work bench”. Dainty figurines and several vintage dress forms keep me company. This is the only pastel room in my house of 5 guys! Stepping into this room, I am inspired to create and dream.
This year I’m taking a new outlook on creating jewelry. My guiding word for 2013 is Intentional. I have taken an intentional path in the past years with my jewelry – and I’m hoping to achieve one of my biggest goals with my wire jewelry book that is due out in the Fall. Now I am turning my attention to the business of creating jewelry. I’ve been taking an amazing online class with Flourish & Thrive Academy that has opened doors for me…and I am looking at what I do in a fresh new way. Through this program, I have learned a great deal from two knowledgeable instructors (and realize I have so much more to learn!). I’ve also enjoyed the support and sharing of information through our very active class FB group. Next up is the famed B-School by Marie Forleo…. this course was a Valentine’s gift from my husband and I’m looking forward to jumping in.
Speaking of jewelry + business, I’ve gathered up a list of resources for jewelry designers…. some are new to me, and some are long-time favorites. I’ve chosen to focus primarily on women entrepreneurs that are experts in their fields. Visit these sites to find all kinds of free articles and information, as well as an incredible number of virtual courses. You may find just the inspiration to help you open the door to growth for your jewelry business.
Resources for Jewelry Designers:
Flourish & Thrive Academy – Robin Kramer and Tracy Matthews really are a dynamic duo, and they have combined their extensive experience to create a one-of-a-kind online jewelry business school. Designer interviews, coaching, webinars and niche programs can be found at F&TA.
Marie Forleo – Marie is a business and marketing genius, and runs the incredibly popular B-School (an online business school for modern entrepreneurs). You can receive Marie’s newsletter to up your business game weekly.
Cassera Communication – Melissa offers a wealth of knowledge on PR through her posts, coaching and online programs. Learn how to build recognition, visibility, and press!
LKR Social Media – Laura Roeder shares information and programs for small businesses focusing on social media and online marketing.
Amy Porterfield – Amy is an incredibly successful social media expert, author, and trainer.
Launch Grow Joy – Andreea Ayers shares great information, webinars, media & store lists, and eCourses to support your business.
Blacksburg Belle – April offers programs and loads of inspiration to help you with your creative business.
Danielle Laport – Danielle is a business strategist, inspirational speaker and author.
Heidi Cohen – Heidi is an actionable marketing expert (her site has loads of resources – you could be reading for hours).
Designing an MBA – Megan Auman is a jewelry designer whose informational site is full of resources and programs for fellow designers and makers.
Marketing Creativity – learn how to market your hobby into a handmade business success.
Stephenie Zamora – Stepheni offers a mix of life-purpose development, marketing, and branding all in one place.
Laura Garnett – Laura helps finding one’s “Zone of Genius” – the foundation of successful branding and business strategy.
Just ask Kim (Kim Castlebury) – Kim’s site offers great information on marketing for online businesses.
Alyson B. Stanfield /Art Biz Coach – Alyson provides everything from regular business tips to art business bootcamp.
More Resources:
Oh My! Handmade Goodness – a supportive community of creative entreprenuers. Fresh stories and resources are shared daily.
Successful Business Talk.Com – Sheila Butler provides fantastic interviews with successful entrepreurs – learn about business practices, social media, and everything in between.
Scoutie Girl– a digital zine and community. Tara Gentile (editor of SG) is a well-known blogger and business coach.
Arts Business Institute – a nonprofit organization providing business education for creative entrepreneurs. Workshops and individual consulting available.
* If you have a favorite business resource not listed, please share!
– Cindy xoxo
by Stephanie Chandler of Business Info. Guide
Tagged as:
Business
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