LinkedIn Coach Brenda Meller
My business is Meller Marketing, where I help people and businesses optimize marketing and social media, specializing in LinkedIn. My entire career in marketing had perfectly positioned me for entrepreneurship, and I absolutely love it.
LinkedIn Coach Brenda Meller
Whether you've just graduated or have been with the same employer for years, I strongly recommend you take some time to keep your LinkedIn profile current. If you need help, give Brenda a call!
Tell us about your business.
My business is Meller Marketing, where I help people and businesses optimize marketing and social media, specializing in LinkedIn. My entire career in marketing had perfectly positioned me for entrepreneurship, and I absolutely love it.
The short story is that I love marketing and social media and I have developed a knack for sharing it with others. Over the past few years, I've had a few mentors suggest I lean into it, so here I am, and here you are.
I work with job seekers, executives, entrepreneurs, and small to large organizations.
What’s unique about how you do what you do?
I'm an introvert at heart but I love presenting and public speaking. Crazy, right? But it's true! I've delivered hundreds of workshops and presentations to individuals and groups small and large.
I'm also passionate about what I do and about helping others. I believe in the power of people and I have an "abundance" mentality: there is more than enough work for all of us in the world, and I see my competition as referrals and resources.
Oh, and I love chocolate, coffee, and pie. If you've seen me present, you've heard me talk about this.
What’s the one thing most people don’t know about LinkedIn, but should?
If you focus on building positive social media karma, your LinkedIn network will reward you with whatever you are seeking.
Spend some time paying it forward and helping others. Your network will appreciate you, and you'll be creating a powerful personal brand in the process. Do this with NO expectation of asking them to repay the favor. My friend and career "fairy godmother" Cathy McCafferty-Smith calls this "netgiving."
Give this a try. The next time you're at an event, take a photo of the speaker and tag them and their company in a status update. Tell your network something you learned from this person.
Where can we learn more about you and your work?
Pop on over to www.mellermarketing.com or visit any social media channel to learn more about Meller Marketing. And if you're considering hiring someone to help you with LinkedIn, Marketing, or any Social Media site, check THEM out on the site first! Plus, do a Google search for their name and for their company.
If you need a headshot to match your new LinkedIn profile, check out some of the individual headshot options I offer. Are you part of a larger organization? I work with groups too. In fact, doing headshots at an event is a great way to ensure solid attendance.
Fashion Tips for Your Headshot — Spring 2018
Please welcome to the blog, fashion stylist, Di Glinski. Di is a stylist with Cabi and resides in Rochester, Michigan. She’s also worked in the advertising industry. As a creative, she was lucky enough to spend extensive time in LA, working with the best stylists, wardrobing talent for tv shoots. So I think it’s safe to say she’s qualified to offer a few styling tip or two.
Fashion Tips for Your Headshot — Spring 2018
Please welcome to the blog, fashion stylist, Di Glinski. Di is a stylist with Cabi and resides in Rochester, Michigan. She’s also worked in the advertising industry. As a creative, she was lucky enough to spend extensive time in LA, working with the best stylists, wardrobing talent for tv shoots. So I think it’s safe to say she’s qualified to offer a few styling tip or two.
Scott Lawrence: What can you tell us about the latest fashion trends as we inch our way towards Spring and, hopefully Summer? Has anything surprised you?
Di Glinski: The return of the (wince) Fanny Pack. Except now it’s called the “Belt Bag”. And it’s being showcased by all the big designer labels. (Gucci, we’re looking at you.)
I always recommend a simple approach to wardrobe for my headshot clients. We normally don’t want the outfit stealing the show. So what do you recommend from your current line that might fit the bill? Do you have anything that might pull double duty — something simple, but that could be easily dressed up to make a real statement?
One of our blouses immediately comes to mind, the Rose Top. Rose is a simply cut blouse in a very cosmetic hibiscus red. She has a double bias fold at her face slimming V-neckline that adds a little visual interest up top. Plus, she has a gorgeous sheen and subtle crinkle that would photograph elegantly. A multi-strand of large pearls and our Amelia Jacket (in a chic yet understated pink and red tweed) would really glam her up.
