Nadine Naidoo’s Post

Your outfit in branding photos plays a crucial role in reinforcing your brand identity. Here’s why it matters and how to do it right: 👔 Why It Matters ⬇️ Visual Consistency: Wearing outfits that reflect your brand’s style and colours creates a cohesive look across all your marketing materials. Professionalism: Aligning your attire with your brand shows that you take your business seriously. First Impressions: Make a strong, positive impression with potential clients by dressing in a way that represents your brand well. Brand Recognition: Consistent visual elements help build brand recognition over time. 👗 How to Dress for Your Brand ⬇️ Reflect Brand Colours: Choose outfits in your brand’s colour palette for a consistent look. Match Your Style: Ensure your clothing matches the overall style and tone of your brand. Comfort is Key: Wear something comfortable to boost your confidence, which will shine through in your photos. For example... A holistic health coach might choose soft, flowing fabrics in earth tones to reflect wellness and natural living but a tech entrepreneur might opt for sharp, tailored outfits in bold colors to convey innovation. Dressing for your brand is about reinforcing your identity and creating a cohesive visual narrative. Ready to update your business photos? Join our Focus Hub for a professional photoshoot that highlights your unique brand. Limited spots available – send me a DM to book yours today!

Have you ever dug deep into your closet and found an old favorite outfit that holds significant memories? Recently, I had a photoshoot and experienced just that. I stumbled upon a suit I wore exactly 20 years ago when I won a prestigious award. A magazine featured me because no one from Minnesota had won the award before. It was a big deal, and as part of the article, I had to sit for a professional photoshoot—my very first. I wanted to pick just the right outfit to convey my personal brand at the time, hence a beautiful Garfield & Marks suit from Nordstrom. Fast forward 20 years, and I pulled that same suit off the hanger, holding my breath that it would fit. Imagine my surprise when it did! This moment got me thinking about the concept of relevance—not just in fashion, but in our professional lives. We often hear about the need to innovate and adapt, but staying relevant goes beyond just keeping up with the latest trends. It’s about continuous growth, refining our personal brand, and embracing new challenges with the same passion we had when we first started. Here are some key takeaways on staying relevant: 1. Continuous Learning: Keep expanding your knowledge and skills. Whether it’s taking new courses, attending workshops, or reading industry publications, staying informed and skilled is crucial. 2. Networking: Engage with industry peers and expand your professional network. Building strong connections can lead to new opportunities and valuable collaborations. 3. Embrace Technology: Stay updated on the latest tools and technologies. Adopting new tech can enhance your efficiency and keep you ahead of the curve. 4. Seek Feedback: Regularly seek constructive feedback to improve. Honest feedback helps you identify areas for growth and maintain high performance. 5. Adaptability: Be open to change and willing to adapt your strategies. Flexibility in the face of change ensures you stay relevant and resilient. 6. Personal Branding: Maintain a consistent, visible, and authentic personal brand. Your brand should reflect your values, skills, and unique qualities, making you stand out in your field. In my latest blog post, I delve deeper into why staying relevant is crucial for career growth, job security, and personal development. I share practical tips and strategies to help you stay ahead in your industry and make your personal brand shine. Curious to know more? Grab your favorite beverage, find a cozy spot, and read the full post here: [https://lnkd.in/gy8yEWxP] Want to work on refining your personal brand? Learn more about it here: [https://lnkd.in/guQqK8Fj] Let’s celebrate our past, embrace our present, and look forward to a future where we continue to evolve and shine. #StayingRelevant #PersonalBranding #CareerGrowth #ContinuousLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment

Absolutely love this reminder! A headshot is the heart of your personal brand. Show up, be seen, and let your true self shine. Don’t settle for the ordinary; stand out by being authentically you. #authenticity #personalbranding #headshots

