An Image Branding Mistake: I Make It But You Shouldn’t
September 30, 2008
I don’t usually advise people to do something I don’t do myself. But I’m making a huge image branding mistake that you should avoid at all costs.
Excellent branding is essential to your survival, whether you’re a massive company, or a freelancer going it alone. And it’s becoming far more important for folk to feel like they’re dealing with real people, as opposed to some faceless corporation. So getting your image out there, or the image of a key member of your business is vital, if you want to stand out from your competitors.
Now, I’m not saying you should slap a mugshot of yourself in the middle of your company logo. But it should be on your website or blog and in all your marketing materials, so whenever your customers think of your company, they can immediately picture your face.
I don’t do this – I should but I have my reasons. I’m not wanted by the police and I’m not part of some witness protection program, or anything like that. And I’m exactly who I say I am and I’ve done all the things I’ve claimed to have done, otherwise I wouldn’t use my real name as my internet domain.
The simple truth is, I have a scar on my face. It’s not horrendous – I’m far luckier than some people. But it’s visible – folk who are close to me wouldn’t insult me by telling me it wasn’t. I can’t cover it with make-up – as it’s sunken – it’s right below my left eye and surgery won’t put it right either.
I’m not good at photoshop so, I can’t cover it up that way – if I could, I would. Folk can criticize me for that if they like, or tell me it’s part of me, which I hate. It isn’t, I wasn’t born with it and it reminds me of one of the most terrible moments of my life.
But not using an image of myself in my own personal branding does go against me, which is why I’m advising you to use yours in your own branding – unless you’ve got a good reason not to.
People don’t interview me – for example, Kelly from She Power has wanted to interview me for months but she won’t publish the interview on her blog without a picture, as she doesn’t want to feature folk who have a problem showing their identity in some way. And I guess a lot of other people will feel like that too. But I’ve spent hours trying to get rid of the scar with photoshop, so she can have a picture and it just hasn’t worked.
Think about the people you know on the Internet – there’s very few who don’t use their own image, as a major part of their branding. And when you think about their business, or their website, or blog – you automatically tend to visualise them. Good examples are: Guy Kawasaki, Liz Strauss, Seth Godin, Jeremy Schoemaker and Darren Rowse.
There’s few folk I can think of who are well known and don’t use their own images as part of their branding. The only ones who come to mind are Harry and James of Men With Pens, Barbara Swafford of Blogging Without a Blog and Skellie of Skelliewag. They no doubt have their own reasons for withholding their images and I don’t know if doing so is holding them back too.
Do you prefer to see a person’s image, before you deal with their company? Do you feel that you warm to them more. And is there any circumstances where a company shouldn’t use images as part of their overall branding strategy?
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54 Responses to “An Image Branding Mistake: I Make It But You Shouldn’t”
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Hey Cath,
First and foremost, please check your inbox. I just sent you an email with a well deserved apology.
Now… question for you. Why hide your face because of a scar? I completely respect your decision, but frankly, I say screw it. Screw the scar. Screw the people who pull that stupid face at you. Be proud of your face.
I dunno. I guess I can’t say I’ve ever had to deal with a bad scar on my face, although I do remember going through a phase when I used to always keep my shirt on while at the beach because I had an “outy” belly button. (I still have one, but the beer belly hides it. heh). Then one day, my best friend asked why I never took my shirt off. I told him and his reply was simply, “So what? Get it off!”. I did, and I haven’t looked back. I’m sure a facial scar is harder to deal with, but the principle is the same. It was something I was very self conscious of until I realised that I shouldn’t have to be.
To answer your question, yep, I certainly feel a bigger connection to those people who I can picture as more than a computer screen. Whether the person looks bright, dull, beautiful, not so beautiful, scar free, or not scar free, I’ll warm to them more if I can see a photo.
Ya know (and I hate nitpicking at your own personal example), if I were to see a photo of a blogger with a facial scar, proudly displayed on their blog with a big title saying “Here’s me!!”, I would probably respect them and warm to them far more than I would of a photo of a person without a scar. Why? Because I’d respect them for being so confident, open and proud of who they are. I’m not saying you’re not those things (far from it!) but a photo would certainly go a long way to building a connection.
I hope all that came across in the correct and respectful manner I intended it. It’s the first blog comment I’ve wrote for two weeks and I almost feel lost.
Jamie Harrop’s last blog post..Blogger Interview Series – Hunter Nuttall
Re not using a photo… my heart goes out to you and I understand…
Here’s an idea, just get a pencil type portrait without a lot of detail… they wouldnt show wrinkles or a scar…
a good artist can show some personality and enhance your brand in the process… JH
Hi Cath – I think it’s totally your choice and respect your reasons for making it. Look at my photo, for crying out loud!
Back in the day when I was selling real estate, there was a huge rift between those who insisted you needed a full-color photo on your business card and all other marketing materials, and those who thought it was cheesy. I think it cheapens an impression, but there a people who believe it’s a must. I mean, when was the last time you saw a photo on your banker’s or lawyer’s business card?
While I realize blogs are a little different and it’s nice to put a face with a name, I don’t think it’s necessary if personality comes through in your dealings, and yours definitely does.
Betsy’s last blog post..HARVEST MOON
Hey, Cath! I don’t know if something ate my last comment! But I say it’s your choice, as your personality shines through.
Betsy’s last blog post..HARVEST MOON
Hi Cath. It’s hard to know “the right thing” to say here. I’d love to see a picture of this fiesty, intelligent and creative woman behind your blog. But we all have our limits and that needs to be honoured too.
