I debated what to tell you for Step 4. (See Step 3 if you missed it).  I had a photo shoot earlier this week, but I wasn’t sure if it would be effective to inform you about how bashful I got with the camera but I would imagine this is a frequent episode many of us go through with the demand of seeing a human face behind social media channels.

The first 30 minutes went something like this:  “Relax, loosen up, have fun with it!” I thought: Yes, I want to show off a vibrant professional image! Reality: I flapped my arms around between shots trying to loosen up.

I grimaced at the first 50 pictures where my prominent German jaw appeared to be the star of the show.

I hollered at my brother to do cartwheels & make monkey faces to make me laugh.

Alas, close to 2 hours later, we were able to whip up some great pictures.  Depending on your circumstances, as you would in a live interview, you may consider dressing professionally. Regardless what agenda you have – trust me – people want to see faces. I’m more bound to follow or “link” with someone that has an image (unless they’re Hubspot or CocaCola!). It’s probably one reason why I was able to generate 200+ followers within a short span of time. If you want to use your company name as your handle or page name, I still encourage you to have a photograph (i.e Melissa of @networlding & Ken Herron of @PurpleComm do both). That’s one valuable piece of advice I can share as a blossoming social media consultant. Social Media users excel when they are able to create a human & emotion based connection with others.

Maybe you have a family member who can take pictures, a friend trying to break in the photography business that you could help promote in exchange for free/cheap pictures.  Take some pictures, laugh with the photographer who’s just there to help & capture your beautiful face, and convince a silly person to go in the background to do cartwheels.

Anne Reuss is a guest blogger writing about her steps to success & creating a business. Mingle with her! @AnneReuss