The Importance of Consistency in Team Headshots. Unifying Your Brand Image. In today's digital age, a company's online presence is crucial for establishing credibility, trust, and a professional image. One often-overlooked aspect of this presence is the consistency of team headshots. While it might seem like a small detail, having uniform headshots across your team can significantly impact your brand’s cohesion and perception. Why Consistency Matters. Professionalism and Credibility. Uniform headshots convey professionalism. When potential clients, partners, or employees visit your website or LinkedIn page and see consistent, high-quality headshots, it immediately communicates that your company values attention to detail and maintains high standards. Brand Cohesion Just like a logo or color scheme, consistent headshots contribute to your brand identity. They create a cohesive look that ties your team together visually, reinforcing the unity and strength of your brand. This consistency helps build recognition and trust with your audience. Enhanced Trust and Approachability. When team members' headshots have a uniform look, it presents a united front. It shows that your team is cohesive and collaborative, which can enhance trust and approachability. Clients and partners are more likely to feel confident in your team's ability to work together effectively. Simplified Onboarding and Updates. Having a standardized approach to headshots simplifies the process of onboarding new team members. It ensures that new hires are seamlessly integrated into your company's visual identity. Additionally, it makes updating headshots more manageable and ensures that your team page remains current and professional. Key Elements of Consistent Team Headshots. Professional Photography. Invest in a professional photographer who can ensure that all headshots are of high quality. Consistent lighting, background, and composition are essential for a unified look. Uniform Attire. Establish guidelines for what team members should wear in their headshots. While this doesn’t mean everyone needs to dress identically, having a general dress code (e.g., business casual) helps maintain a cohesive appearance. Standard Background and Lighting. Using the same background and lighting setup for all headshots creates a unified look. A simple, uncluttered background keeps the focus on the team members. Natural, Consistent Poses and Expressions. A good photographer will guide team members to adopt similar poses and expressions. A natural, relaxed demeanor conveys approachability and confidence, contributing to a professional yet friendly image. Click the link for more info. https://lnkd.in/gjGgXYCd

I’m over it. I’m over the idea that headshots are just another box to check—that if we keep checking boxes, growth and freedom will magically follow. "Just do this, then you’ll be there." More noise. More of the same. In the world of professional branding, there’s too much focus on accomplishments, what you’re selling, and who you’re targeting. It’s become a checklist of faceless, templated strategies, leaving behind the most important part: you. A headshot is a core element of your personal brand, meant to be customized and evocative. It’s a reflection of who you are, not just what you do. Your headshot should convey confidence, personality, and values. Forget cookie-cutter, overly retouched photos or AI-generated “perfection.” Show up authentically as you. Lean into your uniqueness. Celebrate it. That’s what sets you apart. Your personal brand is about who you are—and your headshot should capture exactly that. Okay, okay. That was a nice mantra, but what's a Linkedin mantra without direction? How to Show Up Authentically in Your Headshot 1️⃣ Choose Authentic Attire When selecting what to wear, go for that favorite piece from your closet—the one that feels like you. Imagine meeting someone new in your network. What would you naturally wear? Go with that. 2️⃣ Balance Authenticity with Context Show up as yourself, but remember the context. I spend 80% of my week in comfortable pants and a t-shirt, but that’s not my look for a business meeting. Find the professional version of you that still feels real. A "business suit" version of Jackie does not exist—but I’ll go for a polished top and light makeup and that feels great to me in the right context. 3️⃣ Find the Right Photographer Seek a photographer with a portfolio that highlights personality. If every photo on their site has the same look and background, they may not dive into who you are. A good photographer’s portfolio should give you a sense of each subject’s character and profession. If you can picture what someone does just from their headshot, you’ve found the right photographer. 4️⃣ Update More Often We used to recommend updating every 2-3 years; now, it’s every 1-2. You’re constantly evolving, and your headshot should reflect that growth. Keep it current, fresh, and in line with your brand—your audience will feel the difference. To stand out, don’t follow the crowd. Be you. #personalbranding #headshots #authenticity

