Don't blend in, stand out.
When it comes to your image content...
Don’t blend in, stand out.
One of the biggest mistakes that speakers make when they look to update their image content is to endlessly compare themselves to other experts that share their space.
I call it “death by comparison.”
They spend more time focused on how everyone else presents themselves and no time on themselves. And that’s no bueno.
If you spend your energy figuring out how to look just like those in your space, then you’ll blend in with everyone else.
As a result, you’re killing the opportunity of creating distinction and standing out from everyone else.
And in a noisy and congested online landscape, creating distinction is key in becoming visible to those who need your help the most.
Rather than think to yourself, “well, (name of fellow expert) doesn’t present him/herself in this way, so, I’m going to avoid it, too,” put on blinders and focus within in order to understand what makes you uniquely you and lean into that.
For years, I spent the majority of my day chasing other photographers' tails when it came to the type of work that I created.
I would come across a photographer page and think to myself, “I can shoot that!” and would proceed to spend a week or two finding subjects to shoot and copy/pasting that style to my work.
Over and over and over again.
Did it lead to building my business?
Nope - it led me to almost close up shop and find a job, actually.
But, one day, I decided that rather than focus on how everyone else was making money with their cameras, I turned inward and thought about my experiences, talents and techniques and how I can merge all of them together to create something unique to me.
After 3+ years of focusing on everyone else, my introspection birthed the branded lifestyle portrait service I offer today. It also inspired this blog and writing content that in no way, shape or form resembles an approach taken by other lifestyle photographers who serves experts.
And that’s what you need to do with your image content.
Make a list of all the image elements you need across every touchpoint and then work with a photographer who will inspire the honest and real you to come out during your photo session.
Wear the clothing you wear when you’re client-facing and while enjoying some down time.
Engage in the activities that you enjoy.
Give your audience an entry point into your life with these candid images.
And don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Focus your attention on what makes you unique, and that uniqueness will shine through in your photos.
As a result, it will draw some people in and others away. And, at the end of the day, both results are great!
Why?
Because your fellow speakers don’t pay you - your clients do.
And when you’re honest, open and authentic, that will help draw a crowd of folks who resonate with who you are and how you can help them with their challenges.
Keep that in mind the next time you start to go down a “death by comparison” rabbit hole that ultimately does you more harm than good.
PS - If you found this article valuable, I invite you to join my email list so that you save yourself from commuting to my blog every time I post something new, :)