Nope, not about you...

For experts who speak, coach, train, write and consult, image is pivotal.

We know this.

But let's get one thing straight: your professional photos are not about you.

They're about your audience.

I get it, it’s tough to hear when you negatively obsess over certain aspects of your appearance, but here’s the thing:

No one cares.

You're an expert in your field. Your potential clients and audiences aren't zooming in on your photos to count wrinkles or criticize your weight. They don’t give a shit about the size of your nose or that one eye is smaller than the other.

What they're looking for is solutions to challenges that are holding them back.

They're scanning your images to get a sense of your personality and how you might interact with them.

They want to feel that spark of connection that makes them think, "This person gets me. They can help me. I want to hear what they have to say."

Focusing on perceived flaws and letting vanity issues hold you back is doing your audience a disservice. Instead of offering them the genuine you, you're holding yourself back because of issues they likely won't even notice.

And if they do, guess what - they don’t care!

They care about your expertise. They care that you understand them and won’t judge their situation. They care that you’re empathetic and relatable.

Remember, this isn't a beauty pageant or a popularity contest. It's about connecting with the people you serve.

Your job is to communicate your message and offer how you solve their problems, and your images need to support that mission.

They are an invitation, a welcoming glimpse into the expert guidance and transformation you can provide.

So, take a deep breath, step in front of that camera, and show the world who you really are.

Forget about being picture perfect - which doesn’t exist - and focus on being the genuine you.

Get over yourself and focus on those you serve.

#toughlove