We all do it. Sometimes we do it several times an hour. We just can’t help ourselves. We get an email from a stranger. We highlight their name, copy, paste, return. We’re looking them up. We just have to know what Susan in customer service looks like or maybe it was the way Bishop wrote that email that has you wondering. Either way, it’s happening. We are going to see what this person looks like.
Don’t for a minute think that Susan or Bishop hasn’t already done this to you. Before you even knew they existed, they’ve checked you out. What did they see? What first impression are you giving? What face did they make when they saw your headshot on LinkedIn?
These days first impressions are made on line. Getting a professional headshot is one of the best choices you can make to help advance your career. But you don’t have to take my word for it…
According to Dr. Alexander Todorov, head of the Social Perception Lab at Princeton University, it takes the average person just a fraction of a second to form a first impression.
(Check out this great talk Dr. Todorov recently gave at Google on the incredible power of first impressions)
Those first impressions tend to stick too, and they can impact EVERYTHING. Whether it’s getting that job interview, landing that big promotion, or making important sales and networking connections on social Media.
The right headshot can help do all of this and more.
It’s an incredible tool that you can use to start telling the story of your personal brand and to tell the right story, using the help of a professional headshot photographer will be one of the smartest investments you’ve ever made.
Does your headshot make you look trustworthy? Does your LinkedIn profile pic say “I’m approachable”? More importantly, does your headshot move people to work with you?
I’m always checking in with other professional headshot photographers around the countryon topics like this. I recently asked Robert Read of San Jose his opinion on headshots and first impressions and here is what he said. “A mistake that leads a lot of people to making the WRONG first impression, and it could cost you big time, is thinking that your corporate headshot has to be cold, boring and formal.”
While looking professional is always important, that doesn’t mean you have to look like some corporate mannequin. In fact, the best way to connect with decision makers is to create a headshot that is professional, but also shows of your warm, competent personality.
It can be a fine line to walk, but I have TONS of experience making this work for my clients.
When you book a session with me, I’ll help you get comfortable, have fun, and create a heasdshot that shows off the real you. Your warmth and intelligence. Your confidence and your competence.
Then you can pick the shot that you like most, so that can send the message that feels right to you.
Ready to book your headshot session? Contact us today to schedule your headshot.