Q4 is right around the corner. Do you have marketing dollars remaining? Is it time for your company’s corporate photo session. Let’s talk about your brand guidelines. To get the ideal cohesive look for your corporate headshots, you can set up guidelines that everyone can use for their own individual photo session. Or set up a company-wide photo session day, where everyone has their photos taken (privately) one after the other. Some general guidelines to follow when it comes to dressing for a photo session: - What to wear - jacket/no jacket. - Color doesn’t matter as much as people may think. Wear the colors that make you feel good, or wear the color that supports your brand. - Fit matters more than most people realize. Clothes that are too big or too small will distract from the subject. - Prints are okay, but big patterns can distract. Keep proportion in mind. - Glasses are great. Bring a few pairs with you. We can adjust the lighting to avoid glare. - Go light with jewelry and accessories. They can provide a personal touch, but they can also distract from you. Encourage everyone to relax and have fun with the photo session. As a headshot photographer, I want people to be comfortable so they will feel empowered in their business headshots. Read the full blog via to get more information on brand guidelines for your corporate photo session. https://lnkd.in/eAR3X45W

Day 7 | Summary of the first part of the challenge Summary of the Character Design Process for Ivy Bakery’s Mascot Creating a memorable mascot for Ivy Bakery was a rewarding and detailed process, one that tied together creativity, storytelling, and branding. Here’s an overview of the journey: - Defining the Character’s Identity We started by naming the character Binbin, inspired by the binturong, a unique and playful animal also known as the bearcat. This decision added a touch of whimsy while also reflecting the bakery’s distinctive personality. - Crafting the Color Palette Soft pastels and natural tones were chosen to reflect the artisanal and cozy aesthetic of Ivy Bakery. These colors helped integrate the character seamlessly into the brand’s packaging and visual identity. - Building the Silhouette Establishing a clear and recognizable silhouette was essential. Binbin’s round face, fluffy tail, and signature apron gave it a friendly, approachable feel, ensuring the character would resonate across all touchpoints—from packaging to promotional material. - Exploring Facial Expressions A big part of Binbin’s charm lies in its ability to express emotion. We worked through a range of facial expressions, from joyful to thoughtful, ensuring the character could connect with customers on an emotional level while remaining true to Ivy Bakery’s approachable and lighthearted tone. - Dynamic Poses for Enhanced Storytelling To make Binbin more than a static figure, we designed a variety of dynamic poses that reflect movement, playfulness, and interaction. These poses add life to the mascot and make it more versatile across applications. Whether holding a tray of baked goods, sipping coffee, or waving cheerfully, Binbin’s poses tell a story and convey the bakery’s warm and lively atmosphere. - Designing Seasonal and Contextual Outfits To keep the mascot dynamic and relevant, we designed several outfits for different occasions: 1) Summer: A tropical look with sunglasses and a floral shirt. 2) Chinese New Year: Traditional attire with festive accessories. 3) Halloween: A playful vampire costume. 4) New Year: A festive Santa hat and gingerbread man. 5) Songkran: A nod to Thai culture with a water gun and traditional clothing. 6) Business Lunch: A smart suit for a professional yet fun vibe. This versatility allowed Binbin to evolve with seasonal events, creating fresh engagement opportunities while keeping the brand consistent. - Developing Merchandise with the Mascot I wanted to ensure that Binbin wasn’t just a mascot but a true ambassador for the brand, one customers could bring home. Dynamic poses, facial expressions, and seasonal outfits translated beautifully into merchandise, creating items that felt personal and collectible. This process was not just about creating a design—it was about bringing a character to life that could communicate Ivy Bakery’s spirit to every customer.

What the Hell do I wear? You want to look AMAZING in your brand photo Buttttt you have no idea what to wear. Here are my top tips: 1, Look at your brand colours. Your photos NEED to reflect your branding. So if your brand colours are blue and white, Dont wear something that is lime green, it would look inconsistent and confuse potential clients. If you dont have anything in your brand colours you can wear neutrals and bring in your brand colours with props. 2, Wear what reflects you and your business. If you always wear Jeans & a T when you meet clients, dont go for suited and booted! Most importantly… 3, Wear what you feel comfortable in. If you dont like your arms, cover them up, if you dont like your legs, opt of trousers or a long skirt. If something is a little on the tight side, find something else. The last thing you want is for you to feel self conscious though the shoot. I want you to LOOK and FEEL AMAZING. If you feel amazing you will be happier using your photos. Let have a chat about your next brand shoot.

