Build Your Local Network

People love to shop local. It’s what makes a community unique. Just look at your local farmer’s market or indy coffee shop. These hyper local establishments don’t need a million followers to be successful, they just need small group of core fans. The community in Rochester, Michigan, is a perfect example.

Do you have a hand in a local business—maybe a boutique or service business? Or, are you simply looking to expand your local professional network? Then this post is especially for you. Even if the majority of your business comes through clicks, don’t underestimate the power of local connections. Followers just don’t appear. Just because you built it doesn’t mean the community will come (or know you’re there).

The trick to inspiring a loyal and local following requires stepping away from your laptop to get out and meet new people in your community. Yes, face to face. Good old fashioned networking doesn’t have to be scary or awkward. With a subtle shift of your thinking, you’ll be off building deep rooted local connections. A better connected community is a win all around. The better your community, colleagues, and fellow business owners understand what and why you do what you do, the better equipped they are to connect you with your ideal clients or your dream job.

A polished online presence is key to building your local network.

First, take some time to review your online presence. As you make new connections, be sure your website and social presence reflects the message you’ll be delivering in person. With your message ready, it’s time to get out there. But how?

Do a little research and find 3 groups that meet in your town. It could be a Chamber of Commerce, a BNI group, a MeetUp, a book club—really any small group that meets in some organized fashion will do.

Visit each group. Do you feel a connection within the group? Don’t think about these people as potential clients. Forget the business element. Don’t ask: can I sell to these people? Ask yourself: Do I want to meet these people for coffee? Do they have something to teach me? Can we support each other? You’re not looking for direct leads or job offers, you’re looking for a group that can be educated on what exactly you do and why you do it. You’re aiming for authentic connection and true mutual support.

After your visits, pick your favorite group and attend another event. That’s it!. It may sound simple, but to some, this is a big step!

Rochester Lives up to the Hype

Wow. It’s been a crazy couple months since moving to Michigan. I have to admit, I’m honestly blown away by the level of community engagement and support for small businesses here in Rochester. There are so many opportunities both as a business owner and resident.

The past week, I took a pause on the business stuff to actually get out the camera a few times. I made some fun candid headshots for the Young Professionals of Rochester at a costume party. This subgroup of the Rochester Regional Chamber continues to amaze me. It’s a wonderful mix of rising stars dedicated to supporting the community for many years to come.

A fabulous costume party event hosted by the Young Professionals of Rochester, MI

Believe it or not, the holidays are fast approaching. In just a couple weeks, look for me at the Holiday Expo at the Royal Park Hotel. I’ll be there making headshots and offering some gift cards. I’m very excited to see what my fellow business owners have in store. Be sure to stop by!

That’s all for today and don’t forget to shop local!

Two simple headshot makeup tips

I came across this page the other day about makeup for headshots. Included below is the video that accompanied in the post. 

Debating on whether or not you need your makeup done for those headshots? Make sure to communicate what you want your makeup to look like before a headshot session, and don't be afraid to speak up if you aren't comfortable with the way it looks.

While the video is geared towards actor headshots, I believe the same advice applies to corporate and small business headshots as well. 

First, for women, try to work with a trusted hair and makeup artist or stylist. But if it’s not an option, it’s important be upfront and honest about any concerns you might have. Don't be shy.

Second, for men, it’s generally safe to bypass a makeup artist. It’s so easy to overdo makeup on men, which will create the need for more retouching after the session.

If you have more questions, don't hesitate to drop me a note.

Headshot Tips from the Experts

Long before LinkedIn required you to upload a photo, actors and entertainers, were the primary consumers of headshots.

Today, whether you’re an accountant or entrepreneur, you need a fantastic headshot to make the first impression and begin building trust.

Check out these headshot tips from the acting world, the headshot experts.

I particularly like tip #3 — It’s all about the eyes.

The eyes are the core of a great headshot. An engaged, approachable and authentic look starts from the eyes. It doesn’t take much to spot a forced smile with extra cheese.   

They made a great video too. Interestingly, while the advice is geared towards actors, it’s really no less applicable to those looking for a corporate job. Some hires are done with an interview, some via audition. The headshot plays the same crucial role. If you have questions about your headshot, I'd love to help.

Instagram Stories For Your Business

First Impressions and Instagram Stories

As a small business owner, I think a lot about social media tools like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. I am sure you do too, especially if you’re in a field where appearances matter. (Hint: you are!)

This week, it seems the whole world has been busy trying to make sense of the new Stories feature on Instagram. I’ve been wondering: how can I best use Stories for my own business, and what advice can I share with my headshot clients about how they can take advantage of the new tool?

I am a big believer in highly polished images. It’s my job! As a headshot photographer, I preach the gospel of the strong first impression because that’s what I believe — and that’s what I know headshots deliver.

But all those perfect images can sometimes feel a little restrictive. Sometimes you want to let your hair down, let people see you in a more candid light. Let them in on behind-the-scenes moments.

This “backstage access” has, in some sense, always been the promise of social media marketing. It’s not about ads, it’s about moments of real engagement.

But there’s been a catch! On a platform like Instagram, the images in your feed have to do double duty: they are supposed to function as both of-the-moment “status updates” and as a permanent gallery showing off your best stuff to first-time visitors.

That’s a lot of pressure!

So I’m really excited about the new Stories feature on Instagram. Stories, bearing a shameless resemblance to Snapchat, allows you to post behind-the-scenes videos and images of you and your business.

You can make it as personal as you like. Include some family stuff—fans will be happy to see that you have a life and a personality. On my own feed, I’ve wanted to show a little more than just headshots, but I also wanted to maintain my account as a real time portfolio of my work. Now I can share some informal scenes from a shoot or a photography conference like Out of Chicago — images that I want to share, but don’t necessarily want featured as the first thing a prospective client sees.

These special posts will last for 24 hours. That’s it. You can keep it a little more raw without the worry of degrading the quality of your regular posts. And your fans get an intimate, authentic glimpse at what’s going on behind the professional facade.

What do you think? I’d love to hear how you’re using Stories. Send me a message @scottlawrencephoto!