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It’s that time of year. All the little kiddos are back to school and coming home with Picture Day fliers. Little reminders that they need to wear fancy clothes, brush their hair, and be ready to say “cheese.” Well, let’s take this approach and do the same for your business!
As a professional retirement plan advisor, you are the face of your business. That’s why having a professional headshot is essential. Investing in a high-quality, professional headshot is critical to your brand. It shows your clients, prospects, and centers of influence who you are you and helps to convey immediate trust.
Do’s and Don’ts
Let’s a take time to discuss some quick Picture Day “do’s” and “don’ts”:
DO - Hire a photographer.
DON’T – Use “selfies.” While you might take the world’s best selfies, this isn’t the time. Instead, contact a local reputable photographer. They can help capture the impression of your brand – what it is like to work with you. Share your brand guidelines with your photographer, so he or she can see the type of imagery and emotions the pictures should convey.
DON’T Examples
Car selfies, bathroom selfies, wedding pictures, vacation images, cropping out other people, group pictures, baseball caps, sporting events, marathon medals, kids, dogs, and pictures older than two years old because you want your picture to look like the current you.
DO – Bring three (3) outfits. Professional, business casual, and a typical client meeting wardrobe.
DON’T – Over/Underdress. If you wear a three-piece suit to work every day, then definitely have your snaps taken in your representative clothing. Whereas, if you never wear a suit and your culture is business casual, then wear that. The important takeaway here is that your outfit represent you. Don’t wear something you wouldn’t naturally put on.
Double DON’T – At many conferences, there is a special value-add offering for professional headshots. This offering is incredibly kind and thoughtful. Words of caution: – overhead fluorescent lights, TOO much make-up, and line of people starring at you – may result in potentially awkward photos. What I learned from conferences is that while, yes, it is technically a professional headshot, it might look terrible. If you get your picture taken and it looks great – congrats, you are lucky and photogenic. Well… in my experience, I am not… the photos usually come out showing a round chubby face, over-blushed makeup, and bad hair for days.
Still curious why a professional headshot is important? Here are four reasons why you should:
Shows that you care. Your headshot is a great opportunity to make a strong first impression. It shows that you care about how you are presented. It shows that you take pride in yourself, company and community. Also, if people can see that you care then it lends creditability to your character, ethics and dedication.
Demonstrates your commitment. If you look like a professional, your potential clients and centers of influence are more likely to agree to a first meeting.
Lets people know how you look. If you meet with prospects face-to-face, it is helpful that they know what you look like. Then, when you shake hands, it’s a more familiar introduction.
Reminds people who you are. At conferences, networking events, and meetings, if you meet a person and connect with them via social media, your headshot will jog their memory and remind them of your conversation. Also, as you expand your authoritative reputation, it lets people at events recognize you and makes you more approachable, thus helping to create more meaningful, immediate, and natural conversations.
With a great headshot, your professionalism and unique personality will shine through, which could lead to new opportunities and business.
Professional headshots aren’t just for top executives anymore. Everybody needs one. Just like every school year begins with Picture Day, we encourage you to hire a skilled photographer and remember to say “cheese!”
Thanks for reading and Happy Marketing!
About 401(k) Marketing
We believe the retirement plan industry can do better. Our clients are the best professional retirement plan advisors and TPAs in the business. They care deeply about saving America’s retirement future. We are proud to share their voices through industry writings, professionally-designed marketing materials (including websites), and expert content collateral. We lend support by promoting businesses through ongoing awareness campaigns. www.401k-marketing.com
About Retirement Plan Marketing
Retirement Plan Marketing is a product of 401(k) Marketing and is an ongoing turnkey marketing solution for retirement plan advisors. It is an easy-to-follow, consistent marketing program designed to get you noticed in your community and generate new retirement plan sales. When you deliver relevant plan sponsor content, you add value to your conversations and can work your way up to become known as the “go-to” retirement plan advisory office. www.retirementplanmarketinginabox.com