The exception to my “keep it simple” rule comes up with people in more creative fields (interior design, artist, design, etc). Making a fashion statement is part of their personal brand, and should come through in the headshot. What might you suggest from your Spring line for this type of client?
Our Clip Art Blouse has an edgy, feminine feel. Like Rose, she is a simply cut blouse (desirable for photos). However, she is a burnoutesque beauty with large floral clip jacquard that adds some subtle peek-a-boo sheerness. She is perfect over our Bralette or black V-Neck Cami. Pair her with a choker and our Crossroads Jacket, and she definitely gives off a sophisticated cool girl vibe.
What are 2 or 3 core pieces that should be in every closet for Spring?
An updated trench — Our Tanner Trench done in a dreamy periwinkle linen blend. And a red shoe. It’s the Italian sports car of the fashion world. Our gorgeous Tiptoe Sandal, with rope detailing loops and a sexy, yet sturdy stacked heel should be in everybody’s spring playbook.
Where should readers go to learn more about the Cabi lines?
They can look no further than my website: diglinski.cabionline.com. Trends, tips, styling advice, career opportunities — it’s all there.
Note: all images in this post are courtesy of Di Glinski / Cabi.
How to Frame Your Headshot
Welcome today’s guest contributor Diane Iglesias. She’s a professional picture framer, based in Rochester Hills, Michigan. I continue to be amazed by her creativity. Diane and I have teamed up to show you some headshot display and framing options suitable to any business. If your office is in the Detroit area, Diane is happy to come out to your business for a consult.
How to Frame Your Headshot
Think about the last time you walked into a doctor’s waiting area. Maybe you’re seeing someone new today. Maybe, you’re a little nervous. Seeing a few approachable staff headshots on the wall as you walk in might ease the anxiety just enough.
The majority of my clients first publish their images on their websites, LinkedIn, or social media, which is wonderful.
But don’t forget the power of print.
I believe the printed image is so important that I wanted to bring in some reinforcements to discuss how to display your printed professional images in the office.
Welcome today’s guest contributor Diane Iglesias. She’s a professional picture framer, based in Rochester Hills, Michigan. I continue to be amazed by her creativity. Diane and I have teamed up to show you some headshot display and framing options suitable to any business. If your office is in the Detroit area, Diane is happy to come out to your business for a consult.
The sample images here show a mix of sizes and arrangements to give you an idea what is possible. Diane recommended we try the metal frames you see.
Scott Lawrence: Diane, why the metal frames? Are they any easier to manage or hang?
Diane Iglesias: There were several factors in choosing this particular frame. First, it is the perfect accent to the headshots, keeping the majority of focus on the face. The style of frame is on trend with the clean urban look many businesses are focusing their interiors on. They are easy to keep clean, easy to take apart in case a picture needs to be swapped, and are a very reasonable price.
Diane, I would expect in some offices, it’s possible they haven’t even considered hanging photos of the staff. How do you begin?
In my business and local networking activities, I’m finding that people are seeking connections, people like to deal with people they know, like and trust. So before we’d even begin framing other art or mementos in the office, I think you’ll want to consider showing your people. For example, having a display of your team where your prospective clients or visitors can see it, can present a more personable image of your business. I’ll help you select the best wall for the display, by taking into account the natural light in the area. It’s important to ensure your display won’t get blasted with light early in the morning or late afternoon.
What if the staff changes or the business grows? Can these layouts accommodate a growing organization
Think of each grouping of photos as a “capsule”. You can add on to each side of the capsule with another capsule. Or, if you have a tall wall. You could put one grouping capsule above the other.
How big do you recommend the prints & frames be?
A professional headshot should be very clear and crisp. So prints in the 5x7 or 8x10 range would, in most cases, be perfect. Just remember that you want the viewer to see the pictures clearly. We’ll also take into account the viewing distance of your specific space. For example, if you have a large open space, you may want larger images. But for a small office lobbies or even a hallway, the viewer won’t be standing far from the prints. So a nice collection of 5x7s may be adequate.
Diane, what if an office has been looking for some art to hang as well? Is that something you can help with?
Yes, I can Scott. I have an access to an endless amount of prints and can find what you’re looking for, at a price point you have in mind. I can even assist you from start to finished product without you ever having to leave your office.
