Personal Branding for Small Businesses

I want you to think about “Granny Smith apples.” There’s something about the image of a little old lady carefully picking and polishing apples that makes us feel warm and nostalgic. Granny Smith was actually Maria Ann Smith - but “Maria Smith” apples doesn’t have the same ring to it.   “Granny” is a marketing name – but we buy into it. We like our purchases to have a story, a bit of character.
Now, maybe you don’t sell apples. Maybe you don’t sell anything at all. Maybe you’re a designer. A financial adviser. A life coach. Maybe you teach others to be some of these things. Whoever you are, you need a face for your brand and, with a small business, that face has to be yours. ​

“Granny” is a marketing name – but we buy into it.

That’s what personal branding is. Your customers need to be able to see who they’re dealing with and who they’re placing their trust in. You need to build a personality around your brand that grabs your customers by the hand and says, “I HAVE EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED! And, better yet, you can trust me to deliver it!” Your customers already need you, they just don’t know it yet. 
Visually strong personal branding starts with a truly excellent set of photographs that encapsulate you, your vision and your brand. Now, I know what you’re going to say: you hate having your photograph taken. I get it. But it’s an essential element of promoting a business and I am here to make it a fantastic experience and deliver oh-my-God-I-look-AMAZING results. ​

“I HAVE EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED! ​"

A personal branding photoshoot is so much more than a set of head shots. Frankly, the term “head shots” makes me think of 45 bank employees queuing up for the adult version of having their school photograph taken. Tattoos-covered. Smiles forced.  Personality absent. No thanks! MY photo-shoots capture you in your natural habitat (your studio, your salon, your creative space) wielding the tools of your trade and looking like the confident genius that you know you are. My shoots are fun, laid-back and focussed on getting natural results that are miles away from awkward, posed corporate photography.

So if, like me, you like your business a little less business-y and a little more creatively charged, let’s brainstorm some customer-attracting magic together.

I’m taking part in a blog circle with some photographer friends of mine; there are four of us this month.  We’re linking to each other’s posts, so you can check out what they’re up to. This month, I’m linking to a fabulous photographer, who's currently enjoying the summer sun (so jealous)! Next up is my friend Fran from Australia.  Click here to check out her blog post: Family Photography in Melbourne & Bayside Australia 

I've set out below the details of some fantastic  North London based clients whom I've done personal branding sessions for:

If you are looking to get fit check out the amazing personal trainer, Holly, with The Real Healthy Mum.  She preaches that ​small changes can lead to great improvements of total well being and that’s what we all want for our bodies and minds.

If you are looking for a life coach, then check out Shannon Jones, owner of Holistic Journeys who is based in Hampstead, London. She supports women on their journeys towards meaningful lives. She runs mother’s groups to support life as a new mum and vision board sessions to help clarify your life/business goals and also provides personal life coaching. 

---