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Let’s talk Professional Profile pictures

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This is my friend (and part time producer) Lora. She was going to use the pic on the right for her professional profile picture…as a LAWYER. Why ladies? Why are you using pictures where you have to crop out your cocktail glass, as your professional profile and business picture? And believe me, that’s exactly what Lora up there was planning to do!
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Lately I’ve shown up to a few women entrepreneur businesses and a lovely lady opens the door, and I’m totally thrown off, because before we can get down to business, my mind starts spinning…is this her? Am I at the neighbors? Is this her mother? Her hair looks kinda…How do I ask if it’s her?

NO to using a picture from 15 years ago as your professional profile picture. When I’m looking for professional services online and everyone seems qualified and competent, how do you narrow the choices down? Yep, we all look at the profile picture. Somehow we think we’ll get a vibe of if a person is good/trustworthy/warm/knowledgeable etc. all from a quick scan of their profile picture.

So no more using that photo where you’re fresh faced after a hard night with the kids. Or the one where someone’s arm is around your neck but you cropped the person out – not a good  professional picture. Or the photo you asked your kid to take where you pretend you’re smiling through gritted teeth but you were yelling at the kid to hold the phone straight…mandy on duty lifestyle blog, mandy on duty style blog, mandy on duty mom style blog, mandy on duty blog washington dc,
Consider an action plan for your professional profile picture:
– Get a professional photographer to do your professional profile pictures. (Also, if you’re online dating this is worth it)
– A professional photographer can advise on hair and makeup, and outfits, but most importantly they’ll pose you to make you look your best.  Here’s where I insert my shameless plug – I photograph profile pictures (as seen in these photos).
– If you can’t afford a professional photographer, do your makeup and hair, wear an outfit you feel fabulous in, and have someone who has an idea about taking photos, snap some of you. Snap as many as possible until you get one that says “professional awesome” and use that one!
mandy on duty lifestyle blog, mandy on duty style blog, mandy on duty mom style blog, mandy on duty blog washington dc,