SIX SCARY SECONDS TO CONNECT
In 6 Seconds People form and Opinion about YOU!
It takes less than six seconds to form an opinion about you based on your appearance alone. That should scare you! When you meet someone, whether online or in person, an immediate judgement is made. Do you look warm and friendly, like someone others want to engage with? Or do you look unapproachable?
Six seconds can make or break your opportunity to connect!
In-person you make eye contact, shake hands, and say a friendly "hello." People can decide if they want to engage in conversation based on the feeling you gave them.
Online, you have a similar opportunity to connect using your headshot. When people see it, they make an immediate judgement about who you are. What does your headshot say about you? Is it engaging or does it have a deer-in-the-headlights look? Does it say a confident "hello" or does it show disinterest?
If you turn people off with a bad headshot, chances are they will not check out your profile and you've lost an opportunity to connect to a potential collaborator, client, or even a love partner.
But judgement doesn't end with your headshot!
Once people connect with you, they will make a decision, based on need or curiosity, whether they want to find out more. Typically, they will do a Google search or navigate straight to your website. The first thing people see when they get to your website or social profile is your pictures!
Pictures help people understand why you are different or better than other businesses that do what you do. They help people get to know you and get excited about the possibility of buying your products or service.
What do your pictures say about you and your business? Do they show your luxury product in a luxurious way? Do they tell the story of what it's like to work with you? What message do your pictures convey?
You want people to connect with your pictures. If there's no connection, they won't continue to look at your website or social profile. Which also means they aren't going to be your customer. I don't want this to happen to you!
People are quick to make judgement!
Now that you understand how fast people will make a judgement and that pictures help people connect to you and your business, I hope that you will take a good look at your headshot, website, and marketing materials and ask yourself these questions:
1. What do I want people to know about my business?
2. What do I want people to think?
3. What do I want people to feel?
4. Do my pictures convey my message?
If your pictures don't tell people what you want them to know, think, and feel, you aren't expressing the right message that will help you attract paying customers! Now is a good time for you to contact a professional photographer to help you connect to the customers you dream of.
Make your pictures and those six seconds work for you!
This article was originally published in the June issue of IBAW Magazine. Independent Business Association of Wisconsin (IBAW) is a group that represents Wisconsin's Independent businesses. If you're an independent business you may be interested in joining.
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