Rochester Arts and Apples Festival

About two years ago, we had just moved into Rochester, Mi. Still trying to get our bearings, my son had his first t-ball practice. Knowing we were just a few minutes from the field, travel time should’ve been insignificant. But it was also the weekend of the Arts & Apples Festivals. Thousands of people were wandering around Rochester Park looking at amazing art and enjoying great food and entertainment. We didn’t get the memo. Since then, we’ve been fully prepared. If you live close enough to walk or bike, that’s the best way to get to the park.

The Arts & Apples Festival, hosted by the Paint Creek Center for the Arts is one of the best art fairs I’ve ever seen. Artists from all disciplines (and from all over the country) show off some really incredible work — photography, sculpture, painting, wood working, clothing and more. As a photographer, I was blown away by the level of work. Oh, and there’s even a kids art zone with booths from the DIA and Paint Creek Center for the Arts.

The entertainment is top notch too. This year, we saw the Rochester High School Band. And my daughter took the stage with her DSD dance team.

Make sure this event is on your calendar for next September. Visit the Paint Creek Center’s page for more info.

How to Find an Outplacement Firm

Meet Zach — your holistic transition navigator.

If you’re in HR or manage a lot of people, you’ll want to know Zach Danko. If you’re looking to transition into a new career, you’ll also want to know Zach. He's a career management consultant at Right Management in Southfield. In addition to career management, the organization also provides Talent Management and Leadership Coaching.

Tell us about your business.

Right Management is in the business of people. We are career experts that have over 35 years of experience providing career transition and talent management solutions. We help organizations attract and retain talented individuals, develop their current talent, and successfully transition exiting employees. 

Our spirited and entrepreneurial teams are located across Michigan in Southfield, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo. We have a one-size-fits-one philosophy and strive to customize our solutions to fit the needs of our clients. Our services include:

“Our mission is to inspire and enable human potential so that your company can succeed in an agile economy.”

— Zach Danko

• Outplacement Services
• Career Management
• Talent Assessment
• Organizational Effectiveness
• Leadership Development
• Encore Career Life-Options
• Engagement

What’s unique about how you do what you do?

My professional identity began in a clinical setting as I set out to complete my Masters in Counseling degree. I gravitated towards the career counseling/coaching side of therapy and have worked hard to blend my clinical background into the outplacement/talent management industry. I take a very holistic approach to my coaching, cultivating environments and relationships that allow my candidates to grow professionally and personally. In outplacement, the candidate’s transition is an intensive and emotional process that is much more than just helping them create a resume.

From a business perspective, we differentiate ourselves from the competition by being a high-tough and high-tech talent management company. Our proprietary technology allows us to provide our portfolio of services on a global platform, while our diverse and highly talented coaches and consultants form strong bonds and partnerships with our clients and their employees.

In a world where technology has certainly shaped the way businesses and their employees can be successful, we have not forgotten the innate desire and importance of relationships. This is where we shine.

What’s the one thing most people don’t know about your industry, but should?

When it comes to purchasing outplacement solutions, many companies are unaware that by purchasing these services it actually has a positive effect on the companies bottom-line. We call this “Intelligent Outplacement.” Outplacement services mitigates financial and legal risks, but also reduces unemployment insurance taxes/claims, keeps the companies culture intact, and reflects the company positively to the surrounding communities.

Our Right Management-Great Lakes Region is also proudly a Veteran Owned business and nationally certified through the NVBDC.

Where should readers go to learn more about the business?

The Right Management-Great Lakes Region website contains additional information about our team and company: www.rightgreatlakes.com

You can also follow us on LinkedIn.

I would personally enjoy answering any additional questions as well: zach.danko@right.com.

---

If you found this post helpful, please share it with a friend or colleague. And please reach out to Zach — he's a fantastic guy and a wealth of knowledge on career transition topics. If you're curious about headshot options for your organization, drop me a note.

Rochester Welcomes A Hard Knot Life

Life as a portrait photographer is physically demanding. When I'm not lugging around my studio equipment, I'm straining to get the right angle — higher, lower, or smashed against the wall. A good massage makes all the difference at the end of a long week.