I had trouble finding a picture of myself for my blog, and for my website because I don’t believe I’m “pretty”. But, I put them there because I believe certain people will be attracted to more than just the picture and the ones who are turned away, well then they weren’t to be customers or friends anyway.
Jerry’s idea of a sketch would be a good compromise for you.
Davina’s last blog post..Free Spirit My Ass!
God you may hate me saying this – and may never speak to me again. But is it the scar or the experience you’re trying to hide?
I agree that your branding is helped by using a photo. And it’s probably worth paying someone a few quid to do the Photoshop magic to get one you like.
Sorry Cath!
Ian Denny’s last blog post..IT Helpdesk And Field Support Vacancies
Hi Cath,
Thanks for sharing your personal story.
I’ve always thought that the best strategy is “the best one you feel comfortable doing.” For example, in my music industry pursuits, it’s often told to go make connections — at parties, clubs, etc. I hate parties, I suck at making connections in bars and clubs, my feeble attempts were awkward, and none of contacts I tried to make led to any benefits. It’s a good advise for those who can do it, but I just can’t do it. It’s stressful and awkward and I just resolved to find better ways that worked for me.
That all being said — this may be a dumb question, but is it possible to get a picture of you looking sideway, so the scar doesn’t show? Or is it not possible?
I can’t even begin to guess what it’s like to have a visible and unfixable scar for a woman, so I won’t go there. But at the same time, I do wish for you to come to peace with this issue.
ari
Ari Koinuma’s last blog post..5 Ways to Self-Produce Unconditional Love and Heal Yourself (Digest)
Cath, It must have taken courage to write this post, and thank you for sharing. I agree with Ari about doing what you feel comfortable doing. I enjoy seeing the face behind the blog, but it’s a not a deal breaker. What’s behind the face is more important to me, and you are such a talented and honest writer that what’s inside comes shining through. Don’t worry about it.
Brad Shorr’s last blog post..Turning prospects and contacts into customers and partners
I’ve seen a lot of bloggers and freelancers who don’t post photos, in addition to the ones you’ve named. My theory is that many of them aren’t who they say they are. I think some of the women are men (and vice verse), and several of them may in fact be a single person. It’s a wild theory, I know, but it’s mine. Heheh. This isn’t true for all of them, as there are several (like you) who have communicated their authenticity, but some others have an undercurrent that makes me think they’re not who they say they are.
So you’re right, displaying a photo can help but who’s to say it’s a photo of the actual person?
I’m curious – why don’t you hire someone to photoshop the photo for you? It probably wouldn’t cost very much (speaking of Harry, couldn’t he do it?) and the ROI would probably be worth it. Or, just use a profile photo (from your right side), so your scar doesn’t show.
I do have a photo on my site, mostly for the reasons you’ve outlined here. Over time, I’ve become more comfortable with it but believe me, I had to take over 100 photos just to get one or two that I wasn’t mortified to display.
Also, I want to add that I don’t think a photo is all that necessary for building trust. Do I care if a freelancer uses an alias? Not really. What matters is their quality of work and dependability. You don’t need a photo to establish that
Melissa Donovan’s last blog post..In the Mirror
Hi Cath,
I decided to take a few hours today to visit some of my Remarkablogger friends and came to this post. I’m not one to get choked up but I could actually feel your pain and decided to share something with you (and your many readers).
When I decided to start my blog, I did a lot of research on what to do and what not to do. One of the things “to do” was post a picture of myself on my blog because it makes it “more personable and gives people someone to connect to”. This was quite a stretch for me for several reasons:
1. I am not photogenic and hate taking pictures. I have to take about 20 pictures to get one good shot.
2. I’m African-American and I know from experience that this country still has some racial issues and didn’t want this to detract from my blog. Nor did I want people to think it is a blog for black people.
3. Last year when hot flashes started to hit really hard, I cut off all of my hair and went natural. That’s a negative for some people because they think I’m militant.
4. I’m 56 years old (closer to 57 now) and a lot of people have no value for anyone near or over 50.
Reasons I put a picture on my blog (and my gravatar):
1. Ok, so I’m not photogenic – lots of people aren’t
2. Racial issues are not my problem and I want people to see a positive black family taking care of an aging family member.
3. I’m 56 and I am an intelligent, computer literate person striving to become a full time blogger, so I want you to know who I am. When I start my next blog, I’ll just take another 20 pictures.
4. Who cares, I’m just going to be me and all of the above are other people’s problems.
Anyhow, all of the comments from the people above are good suggestions. Whatever you decide to do, it’s alright with me. You do you!
Valerie’s last blog post..Notes from Medicare Family Caregiver Webcast
Hi Cath,
You have shared so much about yourself through this blog that I feel I already have a good sense of who you are. In your case a picture would help put a face to a name for me but I can understand your reasons for not wanting to display a photo.
I like the other suggestions – the pencil sketch, paying a professional to photoshop your image and possibly the side view option. Worth considering Cath?
Leanne Magraith | Forever Change’s last blog post..A Story About a Major Business Restructure
Hi Cath – to answer your question about businesses, I think I trust ones where I can have a warm, friendly, to-the-point conversation on the phone – more than a photo on their website. With you, there’s a real authenticity about the way you write that does much the same thing.
I find myself wondering about what you and Barbara S look like – are you blond or brunette, long hair or short, wide face or narrow, tall or short – but this is just the curiosity of a friend (if I hadn’t got to know you on your blogs I wouldn’t care). Maybe you could do a written description!
Could you have a smallish photo of yourself in the relative distance? or one of the great suggestions above me?
