Keys to Building Brand Strength - The Brand Shoot

This time around, the TEAM has taken a different approach in our blog post. Presenting, "Keys to Building Brand Strength - The Brand Shoot".

"Success occurs when preparation meets opportunity." ~Zig Ziglar

 

Success doesn't just happen... it's purposed. It is the result of hard work and diligence, the fruit of exhausted efforts and evidence that the one who receives it put in countless hours to achieve it. Not everyone is built for success, because it is not easy to attain; but for those who will stop at nothing to obtain it, you must know that your brand plays a significant role in the construction or destruction of years of hard work. Your brand is one of your most valuable assets. It is an identifier, and it is used to gauge whether or not you are worth hiring or doing business with. 

"If you’re not branding yourself, you can be sure others do it for you." ~Unknown

Your personal brand identity is, in a nut shell, your reputation. It is something you cannot afford to leave to chance. It dictates how others see you. It determines the image you project to the world, and it is the driving force behind public opinions about you personally and professionally. The focus on personal branding has grown increasingly in recent years, due to the desire of many to seize control of the impressions that are affecting perception.  Personal branding involves digging deep to clearly define who you are, what you aspire to do, and how you want to be represented; then transforming your image to reflect the essence of you to the public. Effective branding affects your ability to achieve your long-term personal goals, because the wrong image could cost you. It is critical to be strategic and intentional when determining what you want your brand to be and how much you want to share and communicate to the world. 

  

"Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another." ~ Napoleon Hill

Your brand is directly related to your level of influence and your opportunities. Your look, your verbal communication and your behavior can either have a positive impact on your achievement or they can destroy your chances of moving on to the next level. Whether you realize it or not, all three are a way of communicating your potential. Your personal brand represents the identity and confidence you want to project in a professional or social environment. It helps to develop your credibility, and becomes the basis for how well you broadcast your expertise in any area.

Depending on what type of good or service you offer, with regard to owning your own business, the image you project to past, current and potential clients about your experience, professionalism and dependability, will be the determining factor in whether or not they hire you. You don't have to be perfect, but you do have to be true to your word. 

 

"If people like you they will listen to you, but if they trust you they'll do business with you." ~Zig Ziglar

When you understand branding and the value of an image, and not just any image, but a great one, then you realize the power of that image to get you noticed. An image that is developed around quality, and an overall positive visual message is the key to designing a personal presentation that works! Professional head shots are a great place to start if you desire to create a sound image. If you are a business professional who is using photos taken with your mobile phone, IPad, laptop or other personal devices, be mindful that the end result will not give you the professional look you are hoping for and may actually keep potential clients from taking you seriously. It is also advisable to keep your images current within the last five years. (A piece of advice: HIRE A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER. We can help you polish up your look and your brand, so contact us!)

Your online presence should also reflect a positive message about your brand. The surge of social media has provided many businesses with a vast new platform in which to market their goods and services, interact with potential consumers, and promote causes. Social media gives individuals who have never had the chance before, the opportunity to communicate freely, both in positive and negative ways. Regardless of which way you choose to communicate, know that it will follow you wherever you go and could end up leaving a permanent mark on your brand. Despite our personal or professional endeavors, the outcome depends on us thinking, speaking and conducting ourselves as leaders. No matter your walk of life, take the task of managing your own reputation seriously.

"You never get a second chance to make a good first impression." ~Will Rogers

If you have a website or blog, only your best should be on display. Have someone, preferably a professional freelance writer, to proofread the language on your site and check for grammar and sentence errors, noun-verb agreement, picture quality, etc. In addition, what and how you post on social media platforms could become permanent in the memory of someone you may need to turn to later on. Post wisely and with discretion; your value will be based upon what others see, long before what they hear or know for themselves. This may be your first impression and you cannot erase anyone's initial thoughts of you.

"Be so good they can't ignore you." ~Steve Martin

Just some additional notes as you make plans to enhance your brand strength: Develop a compelling brand, make good use of your gifts and abilities, be personable, be marketable, be smart, position yourself, and give your heart to who you are and what you do. Believe me, it will differentiate you, set you apart and push you far beyond all the rest! Remember, when you are actively and continually striving to be your best, then your only competition is yesterday's effort.  

We hope you enjoyed our post and images from our recent brand shoot. Now that you have the keys to building a strong brand, its time to open the doors to your success!

Thank you so much for visiting our blog! Keep up with the TEAM at Photography by Sean Ponder by visiting our website at www.PhotographybySeanPonder.com or on FaceBook at Facebook.com/PhotographybySeanPonder (Like our page!). You can also follow us on InstaGram at Instagram.com/PhotographybySeanPonder. 

Until next time, Peace, Love and Light!

Angela

The Creative Director
  




www.PhotographybySeanPonder.com

Model: Sheteka Alexander

MUA: Tynita Hunt

(tynitahunt@gmail.com / @makeupbytynita on Instagram)

Creative Director: Angela Ponder

Photographer: Sean Ponder