If you have more questions for Diane, drop her a note or visit her facebook page to see some of her recent work.
If you’re ready to round up the staff for an office headshot session, drop me a note.
Meet Therapist Sarahlin Smith of City Cove Counseling Services
Today’s headshot client post features therapist, Sarahlin Smith, of City Cove Counseling Services, based in Troy, Michigan. After getting to know her during our session, I knew I had to stop in her office for a few followup photos. The canvas on her office wall is actually a drop cloth she used in her play and art therapy sessions.
Meet Sarahlin Smith of City Cove Counseling
Today’s client interview features therapist, Sarahlin Smith, of City Cove Counseling Services, based in Troy, Michigan. After getting to know her during our session, I knew I had to stop in her office for a few followup photos. The canvas on her office wall is actually a drop cloth she used in her play and art therapy sessions. To me, it’s a striking piece of art. But once I understood the context — it was created by many individuals as they worked through their healing process, it nearly brought tears to my eyes.
Scott Lawrence: Tell us about your business.
Sarahlin Smith: City Cove Counseling Services provides psychotherapy to individuals, families and couples in Troy, Michigan. We provide care to children, adolescents and adults using developmentally appropriate modalities of care to increase mental health functioning, improve management of psychological symptoms and improve relationship functioning.
“Basically, we help people through their feelings, difficult experiences and life story to help them thrive in life.”
What’s unique about how you do what you do?
I have experience working with individuals in almost all stages of life. This strengthens my scope of practice and understanding of human experience. My office uses traditional talk therapy techniques and amplifies them with expressive arts techniques, mindfulness, and Play Therapy techniques in order to make the best use of the many ways our minds can work through challenges. I’m also working toward becoming a Registered Play Therapist in an effort to further strengthen my work with children.
What’s the one thing most people don’t know about your industry, but should?
Many successful and psychologically well people seek therapy, and it helps them to thrive in life. Seeking therapy before a crisis can provide strength and resiliency to weather any crises that may come. If you are thinking about finding a therapist, finding the right fit now ensures you have the support you need in the future.
Learn more about Sarahlin’s counseling practice at citycovecounseling.com.
If you’re due for a new headshot on your website, professional directory, or LinkedIn, drop me a note!
Meet Mary of Troy Web Services
Meet Mary of Troy Web Services, based of course in Troy, MI. As she expands her marketing efforts, she was in need of a new headshot. We connected at first through Instagram, but we happened to meet at a networking event soon after. Take it away Mary...
Meet Mary of Troy Web Services
Based in Troy, MI, Mary was in need of a new headshot as she expands her marketing efforts. We connected at first through Instagram, but happened to meet at a networking event soon after.
Scott Lawrence: Tell us about your business.
Mary Alore: I help business owners grow their business by utilizing the power of the internet. My focus is on helping companies with website design, social media marketing, email marketing and blogging to reach, connect and engage with new and existing customers.
My services range from helping business owners DIY to entirely managing their entire online presence.
What’s unique about how you do what you do?
I have a passion for the hard-working business owner. I grew up in my family’s food service business and understand the sacrifices that business owners need to make to grow and maintain a successful business.
I work hard to deliver the most effective and efficient solutions to make the business owner successful without adding an additional task on their already full plates.
What’s the one thing most people don’t know about your business or industry, but should?
There is a misconception that once a business builds a website, posts to social media or writes a blog post that they are done. There is a “set it and forget it” mindset. Unfortunately, in today’s dynamic online marketplace new content is pushed out to the internet at an astounding rate. In fact, there are approximately 3.8 million blog posts published every day (data as of March, 2018.)
Websites, social media and content, in general, must be updated regularly. Consumers are keenly aware of the difference between new and old material. When an online visitor views old content they think the business just doesn’t care about new customers. A business website has seven seconds to make an impression. Within seven seconds the customer has decided to stay or leave based on that quick first impression.
My goal is to help business owners capture the attention of online visitors and retain them with engaging content and images.
To learn more about Troy Web Services, visit www.troywebservices.com or email Mary directly at mary@troywebservices.com.
If you're part of Troy based business and could use a new headshot for your next brochure, website or LinkedIn refresh, drop me a note.
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Headshot tips, client features, and more!