Robin’s last blog post..Ice And Global Warming
Me again – your comment arrived on my blog exactly has I submitted my comment above! Just letting you know you need to register your blog with commentluv.com for CommentLuve to pick up your latest post, since they updated it. (one more user name and password)
Robin’s last blog post..Ice And Global Warming
Using your photo IS important.
Are you sure your scar is as ugly as you think it is?
If you’re absolutely sure you don’t want it to show, here’s what I would do: I would hire a professional photographer for a one-time photo shoot including professional retouching. It’s expensive, I’m sure, but well worth it.
Look at Beth’s photo (of Silicon Valley Moms Blog): it’s obvious her photo was professionally retouched. There’s nothing wrong with doing that.
http://techmamas.typepad.com/
(Scroll down on the sidebar).
I don’t put a picture of myself on my blog – yet.
For 58 years people see my face and think I am someone else, or they ignore me….think I look familiar and universally think I am stupid. The other universal is that I should be working with children….small children (I do have a way with babies and children but I get bored now with developing minds and repetition)
It took me 3 years to build up a waiting list for my University classes and still I got “you don’t look anything like I thought you would.” or ” you are so much brighter than I thought you would be” or as one student said the first day – I got stuck with the worst faculty and his friend said – no you didn’t , I had her last quarter and you will learn a ton and work your butt off.”
When I am attempting to get my writing read and purchased, I don’t wish to be ignored or thought stupid. I am sure News services would not have purchased so much research from me if they had met me first….but they have a great deal of trust in my work
I want to be successful at this venture…not prejudged
I want to be known as wise…I just certainly don’t look the part…
I can identify…I can feel it….you will know when to reveal…
Patricia’s last blog post..Kindle From Amazon.com
Personally speaking, it doesn’t really matter to me whether I have seen you or not. And if I have, what you look like. A lot of us have met the person you are via conversations and that is more important than anything else.
Even if you did post your pic with a scar, it wouldn’t have changed anything. I would have still come to your site to read what you have to say, would have still interacted with you and be-friended you.
Whether to put up a picture or not should be completely your decision. If some people do not want to interact with you just because they can’t see you, their loss not yours.
If you do wish to post a pic (without the scar showing), some work-around could be using a side face pic or a sketch of yours. Facebook has this application sketch-me which would do the same for you with help of any pic you provide. Do let me know if that interests you. [There ofcourse will be more alternatives. But first you will have to decide what would you like to do]
Just something for you to think about – if not showing your face is going to cost you missing out on opportunities say like attending blog expo or you become a big hit and this is going to cost you some public speaking events / meeting up with your readers / impact your business etc, what will you do?
And hey … about image branding, it’s about using one unique eye catchy picture all the time such that the moment people see that picture, they know it’s you. No one ever said the pic has to be yours ! Shilpan patel at successsoul, Michael Miles at effortlessabundance do not use their own pictures but still would be easily identified with their image brand.
Avani-Mehta’s last blog post..Honor Your Anger Style : Anger Management Series Part V
Hi Catherine.
This has been a topic you and I have discussed before, and like you, I still haven’t posted a photo of myself. It’s not because I don’t like my photo, but because when I started blogging, I read several articles of how females on the internet should take more precautions than men. I remember looking at Lorelle’s blog, and she didn’t have a photo either. So, I started blogging and for the longest time didn’t give a thought to it. Then, several of my commenters asked me the same question, and I answered “someday soon”.
The thought enters my head, but I keep going back to the fact it doesn’t matter what anyone “looks” like. If I like what they write, I’ll frequent their blog. We can often learn more about a person by their words than by a photo. So, to me it doesn’t matter if you have purple hair, no face, are an alien, or have horns, I’ll continue to be a loyal visitor and a cyberspace friend.
Does it hurt us by not having a picture of ourselves on our blogs? Maybe, maybe not. Your examples of Men With Pens and Skellie are perfect examples of those it doesn’t hurt. Will I post mine, Yes, someday soon.
Barbara Swafford’s last blog post..NBOTW – Helping You – Helping Others
Cath
I don’t like that I may be responsible for getting you into a flux about this. As I have said, I am happy to use any kind of photo you like – hands half covering face in a silly fashion, sunglasses on, whatever. I can understand that you see the scar as a reminder of something terrible in your life and I have no right to tell you how to feel about it. But I do wonder if Ian is right and it may be the experience that you are still running away from. Not that I would blame you.
But as your friend Cath, I am telling you that you are so much more than a scar, no matter how noticeable. You deserve to feel good about yourself – don’t let one evil act define how you feel about yourself for the rest of your life. Maybe this whole issue has come up because it’s time to let go of some pain. Just a thought.
As for photos on your blog, just go with how you feel in the moment. If you don’t want to show your face. Don’t. Life is a process and forcing ourselves to do things we are not ready for doesn’t help from my experience.
Kel xx
Kelly@SHE-POWER’s last blog post..Why Blogging is Like Backpacking
Oh Cath…I’d say do what makes you feel comfortable. If you are not ready to, you are not ready to. Full stop.
I’m not going to tell you that a scar is no biggie. Because it is really about you here.
Of course, if you ask me, I’d prefer to see the picture of a blogger. However, I’ve come to realize that those who don’t put up an image of themselves, have a reason for it. In a lot of cases, it is either a fear of discrimination, wanting a sense of privacy or they are writing under a penname.
Not having your photo on this blog has not stopped me from visiting your site or Barbara’s. I’d still come over, whatever your decision is.
