Reason 1:
A professional business portrait adds credibility. First impressions are lasting and they don’t always happen in person. If your prospective client’s first impression of you comes from the business portrait on your website, will that be a positive thing?
Reason 2:
If you’re a professional, then your image must exude professionalism. Your personal image is your brand. Last week, I walked down the hallway of a local hospital and noticed that the business portraits of the doctors were consistent and professional. Does that add credibility? Absolutely! I might be worried about a doctor if his framed image looked like a cell phone selfie.
Reason 3:
If you’re looking for a job, your future employer will be looking for someone who would best represent the company. A professional business portrait shows that you’re serious and that you are willing to invest in yourself.
Reason 4:
Did you know that your LinkedIn profile is 7 times more likely to be clicked on if you have any simple picture? Imagine how that number might change if your image was a professional business portrait.
Reason 5:
People will recognize you when they meet you in person, this builds trust. They may feel that they know you better and are more likely to give you their business. To flip this around, you might be at a networking event where you’ll meet and trade business cards with several people. If they go to look up your profile on LinkedIn, they will recognize your image and know for sure that it’s YOU.
A final thought: Would you trust your personal image to an amateur? I’ve included a great example above. If you were an employer and looking to hire one of these two men (pictured) and their resume was identical, which would you be more likely to hire?
Sources: Huffington Post, Success Matters.com, Professional Photographers of America
