I am being published in a regional magazine this coming month and they wanted a pic so I "spiffied up", grabbed my trusty cell phone, and took a nice selfie. They contacted me yesterday and said they wanted to send over a photographer to take my picture. One of my clients owns a tanning salon...sooooo, I am even getting a spray on tan, lol (before the camera breaks).

I personally think a good selfie makes you look more reachable than a head shot from a photographer.

Heck if they are willing to spring for a good photographer photo let them do it! Be sure to tell them you'd like a copy of the photo as well.

I think it depends on your business but a professional photo doesn't have to be stuffy.

@joann, good idea! I need a good picture (well, the best possible, lol).

@eric, I agree and in this case, you're probably right. The demographic for this business magazine (I'm guessing) is probably 48+ with the median age being around 55-65 so probably a selfie was not the best option as I am titled as the CEO of the company (it still feels weird when I say that).

This photo is not about making you look good. It's about making the publication look good. So, in addition to that spray-on tan, what could you do to make an image of you more useful to the publication? Would your house provide an interesting backdrop that relates to the publication's audience? How about sitting at the wheel of an antique automobile or an exotic sports car, if you happen to own either of these? Does your business or work involve any visually interesting elements that tell a story about you?

[A Cornhusker hoodie is always tasteful as well.]

Thanks for the suggestions Halfnium. They actually took the picture today at the office and the photographer decided to use the building and trees as the backdrop. They also suggested going to a client's location and using that also, but I didn't have time and the publication goes out on Friday.

@joann, they told me a copy of the photo is $30, but I could see it in the magazine first to see if I wanted to purchase it.

Let us have a look when it gets published!

We'll be expecting a new avatar
Congrats on the publicity!

@inger, as it turns out, I will be giving a opinion on current SEO methods to help businesses. I want to see what it looks like too, lol. The opinion is part of a short article that can be found here:

http://www.websnoogie.com/extras/SEO-for-businesses.docx

The article is part of my newsletter and I also am using it for promotions.

@paintbrush, thanks, and I probably need a new Avatar.

Excellent article Rod. Very well said. Truth is a lot of my clients hate the fact that they have to be more social media active. They say they don't have the time. I tell them you can't afford not to be now days.

I also know several businesses that don't even have a website as they use social media exclusively. I guess depending on what business you are in will dictate if thats the best strategy.

Content is the hardest thing and the most important like you said. I always urge my clients to seek marketing help to create their content if they are struggling. Sounds like I may be able to refer some of my clients to you for help with their content.

Anyways thanks for sharing Rod