There I was…
… my first day as a FULL time business owner. Sitting there all comfy in my jeans and slippers, sipping a delicious, hot cup of coffee and feeling so excited about all the possibilities and what I would do with my business.
Things were great for awhile. I was SO BUSY! I was networking like crazy, booking clients at an “introductory” rate to build my portfolio – because hey, my newborn and maternity images were not gonna cut the mustard in showing business owners what I could do for them.
I was running around networking like a crazy person but was finding very few clients who were ready to invest in what I could offer them.
So, I started subscribing to every free online training I could trying to figure out why all the hard work and effort I was putting out there wasn’t really paying off.
But it seemed like no matter what I did, I just couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t reaching the right people.
And then, I had a head smack moment……and I think I even said something like this out loud: “Um…duh, Melissa, you are trying to help others represent their personal brand in images yet YOU don’t even have a complete handle on your OWN brand!”
What did I do?
Well, I worked with coaches, researched a ton about personal branding, joined a mastermind, did LOTS of journaling and writing, began training with Brand Builders Group, developed deeper relationships with business owners in my network, AND examined the traits of my clients to figure out what it was that I loved about working with them.
As a result, I came to realize the key aspects to my brand are:
- My unique brand promise? I’m different from many others who say they are brand photographers because I don’t just create pretty photos of business women. I’m a storyteller who creates images that help my clients tell their stories and connect with their audience on a deeper level.
- The problem I solve for women entrepreneurs is helping them get over any insecurities they have about becoming the face of their business and showing the world their most confident and capable self.
- I strongly believe that every woman business owner should have the ability to become financially independent and that intentional personal branding and becoming more visible is the BEST path to that freedom and independence.
- My personality is a big part of how I’m able to help women feel super comfortable and open when I photograph them.
- The clients I strive to help are those who want to help more people and have a bigger impact in the world which is why I naturally attract clients who are speakers and authors (many times they are both!
There are other aspects to my brand but these are the things that stand out the most to me and really are the foundation for the how and why I do what I do. Figuring these things out has helped me connect to the people who truly value what I do and really want and need my help!
What about YOUR personal brand?
You might be thinking, “Thanks for sharing, Melissa, but how can I get a better understanding about what MY personal brand really is?”
Well, I’m glad you asked!
You see, I’ve got this great Facebook community where I share lots of tips and tricks on how to dig down deeper into your personal brand so that YOU can start creating images that will connect you to the RIGHT people too. Come on over to Get Visible-Grow Your Biz.
Join for the fun, the information and the community of like-minded brand builders.
See you there! 😊
