How are you perceived by others?
Does your business blend in like a chameleon on the business landscape?
What separates you, TODAY, right now, from everyone else in your industry?
Quick! Think of three things that make your business stand out to prospects.
Do you capitalize on those qualities that make you unique? Or are they hidden and hard to see?
Most importantly, be true to yourself. Not everyone will stand out in their appearance. Nor should everyone try. But remember, your clients do judge the way you look. Dress accordingly.
How do you perceive this man? When I jumped out of the car to photograph him he was very polite and soft spoken. We were in a parking garage in Monterey and he was there with his wife and little girl. Often it's difficult to get past first impressions.
Are your business benefits blending into the background of your competitors?
Very true, dress for success is one of the most important things you can do. One of my favorite quotes form a a local engineer I work with is. " Just because we live in Maine doesn't mean we ahve to dress like it..."
Posted by: Dave in Maine | April 22, 2008 at 06:41 AM
Hey Joe! Met you briefly in Vegas at the Swanky Sioree and have really been enjoying your blog every day since. Just wanted to say thanks for blazing this amazing trail via your blog and to let you know how appreciated it is. Have a great day!
Kevin
Posted by: Kevin Meyers | April 22, 2008 at 08:39 AM
I LOVE it, and I can't tell you how many times I've looked and judged a person by their "cover". Recently at a baseball game there was a biker and he looked super mean, I took a shot of his son almost identical to a shot he has of him at home, he came up to talk with me and was so nice, in fact, tonight I'm going to ask him to do a photo shoot with me and a few of his gang members. Hope it pans out!
LB
Posted by: Leesa B | April 22, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Bingo. The market today is filled with newcomers who are amazing at marketing and advertising and creating that "hype", but aren't necessarily better photographers than you or I. If we want to survive, we have to eliminate all *other* variables and let our photos themselves do the real promotional work...
=Matt=
Posted by: Matthew Saville | April 22, 2008 at 10:07 AM
I know what you're talking about. When I first photographed Limp Bizkit back in the late 90's, I thought... oh man, these guys are going to be so difficult to work with. I was totally & pleasantly surprised that none of the guys were jerks, had little or no attitude/ego & were totally the coolest people to shoot. As I've said many many times - Never judge a book by it's cover.
Cheers!
David Esquire
Esquire Photography
www.esquirephotography.com
Posted by: Sir David Esquire | April 22, 2008 at 04:28 PM
Hey, Bro when were you in were you up my way and did not call me. This better be an old photo broseph.
Brook
Posted by: Brook | April 22, 2008 at 11:09 PM