Hugs,
Evelyn
Evelyn Lim | Attraction Mind Map’s last blog post..Soul Revelations From Past Life Memories
Hi Cath
For me, wanting to see what a blogger looks like is really just curiosity on my part… I don’t need to see a photo to connect with a blogger (as I find that I connect easily through their writing if it is authentic, as yours is), but I do sometimes find myself wondering what they look like and whether the picture I have in my head matches reality
. I honour each blogger’s personal choice regarding whether or not they put a photo of themselves on their blog – sometimes, as for you, there are very personal reasons behind that, and you don’t need to be forced into displaying a picture if you choose not to.
I haven’t got a picture of myself on my blog. When I started the blog, I was so focused on the content that I didn’t even really think about it. As I’ve been going, and my blog has become more integrated with things like my Twitter profile and FaceBook, and even my other personal blog, my photo is out there for people to find if they wish! I still haven’t put it on my blog though… I’d rather do so when it’s a step that comes naturally rather than doing it because conventional blogging wisdom says that I “have to”
People have already suggested some good alternatives for you, eg a side-on photo, or a sketched version. If you’re comfortable doing so, you’re welcome to send me a picture and I can work some photoshop magic on it. I’m not a pro, but I’m pretty good at retouching and applying different effects or lighting to a photo to change it as required.
Mags | Woo-Woo Wisdom’s last blog post..Steve Pavlina: Personal Development For Smart People
Hi Jamie – glad to see you’ve recovered from the jetlag. I got your email thanks. It was no problem – I know you were busy organising your trip.
I’ve seen those external belly buttons. I think they’re something to do with the way the cord is cut right? You made the right decision – I don’t think it’s a part of the body that folk would stare at anyway.
I hear what you’re saying. And it makes a lot of sense. It’s not like I mind people seeing the scar in person – it’s just on a picture things like that kind of stand out more because you’re not moving – if that makes sense.
Hi Jerry – thanks. A pencil type sketch is a pretty good idea. It’s not something I’d thought about before.
Hi Betsy – Askimet ate you – I don’t know why. Once you wind up in one Askimet users spam filter, they all tend to eat you.
I wondered about your photo in your pic – is it actually you when you were younger, or someone else?
I know what you mean about the estate agent pics. I do think some of those kind of pics look tacky. I hate any of these promo pics where the person is wearing a suit and has a really false smile. But like you say, some folk like them.
Hi Davina – Thank you. I think you’re pretty. Your about page and pic is excellent. And I like how the pic is natural, as opposed to something you just got done for your blog.
Hi Ian I think you could be right – it may be more the experience I’m trying to avoid. In the mirror, I don’t focus on the scar but I think I’d be more inclined to if I saw it in a pic.
Hi Ari – going to networking events you don’t enjoy is really uncomfortable isn’t it. And I agree – it’s pointless to put yourself in those situations. Sometimes, the stress of trying to force ourselves to do these type of things prevents us from doing more productive things we don’t find stressful
Your idea of a side view might work well. I’ll definitely consider that – thanks.
Hi Brad – thank you. It’s nice to know folk feel that way – I guess I’m a bit worried that people will think I have something to hide if I don’t use a pic.
Hi Melissa – that’s an interesting theory. I’ll be wondering that every time I look at some anonymous blogs now. I wonder if there’s cases where some blogs are written by the same person under different names.
I know I’m suspicious of the “child bloggers” as it’s fairly obvious in some cases that the blogs are written by the parent.
I didn’t think about Harry being able to photoshop images – I might ask if that’s something he’s able to do.
Hi Valerie – you’ve given some powerful reasons for posting your picture on a blog. I guess we can’t control how some people think – but we can control how we react. I never even realised your hair was short. I thought you had it in a ponytail or something.
Hi Leanne – thank you. I’m definitely going to consider some of the options suggested so far.
Hi Robin – thanks for letting me know about CommentLuv – I’ll do that.
Your idea of a distance photo might work out well. I guess we do try to picture folk in our minds – it’s kind of like when you’re reading a novel.
Description: I am v short 5ft 3 and a half. But I don’t always look short as I wear v high heels a lot of the time. I have short blonde bobbed hair, kind of just below jaw level, blue eyes. I think I look too fat right now – I am only a 10 (american 6) but i prefer to be an 8 (4), because of being short.
Hi Vered – I think it sounds out because my face no longer appears symetrical. Your idea of a pro photographer is a good one. I’ll check out Beth’s photos.
Hi Patricia it’s annoying when people judge how smart you might be because of the way you look isn’t it? That happened to me a lot before I had this scar, so I guess it does have it’s advantages.
Hi Avani – thank you. It wouldn’t stop me going to conferences. I don’t mind folk seeing me – it’s just the pic thing I have the problem with. Silly really.
The facebook sketch thing sounds really interesting. I think I’ll check that out.
Hi Barbara – I know you and I have discussed this before. The safety issue comes into it too doesn’t it? What if some nut doesn’t like what you’ve written and decides to track you down? Unlikely I suppose, but there’s always a possibility.
Hi Kelly – Thank you. It’s not your fault. It’s an issue I’ve been thinking about for a while. And like you said – it may have to do with the reminder of the experience. I don’t mind folk seeing me – but maybe I don’t want to have to look at the pic.
Hi Evelyn – thanks. I guess folk have lots of reasons for not showing pics. I know some people blog anonymously incase they get into trouble at work and stuff.
Hi Mags – The curiosity thing does come into play doesn’t it. It’s like when you read a book and picture the characters in your head – then a film comes out and they look nothing like what you’ve pictured.
That’s really kind of you to offer to do a touch up on photoshop. I’ll try to find a decent pic and send you one. Thats another problem – i barely ever have any pics taken.