Alyse Leidich is my go to massage therapist. She recently opened A Hard Knot Life, her very own practice in Downtown Rochester, on Main Street! While the business is new, Alyse has been practicing for years. 

Tell us about your business

As a licensed massage therapist, I work on the whole person. I focus on healing and beneficial care and treatment of the whole person. My clients consistently tell me that the issue they came with is significantly better or gone. My mission is to help you achieve optimal health through my services and through my network of healthcare professionals. 

What is the one thing people do not know about your industry but should. 

You don’t need to wait until you have an injury to be seen by a licensed massage therapist. The longer you wait, the longer it will take to heal. Massage therapy is not just a spa treatment or pampering. While that has its place, in this industry the emphasis is on preventative care and maintenance.

Where should readers go to learn more about your business? 

Visit my booking page on massagebook. Massagebook is a specific website unique to credentialed professionals. Members must belong to the Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP). And don't forget to visit me on Facebook.

---

If you haven't been in to see Alyse, make an appointment! If you have, share this post and tell me about your experience in the comments. 

How to Prepare for Your Headshot Session

Unless you’re a model, getting your photo taken can be a little stressful. So I created this guide to help you prepare for your portrait.

The guide is available here in PDF form, perfect to share with your office colleagues or friends.

Headshot Design

Your headshot is about you. You are the star. The best headshots show you confident and approachable — ready to take on any challenge with ease. The viewer should want to seek you out or give you a call. Here are a few points to consider to get the most value from your headshot project.

Before even setting foot in the studio. Here are a few questions to consider. If you can answer these questions, you’ll be in great shape. Hiring a great photographer is of course important, but these questions will help guide the photographer in making the best image of you for right the purpose.

What's the Goal?

It doesn’t matter if you’re part of a large organization or a solopreneur. What message do you want to send with your new picture?

Where will the image be used?

Where will people see your image? This might include websites, presentations, social profiles, print material, or even a book jacket.

If you have specific page layout needs, let me know so I can shoot to those dimensions. For example, if you need a Facebook or YouTube banner, we’ll shoot with a very widescreen frame in mind. However, a narrow column magazine ad may require a vastly different approach.

What delivery specs do you have?

Do you have any delivery specs from your web developer or graphic designer? It’s OK if you don’t speak in pixels. Just pass along any instructions you have before the shoot.

What's the look?

Do you want to appear ready for the board meeting or the golf outing? Browse Pinterest for some ideas.

What background is best?

Do you have a background preference? I often recommend a clean, simple background. Solid white or gray backgrounds are very versatile. They’re also most easily replicated as your business grows. Environmental backgrounds, which might include an office or storefront background, or even a great outdoor location can add some personalization to your image.

Headshot Session Tips

Dress for what you do

If you don’t wear a suit on a regular basis, don’t wear a suit. It’s great to push your wardrobe range for specific needs, but your main image must reflect how people see you in a professional setting on a typical day.

Keep it simple

Unless it’s part of your personal brand, opt for a basic wardrobe. YOU are the star of these images. So minimize anything that takes attention away from your face. There’s nothing wrong with even a simple, well-fitting T-shirt.

Bring options

Feel free to bring some bolder and softer colors, but stick with solids and avoid heavily patterned garments. Layering is a great way to quickly change up your look in the studio. For example, a casual sleeveless dress can easily be dressed up with a blazer. If you want to wear a necktie, bring a few. Ties are a great way to get multiple looks without a full-on clothing change.

Glasses

If you normally wear glasses, bring them. People won’t recognize you without them, and that’s a headshot fail. Worried about reflections? Most lenses now have anti reflective coatings. There are lots of tricks to minimize any lingering reflections, so don’t worry. Remember, it’s just physics and not a big deal.

If you love it, bring it.

Rules are made to be broken. So if a favorite outfit or shirt immediately comes to mind, bring it. Odds are it’s a favorite because the fit is perfect. That confidence comes through on camera!