Can you believe we’re almost at the end of Q4? Do you have marketing dollars left? Let’s chat about your company’s corporate photo session and talk about brand guidelines. I know many people hate getting their pictures taken. Promise, you’ll have a great time and love your photo AND have a headshot that shows your personality. To get the ideal cohesive look for your corporate headshots, we can set up guidelines that everyone can use for their own individual photo session. Or set up a company-wide photo session day, where everyone has their photos taken (privately) one after the other. Some general guidelines to follow when it comes to dressing for a photo session: - What to wear - jacket/no jacket. Would you like the photos to be formal or more casual? - Color doesn’t matter as much as people may think. Wear the colors that make you feel good, or wear the color that supports your brand. - Fit matters more than most people realize. Clothes that are too big or too small will distract from the subject. - Prints are okay, but big patterns can distract. Keep proportion in mind. - Glasses are great. Bring a few pairs with you. We can adjust the lighting to avoid glare. - Go light with jewelry and accessories. They can provide a personal touch, but they can also distract from you. Encourage everyone to relax and have fun with the photo session. As a headshot photographer, I want people to be comfortable so they will feel empowered in their business headshots. Read the full blog via this link: https://lnkd.in/eAhefQYm

Two armchairs. (Not the sexiest intro to a post you'll see on LinkedIn, today!) One costs £289. The other? A jaw-dropping £22,600. Both serve the same purpose. You sit, you relax, and let’s face it, you’d probably argue the £289 chair might even be more comfortable (But which one is the £289 chair?) They’ll likely last the same amount of time. But the perceived value of the £22,600 chair feels undeniably real to many. Why? Branding. That £22,600 chair is a Hermès chair. The name alone transforms its worth. Hermès doesn’t sell furniture; it sells prestige. Its brand is so masterfully built that it shifts your perception of value before you even sit down. Now let’s shift the lens onto you, the non-executive. What’s your personal brand saying about you? If your online presence includes: 😳 A tired, outdated website 😳 A @gmail.com email address 😳 Or no real digital footprint at all... ...are you sitting in a £289 chair while trying to convince people you’re Hermès? 🛠 Crafting Your Hermès Brand Non-executives today aren’t just hired for their skills; they’re hired for their reputation. Your brand should project the value you bring to the table. Here’s how to start: 1️⃣ Upgrade Your Website: A clean, modern website speaks volumes about your professionalism. Make it easy for decision-makers to find you, see your expertise, and be impressed before you even step into the room. 2️⃣ Get a Professional Email: That Gmail address isn’t doing you any favours. A custom domain email instantly elevates your credibility. 3️⃣ Leverage Social Proof: Publish content, share your insights, and build a network that reflects your industry leadership. 4️⃣ Enhance Your Profile: Your profile is often the first impression decision-makers get of you. Make sure it’s polished, up-to-date, and showcases your achievements, board expertise, and key skills. 5️⃣ Tap Into the Network: Virtualnonexecs gives you access to a powerful ecosystem of non-executives, chairs, and decision-makers. Remember, a strong personal brand isn't just about how you look; it’s about how you’re perceived. The best non-executives don’t just sit on boards; they stand out because of the value their personal brand communicates before they even say a word. 💼 Your Brand, Your Worth! Investing in your personal brand is like buying the Hermès chair: the value might feel intangible, but the impact is undeniable. So, what’s your personal brand worth? Time to upgrade. 🚀 I wonder who could help with this! ✊ Steve Benson Garrick Bruce Alastair Viner Sarah Mann Mike Critchley Michele Jackson David C. Wes Clemson Elizabeth Gooch MBE Jeremy Schwartz Andrew Hughes Paul Cunniff Michael Selander Kay Kennedy Gary Cain Susan P. Webb LLB (Hons.) BA (Hons.) Tom Yates JMW Solicitors LLP Daniel Blake Jane Bayler #nonexecutivedirector #branding