I say, for you Cath – do what you are comfortable with. I was reluctant to post a picture at first. I like the anonymity. But as I grew more comfortable, I did post a picture.
I do like pictures – I think, in a way, it helps me connect with others. That said, I see the picture you use in your gravatar, and I can connect with you that way.
As far as the picture and the scar – again, do what you feel is right. For me, I’m good with seeing you as the “real” you – scar and all. It’s you, it’s real. And I don’t think it takes away at all from “you”…
Lance’s last blog post..Winds of Change
Hm, late to the party here, but branding is a topic I adore.
First, I’d like to argue that adding a photo to a website or other material is only useful if you are branding YOURSELF, personally.
We at Men with Pens are branding a BUSINESS. We do not WANT to be associated as being the be-all-and-end-all of Men with Pens, because what happens if we want to grow, sell, merge, expand, whatever? What if we die? Our business dies? I don’t think so. What if we retire? Someone else can carry on.
Does a photo establish a bond? Sure it does. Does it matter that much to success? No. We’re a multiple six-figure business and I really don’t think that a photo has damaged our potential in any way.
Nor are we going to post them, because what our faces look like does not matter at all in the grand scheme of things. We are a business that supplies a service, and our products are what should be the main focus of any customer.
James Chartrand – Men with Pens’s last blog post..Are You Here for a Good Time or a Long Time?
Hi Lance – thank you. I think I might have the scar photoshopped out. I’ve never seen it as part of the real me – it’s more part of something bad that happened to me.
Hi James – I guess it depends on exactly what you’re trying to create doesn’t it. I know a lot of businesses feel the way you do – customers could assume there’s just the two of you if you used a picture of you and Harry and you don’t want that if you want to grow.
And as you say – because of the business you’re in, the work sells the business for you, not pics of yourselves.
Then again – there’s folk like Richard Branson who do use themselves as part of their brand and it works. Mind you, I guess nobody is going to be thinking Richard Branson drives all those planes and trains himself.
Hi Cath – Akismet ate me?! Wow, I’m like Jonah – spit out of the whale! Cool!
My photo is me, taken in front of the farmhouse where my father was born. No running water then, so baby took summer baths with a tub and bucket. My husband has a baby bucket photo, too. So it was kismet.
And now Akismet, too. Heh. I’ll run away now. Have a fun day!
Betsy’s last blog post..HARVEST MOON
@ Catherine – Agreed. Some people jump into business for money, some for fame, some for fun… but considering the statistics of failure facing personally branded small businesses and the rate of people dropping like flies because of burnout from being a solo freelancer, I think that avoiding personal branding is something to consider.
There will always be people who are huge successes in themselves through personal branding – but if you look at the numbers, there are how many of them versus how many lone entrepreneurs? It’s not really a realistic comparison, I think, but that’s my opinion for sure!
It’s a good discussion, by the way. Well done!
Oh, and a last note to all in general? Don’t do what people tell you to do. Do what feels right after you think over all the pros and cons.
James Chartrand – Men with Pens’s last blog post..Are You Here for a Good Time or a Long Time?
@James (I haven’t run away to the day yet..) You raise a good point about individual vs. business name branding. With most of us having several careers throughout life, your point is especially relevant.
Isn’t it interesting that people get into freelancing because of burnout and then, as you say, drop like flies because of burnout? What a good discussion that would be, too!
Thanks, Cath!
Betsy’s last blog post..WHY MAKE IT ROUGH?
Wow! What a lively discussion!
Cath – your lack of photo has allowed me to create my own “image” of you – and it’s one where you’re utterly stunning. You’re blindingly beautiful in my mind’s eye – and if modern photography can’t capture that accurately – then too bad.
By the way, I put my picture up because people complained so I succumbed. Now I get complaints that it’s too “informal”.
So you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t. When that’s the case, the only one you need to worry about pleasing is yourself!
Kathy @ virtual Impax’s last blog post..Word of Mouth Marketing- Turns out what you don’t know CAN hurt you
It’s business decision as much as a personal one to use one’s image as a brand. Personally, I like to put a face with anyone one that I’m dealing with.
With regards to my blog, my image and family’s image is my brand that’s why I use them…
chris’s last blog post..Jack Of All Trades
Cath, wait–that gravatar with the purple hair isn’t you?
Hunter Nuttall’s last blog post..How To Realistically Get 500+ Blog Subscribers
Hi Cath,
I agree that as a general rule of thumb, a photo adds a bit more personality to a website (and like you, I’m breaking that rule — but not for long!)
But you raise a great point. You need to be comfortable with having your image out there. If you are not for any reason, then certainly don’t do it. Many people I know don’t like looking at pictures of themselves, never mind post them on the Internet!
There might be a middle road here though. For the people who don’t like the casual “snapshots” of themselves, try going to a professional photographer. Not only will you like these shots better, the photographer can make you look more creative, vibrant, and dynamic with different angles and backdrops. Some of those angles just might cover up the bits you are most self-conscious about, and let the “real” you show through the image.
And if after all that you still don’t find a picture you can use for your website, you can always give them away as Christmas gifts to family members and adoring fans. (Don’t forget to sign them with a Sharpie…)
~Graham
Graham Strong’s last blog post..…Now with Linky Love!
I don’t much care what people look like.
I also don’t much care if they’re really men or women or multiple people living in one body (but that made me laugh, Melissa).
So I don’t get bent out of shape when folks don’t display a picture on their sites.
I don’t think it’s a mistake not to share a picture if you don’t want to share one. There are plenty of other ways to brand, the way I see it.