Women's Headshot Style Tips

Hair & Makeup

If you’re not getting hair and makeup with your session, plan to arrive camera ready with your professional makeup look. There’s no need to go overboard — it’s not a glamour shoot. Remember, you still need to look like everyday, professional you. Bring hairspray and a brush, just in case you need to do any touch-ups.

Clothing fit

Fitted clothing, as opposed to flowy and blousy items, is most flattering on camera. I create a flattering look with posing and negative space (i.e. gaps between your torso and arms). If the garment (like a big cozy sweater) doesn’t show any space, you’ll appear heavier on camera.

Jewelry

It’s distracting by design. Anything that takes the focus off you works against you, so keep it simple.

Men's Headshot Style Tips

Grooming

Arrive with your hair styled and ready to go. If you’re planning a haircut, try to line it up for at least a few days before your session. If you want to go for the scruff look, that’s cool. But it’s either in or out — it can’t be photoshopped.

Don’t worry — you’re off the hook for makeup. If you want to put on a little moisturizer to prevent dry skin, that doesn’t hurt. But avoid anything that might clump in your facial hair or adds color.

Clothing fit

Proper fit is key when it comes to dress shirts and jackets. Make sure your shirt collar is properly sized, especially if you’re wearing a tie. Dig out the collar stays, and stick with a V-neck undershirt, in case we do open-collar shots. If you’re concerned about fit, visit a tailor. Suits and blazers are pretty trim these days. A 10-year-old suit will instantly date the image.

---

I hope you're feeling better prepared for your project. Is there a question I missed? Let me know in the comments. And don't forget to share with your friends or colleagues.

If you’re still browsing and haven’t made a headshot appointment, check out my individual session packages and grab a spot online.

Thinking about a session for your office?  Drop me a note.

Meet Magpie Media

Meet Jacquelyn Gutc

If you're receiving my newsletter, you know that I've brought in some reinforcements. Jacquelyn Gutc, of Magpie Media is my new editor. Its amazing what happens with a little coaching and accountability. If you're struggling to keep up with your blog or newsletter, she can help. 

Jacquelyn is also a client of mine. When you're the center of your business, it can be tough to put yourself out there. But she took the big first step with a personal branding session. Now she can be in her own marketing material rather than reaching for the stock photos.

Tell us about your business.

Magpie Media was founded on a passion for clear, creative and effective communication. We help connect businesses, nonprofits and professionals with their ideal audiences near and far through content writing, editing, email marketing and other creative marketing tactics. We illustrate who you are as a brand and what benefits you offer, inspiring people to work with you.

What’s unique about how you do what you do?

My natural curiosity and background as a newspaper reporter prepared me to run a business where the client base varies widely. I know how to ask the right questions to quickly learn about an industry I was previously unfamiliar with and to get down to what makes a particular company tick. My career in journalism also taught me to break down complex topics so that the general public understands them. This is an incredibly important skill as I write and edit for clients today because it means that I can help them cut through jargon and ensure that their target audience will interpret their written content in the way they want it to. If a company's content misses the mark because it was too complex or written for the wrong audience, they miss out on customers/clients and money.

What’s the one thing most people don’t know about your business, but should?

Our potential clients understand that it's important to have a company blog and newsletter, but many think that one or both of those content vehicles in particular will have clients flooding their inboxes or phone lines. That's why it's always important for us to set realistic expectations with new clients for what marketing efforts will achieve. 

For example, your email newsletter probably won't make a dozen potential clients decide to call you that minute, but maybe it reminded an old networking contact that you're out there, so they call you for coffee and that meeting leads to an amazing referral who becomes a long-term client. And your website visitors may be unaware that you published a new blog post, but Google noticed, and the culmination of ongoing content additions to your website helped increase your search rank, leading more people contact you as the result of an online search. Content marketing doesn't always offer a clear one-for-one ROI but that doesn't mean it isn't working wonders for your business.

Where should readers go to learn more about the business?

Check out the website at Magpie-Media.com. Or the facebook page. And don't forget LinkedIn.