When it comes to presentation in business, there are a handful of topics we could talk about. For today’s discussion, we are going to focus on physically presenting the best you.
In the business of photography, the way we present ourselves and our work has the ability to make an incredible connection with our clients and potential clients. A connection that makes them want to invite us into their lives to document some of their most special moments. A connection that often times shifts from a business relationship to a personal one. A connection that ripples to friends and family and has the ability to exponentially grow our business.
We make our physical presentation a priority each and every day. As small business owners, we are the face of our company and it is up to us to present it in a professional way. When people meet us in person, we want our appearance to reflect our brand. We are conscious of every piece of clothing we put on when heading out to a photoshoot, client meeting, or an office run—similar to preparing for an interview each and every day. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked into our bank, the post office, or a handful of other retail locations and had one of the employees ask, ‘So what kind of business is The Beautiful Mess?’ Their only barometer for anticipating if we have a great business is by the way we present ourselves—in appearance, in conversation, or in kindness.
I’m not ashamed to admit that as a man, I enjoy shopping. If I’m given money to spend, I’m not headed to the electronics store. I’m on my way to the mall. I’m going to buy some new shoes or clothes. Fashion has always been important to me. And it is at least equally important to Candice. We enjoy updating our wardrobes with clothes that we love to wear. And we’ve made it a priority each and every year to allocate funds in our business (even though you don’t get the best return on your yearly taxes from it) to maintain a relevant and professional appearance for when we are working.
Our biggest change this year has been working with a stylist. Having an independent person look thru what we have in the closet, tell us what needs to go, and help us define and create the style that we want to have but don’t always know how to achieve. If you don’t have an opportunity to work with a stylist, there is a great tool online called Pinterest. I know you’ve heard of it. When I first found out about it, I thought it wasn’t worth the time. But it truly is a great way to put together inspiration for styles you would like to create.
I’m certainly not suggesting that you go and run up credit cards with things you cannot afford, but I am saying that presenting your best you can make a difference in someone choosing YOU over another business. Trust me, Candice and I consign clothes, search the flea market, and check out the Goodwill for great finds, because looking great does not have to mean designer We are not suggesting vanity, but good presentation. If I do not care about the way I present myself, then I cannot expect anyone else to take me seriously. You never know who might be watching you, who you might run into, or who might hire you based on how they saw you present yourself at another shoot or out at a restaurant. Making an effort to present the best you in all areas of your business and life is never a bad choice. It is just one that takes effort, intention, and consistency. We think of this as an opportunity to enhance our business and project to clients and future clientele the type of business and brand we want them to perceive us to be.
Since posts are always better with pictures, I’ll leave you with a link to Candice’s Pinterest page and you can look thru things that inspire us!