Amy Derby’s last blog post..Mercury is in Retrograde (and this post has very little to do with writing except that I am writing it)
Hi Cath:
I completely identify the girl with the purple hair as you; obviously I know it’s not you–unlike Hunter who apparently is very confused
— but as soon as I see the avatar on my blog or somewhere else I immediately think: “Oh look, great, there’s Cath.” So isn’t that successful branding, even it’s not a photograph of you?
Don’t do anything that’s going to make you uncomfortable just to satisfy other people’s curiosity. That being said, I’ve always thought scars make people look interesting and mysterious.
Marelisa’s last blog post..Creativity Break: Tilt Your Chair Back, Put Your Feet Up
If it makes you feel any better, I used to hide behind my logo for years! It was an [RB] logo (clean, professional; or at least in my opinion). Anyway, I never really showed my face and I was selling a service. People kept asking me to post my photo but I still kept on with my logo. In fact, the only time I finally revealed my photo was when I started Ribeezie.com. Did I lose out on business for hiding behind the logo? I don’t know…maybe? I know that I still developed many good relationship regardless.
The face however did make it easier for people to recognize me when I took my online relationships off-line. Oh and they started asking about the hat too!
All in all Cath, I understand why you don’t want to post a photo and that’s fine. To me, it’s not good or bad. If you use your logo and your name for people to associate your business with, then make sure you push your logo and name so that people don’t forget and forge a connection with your business in that way.
Ricardo Bueno’s last blog post..Read, Read, Read, and then some…
Hi Cath – I am 5 ft 3 in too! (had to laugh at Hunter’s comment – but I thought you might look a bit like your avatar – I reckon Barbara might, too)
Robin’s last blog post..Ice And Global Warming
LOL Betsy – you looked so cute. Freelance burnout is an interesting topic. I’ve seen it happen to lots of people – it’s a shame because often they begin to hate something they once loved.
Hi James – that’s a good point – I guess you wouldn’t need many fingers to count folk who’d done really well through personal branding.
I can always kind of guess which topics you’ll like. I write some for Google, some for social networking, some for commenters and some for James Chartrand because you always bring some interesting and lively stuff to the discussion.
Hi Kathy – thank you. I prefer your picture being informal. I see a lot of business sites with folk in suits and they all look sort of tired looking and much the same. With lots of folk working from home now – a lot of them identify better with someone who’s dressed more casually themselves.
Hi Chris – I love the way you use the images of your family on your blog – it makes it really unique.
LOL Hunter – Vered once wrote that I used my own picture on my blog. She didn’t really think that – she’d put me in the wrong group. But I did email her as I was worried she really did think I looked that purple.
Hi Graham – I like that idea. I think I might get one professionally done – as you say, they’d make nice Christmas gifts.
Hi Rita – I’m so glad you’re back – I was beginning to get really worried about you.
Hi Amy – I guess there is. I always laugh when I see your avatar because it looks like your glasses are going to fall off at any minute.
Hi Mare – that’s a good point. I guess a lot of folk do see my little purple friend as me. That’s another problem that’s bothering me. If the purple one goes, it’s going to take a long while for folk to recognise the real me as me.
Hi Ricardo – I love your pic. I like the way you use the hat – it really makes you stand out.
Hi Robin – I guess the avatar might look like a younger version of me – but with more purple. None of your photos seem to show you standing up. I’d imagined you being a good 3 or 4 inches taller.
Ha! Too funny! Ah, but the question is, which topics do you know I’ll bite for?
I’m intrigued by the number of people who believe a photo makes such a huge difference in success. Can anyone tell me what the CEO of Coke, Nike, and Toshiba look like (without looking it up?)
James Chartrand – Men with Pens’s last blog post..Are You Here for a Good Time or a Long Time?
@James – There are differences between freelancers and international conglomerates (I mean those relevant to the discussion, not the obvious ones of size, reach, and office space…)
First, all of those companies are selling products, not services like freelancers. We all know what a Coke, a running shoe, and a TV looks like.
Second, the CEO is not the “face” of the company — at least not to the average consumer. He or she certainly is the face to the shareholders, and the major ones all know what the CEO looks like for sure.
Third, sometimes faces are used as part of the branding process. You can’t think of Apple without Steve Jobs, Microsoft without Bill Gates, and Wendy’s without Dave. Even McDonald’s has Ronald to act as the “real” person. There are different reasons for corporations using a face, but usually it is to make the company seem more personable.
Which brings us full circle to the topic again — for the average freelancer, posting a picture of yourself can help you brand your image more effectively. At the very least, add images of people. That’s not to say you *need* to, but I think it helps.
You also raised a good point: if you are a company rather than a freelancer, it might be better off finding a different “face” for the company. Look at what happened to Apple when Steve Jobs left — yes, there was more to it than that, but again people couldn’t think about Apple without envisioning Jobs’s face, which certainly didn’t help them win over customers or shareholders when he left…
~Graham
Graham Strong’s last blog post..…Now with Linky Love!
@ Graham – I have to disagree with some of your points (and agree with others). Fedex sells a service and is huge, but there are no faces involved. Same thing with Bell Canada. I don’t think that the argument of product versus service makes any difference at all.
Can a face become part of a branding strategy? Hell, sure. Necessary? Not at all. The Nike swoosh is recognizable, and Ronald McDonald is not the major face of McDonalds – the golden arches are. A logo or symbol can be just as powerful, if not even more powerful, than a face.
What I am curious about is how you make the distinction of a freelancer not being a businessperson. Harry, Charlie and I are freelancers – and yet, we didn’t need our faces to become or remain successful. We can also step away from our freelancing at any time, and Men with Pens lives on.
