Do you have a pretty picture of yourself on your website? If you’re a professional (which, presumably you are if you’re reading this blog) then I hope it’s a professional shot.

If you have been in business for fifteen years and haven’t updated your photo, whatcha waitin’ for?

I’m one to talk – the only professional headshots I have were taken when I was pregnant and they are not at all flattering. I’ve been meaning to get new ones, but then baby came along, the business boomed and my picture hasn’t been high on my priority list.

Wow…was it really December 2006 when I got those photos taken? Holy cow, time flies.

I need a new photo, and if your professional headshot is ten years old or cropped from a wedding picture, I want to challenge you to get a new one with me.

I could go into detail about why a professional photo is a must, but I don’t think there’s much need. If you have a bad photo, you probably know it’s bad, you’re just putting off getting a good one because of cost, lack of time, or maybe you don’t think your photo is really “that” bad.  Here’s a tip to help you figure out if your picture is good or not. If you are constantly meeting with people who say they didn’t recognize you from your photo, it’s probably time to update it

As human beings, many of us make very quick judgments about people and if you have a family photo of yourself on your website (and you’re operating a professional business), you’re going to be judged…depending on your target market, I suppose. If you have a photo of yourself with your children and you operate a children’s clothing store or a day care, that’s quite acceptable. But if you’re an accountant and you have a photo on your website of yourself with your children, that’s a different story all together!

So…here’s the challenge.

If your professional headshot sucks isn’t great, just book an appointment with a photographer, or at Wal-Mart, and get a new one taken. I’m going to get in touch with my favorite photographer and try to get a new photo taken by the end of the month.

Who’s with me?

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