That Great Business Headshot

People do business with people they know and trust. Heard that before?

I’m a fan. I do business with people I know and like.  I’m into organic networking and referrals.  But nowadays I’m using Twitter, Facebook and Google +, leaving impressions of myself everywhere I turn online- not just with the content I’m sharing- but with my photo as well.

So yes, your headshot is not just for making  you look pretty, it’s going to create an impression. And you want to leave an impression of “know” and “trust”.

For most people, even myself,  how we emotionally interpret a photo is deeply personal and very intuitive. It’s hard to put into words.  I can’t predict how someone is going to react to your image, or what kind of first impression they are going to take away from it, but I can give you a insight into what I think gives me the “know and trust impression”.

Casual an approachable:  A relaxed and natural casual pose

Welcoming:  A warmth to the face, a laugh or an easy smile. Smiling with the eyes.

Authentic: Not overly retouched or overdone

Have a good look at your headshot. What subtle impressions is it creating?