I think a freelancer who personally brands as being the only hotshot who can do the job is a mistake. That person is stuck doing everything, all the time, until he decides to quit.. He has wrapped the business around himself and thus can’t escape it. He’s build a branding prison that doesn’t allow for anything but work work work all day long. No one can come step in. And if that person steps out? The income dies. Period.
So my take on the subject is a little different. Does a photo help increase business? It may. Is it necessary? No. Does it have a positive influence? Yes – it increases the human connection and bond. Does it have a negative influence?
Oh hell yes. Yes, I think so.
James Chartrand – Men with Pens’s last blog post..Are You Here for a Good Time or a Long Time?
@James – I didn’t say “business” rather than a freelancer, I said “company” rather than a freelancer. You’ve made the point here and on your own blog that having more than one person (i.e. company, not single freelancer) changes the rules — and I agree.
(For the record: a freelancer is definitely a business person, but is not necessarily a company, in my view.)
I also agree that if you have plans for the company to continue after your own demise (through retirement or otherwise) than using your own face to brand yourself may not be the route to go in the long run. Again, Steve Jobs is a good example.
But if it all starts and ends with you anyway (as it does with myself) than using a picture will have the positive influences you outlined above. I am “Graham Strong” not “Strong Media” or “Strong Copywriting, Inc.” So there is no face of the company, only my face to go on.
(BTW, whether or not my face will “sell” anything is a different matter altogether…! We’ll see…)
~Graham
Graham Strong’s last blog post..…Now with Linky Love!
@ Graham – I’ll look forward to seeing your mugshot
The only difference between company and business is the method in which laws and taxes regulate its earnings. It’s the difference between being an Inc. or LLC. versus not being one… there isn’t much. The production operations are basically identical – the accounting is different, that’s all.
We’ve done some research into this ourselves, as we’ll probably have to switch to Inc. The only reason we’d have to do so is because of our gross earnings. Nothing else about the business changes.
Company doesn’t mean 500 people. We’ll be three, and still be a company for accounting purposes. Soooo where’s the diff?
James Chartrand – Men with Pens’s last blog post..Are You Here for a Good Time or a Long Time?
@James – According to my calculations, the diff is two…
But seriously though, using three photos as a “branding” strategy can get convoluted. Many companies, especially insurance companies, add group photos or individual photos of all their staff, which you could say is a type of branding strategy.
I happen to think that using one photo is more effective, just as using one logo (instead of several) is more effective.
~Graham
Graham Strong’s last blog post..…Now with Linky Love!
Hi Cath. Thanks for saying so!
@ Ian – Great point! Excellent, terrific….
@ Hunter – You are hilarious!
Is that enough exclamation points for one comment?
Davina’s last blog post..Free Spirit My Ass!
@ James, don’t you think you’re branding yourself with every comment you leave? The Men with Pens corporation doesn’t leave comments, James does. People decide they like you, your ideas, and your personality, and they become your fans.
If you left MwP and started something else, people would follow you and the James Chartrand brand. [Note: this is hypothetical--I'm not starting a rumor!] The conversion might not be that high if you started a pool cleaning business, but if you started something related to your personal brand, it definitely would.
Meanwhile, your replacement at MwP may or may not be any good. OnMoneyMaking.com was one of the best finance blogs when Jonathan Morrow was the writer. But he sold it to someone else, and now it’s crap. The better you are, the harder you are to replace.
I’m guessing that Copyblogger used to be just Brian Clark. If so, it appears that he managed to step away from it successfully, because he found some terrific writers. Even so, I think it would be a lot better if it were just him. Every time I visit, it’s a crapshoot to see who wrote the latest post. I’m a big fan of some of the writers, but not all of them. Only Brian is Brian, and no one is a perfect replacement for him. By the same token, he couldn’t replace James or Sonia perfectly. You’re each the hotshot at being you.
Steve Pavlina is stuck with being him. He can’t hand the reins over to someone else. But since he likes what he does, he doesn’t need to. If he ever wanted to slow down, he could make the same money in much less time by giving speeches and doing affiliate promotions instead of writing blog posts.
Erin Pavlina is stuck with being her (a professional psychic). Over time, she’s had to raise her rates dramatically to keep up with demand, because there’s just one of her. She now charges $295 for a 30-minute phone reading. If she ever wanted to slow down, I’m sure raising her rates to $500 per half hour would do the trick.
Hunter Nuttall’s last blog post..How To Realistically Get 500+ Blog Subscribers
@ Hunter – To a certain extent, yes, I’m branding myself – I can’t stop being me, after all. But I am not amplifying that by sticking ME and photos all over the place. People *associate* me with Men with Pens – that’s what’s important. Association and not Isolation.
Men with Pens is a business that does have credibility and recognition of its own and that does not need me to function and thrive.
Hell, every new person on the net coming to our site has no idea who James is and for all they know, he could be the janitor doing maintenance. They see “Men with Pens is a great blog” and they come visit. They discover me AFTER. That’s how it should be.
And I am not MwP. I could walk away. If I hired someone and brought them in as another writer, trained them, got people to like them… bye bye… just like Brian did.
What you fail to see at the moment is that while you may not like all the writers at Copyblogger, every new person who comes along has no idea who Brian is. They know Copyblogger and its team.
Brian stepped out of his business. The early adopters will always cry about his absence – but the readers to come have no freaking idea who he is.
Like Steve Jobs – he walked away. People are still cooing over Macs. The company didn’t fail. Bill Gates dies? IBM lives on, come on. Yes, the business *changes* but does less successfully? I don’t think so.
You bring up good points, by the way. I’m just debating for fun
James Chartrand – Men with Pens’s last blog post..Are You Here for a Good Time or a Long Time?
This topic affects many bloggers. I would not worry about whether or not you have a photo or not. Just take things easily really, and be you. Go by your feelings, dont get pushed into it. Do it when you are ready and if it means that you will never be ready then so be it!
I have learnt that in life we should never force ourselves to do things we dont want or put ourselves in an uncomfortable position if we can help it. This is a free world, be who you are and do as you feel girl! Readers will still like you for the content you produce, the picture is an extra.
I just somehow feel that on the internet we dish a lot of information about ourselves, and this is not necessarily a bad idea, but I am still a bit old fashioned in some ways, and have not put my picture on my blog. Somehow, I just feel I deserve a bit of privacy. Not because I am hiding anything, but just because I just want a bit of privacy.
@ James, do you think America can possibly maintain its credibility on the world stage without the divine leadership of George W. Bush? Oh wait…
I was once a new person at Copyblogger who didn’t know who Brian was. I went from knowing Copyblogger and its team to figuring out that Brian was the owner, but I don’t remember how that unfolded or how I felt when I figured it out.
Steve Jobs could walk away because they didn’t need him to make Macs, and people were buying Macs, not buying him. I agree that many businesses exist independently of any one person. I just don’t think it’s always true, or necessarily desirable.
You’re way more important to MwP than Steve Jobs was to Apple at the time he left. Could you walk away? Sure, but you’d better get a damn good replacement, and expect to lose some customers. On the other hand, the new guy could be even better, I don’t know. When do we get to meet him?
James Bond was highly self-branded. He didn’t represent MI-6; he was Bond, James Bond. And yet he walked away, and let another guy take his name and his image. Now some people couldn’t imagine Bond being played by anyone other than Daniel Craig.
John Chow could probably walk away too, and his virtual assistant could be the new John Chow. Would that really be any different?
Yes, I realize that I’m just talking and not making a point. Interesting topic though!
Hunter Nuttall’s last blog post..How To Realistically Get 500+ Blog Subscribers
It’s a friggin’ great topic and one that I hold SO highly in my list of “really important subjects to discuss”.
One of my biggest problems with personal branding is the Burnout Factor. If you’re The Man, and you say, “Good god, if I have to write one more page of website content, I’ll shoot myself with a loaded spoon!”, what then? It’s a huge trap. You end up working IN your business and not ON your business. Your business is you, you are your business, and hang on, Billy, because there’s no way to stop the ride. Enjoy!
Personally, I like to have the lever at my fingertips. That’ll be enough, thank you. Someone else can have a ride now.
I do agree that introducing someone new to replace you in your shoes takes time. It’s certainly NOT a fast process. Done quickly, it’ll kill branding (see On Moneymaking, Jon Morrow) and the whole business goes to hell in a handbasket.
Done slowly, properly, as a united front and team effort, integrated in due time, it’s rockstar entrepreneurship.
And come on, really. Does *everyone* resonate with me, my tone, my style and my views? Oh hell no. (Though I think they should.) Sometimes new blood is exactly what a business needs.
*ahem* Not mine, of course. I’m here for a while, folks. Oh, and when I find the perfect replacement, you’ll meet him. I have a feeling not many people come with the name God tattooed on their backs, so it may be a while. Still looking, though, bear with me ;P
But rest assured… that day will come. Because I won’t do the work work work work forever.
James Chartrand – Men with Pens’s last blog post..Are You Here for a Good Time or a Long Time?
@ James – I don’t have a clue what any of those folk look like. It’s easy to know what posts will make you bite. I can tell from some of the posts you write and also some of the comments you make on blogs, which topics you are passionate about.
@ Graham – I guess that if a freelancer is working alone – a pic would definitely help – especially if you’re wanting to offer a more personal service.
@ James – Totally agree on the company thing. I’ve been what is called a sole trader and also a Limited company. As a sole trader, I still employed folk and actually made more money that I did with the business that was Limited. A lot of folk seem to think a business is “a real business” just because it’s limited though.
@ Graham – I’ve seen those group shots they don’t look so great either do they?
Hi Sharon – thanks. I know what you mean re the privacy thing. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget how many people could be reading what we write. I know I do sometimes. I keep imagining I’m just talking to the community who comment and forget heaps of other folk are reading too.
@ Hunter LOL – I wonder if folk would notice if John Chow stopped writing his posts? I think his assistant would get fat from all the meals he had to review.
That’s a good point re James Bond. And even though the actor has changed a few times – the \bond brand remains hugely popular.
LMAO off James – I hope you find your God eventually. I must admit – burnout is an important factor. I couldn’t have ran my last businesses on my own and didn’t do much of the technical work. If I’d tried, I’d probably be 6 feet under by now.
Next time I’m going your way though – start out slowly and gradually build. I want to create the perfect system before I employ, or outsource to a single soul.
Hi Rita – thank you. Men With Pens helped a lot with the great blog design they created for me.
Have you done the quiz on my site at my latest post yet? I’d be more interested to know who the core essence of Catherine Lawson is, rather than know how you look like.
My stance still remains: do what makes you feel comfortable. Don’t even bother with photoshop if you are not ready! Stick to the purple look!
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Hi Evelyn – I’ve done the quiz. I think I was a 3. But I really struggled with some of the questions, because I don’t think I could answer each one consistently.
Sometimes I like to be around lots of people and other times I like to be alone. I’m going to take a look at it again but I do think my results are so variable because of having PTSD. My normal self likes seeing folk but when I’m feeling unwell I cut myself of from the world.
Cath Lawson’s last blog post..Deciding When To Wind Up A Business
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