How to make the most out of your own marketing skills.  
We have talked to a lot of business owners in the area over the last few weeks and they have some really outstanding ideas!  Some ideas might be a little rough around the edges and many business owners just lack the hours in the day to properly implement them to create success, in some cases it’s a bit of both.  That’s where Hot Shoe Studio comes in we are here to help local businesses in Red Deer and Central Alberta area with their marketing needs.  We have a high dedication to your business, not only keeping your ideas and personality in the work we create but to make sure your unique style comes through so as not to dilute your message or values. 
Time seems to be a huge hang up, keeping many business people from getting to their marketing plans.  Not having the hours in the day to create the work that they need to keep their businesses looking both fresh and competitive from a marketing stand point.  Producing  and implementing a quarterly marketing plan, making print copies, writing radio ads, managing social media, producing shorts (video media, one of today’s hottest trends) and of course keeping them focused on your personal business’s growth plan so they all work together in unison,  takes time, expertise and focus.  
This is where Hot Shoe Studio comes in as we can work with you in the capacity that works best for you.  Every business is different and requires different resources to be productive and fruitful.  We want to be your marketing resource.  Allow us to take over a section of your marketing, contribute to your overall plan, run your entire campaign or simply coach you in developing and maintaining your own marketing strategy.   Our involvement in your success is at the level you set for us.  But remember our success only happens after you succeed! 
If you’re planning on going it alone remember to take advantage of our free marketing evaluation offer, and make use of our video shorts and blog which offer ideas and encouragement that will help you along your way.  These resources are all free of course and can be found on our web site.  We look forward to working with you and enjoy being a part of your success, so contact us today!  We are here to help!

Four part mini on communication.  Nothing earth shattering just Mastering the basics to create growth.

3 of a four part mini on communication.  Nothing earth shattering just Mastering the basics to create growth. Participaction!

1of 4 Mini-series: Encouraging On-line Communication

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What’s the most important part of your business?

I ask this a lot, especially every time I meet a new client especially.  Their answers to this very from their product, to their brand, to their overall image; However, very few ever say ME!  I’m the most important part of my business!  ME is the right answer and it holds true 100% of the time, every time.  Think about it… every time you sell your product or your sales people put on a presentation you are truly selling yourself are you not?

Headshots are so very important to your own image as well as your company’s image.  They portray an immediate perception of professionalism as well as confidence in yourself and your work.

Headshots should portray yourself at your very best.  It’s not a fashion show nor is it time to get into costume; wearing the latest fashion or getting into costume for a stage production or even getting into a pair of coveralls because you work in the field is not what this is about; these take away from you. 

Does it have to be black and white or color?  Either is acceptable these days, traditionally they are black and white and after doing my own research on the subject are preferred by most.  However, many say that black and white is simply unacceptable and out dated and that color should be the industry standard.   I guess it will be up to you and how you want to portray yourself.  Most photographers including ourselves will take their head shots in color and convert them to black and white in post.  So why not get them both and then decide what works better if it’s you first time.

Is there more than one type of headshot?  In today’s market there is a new buzz word daily for things even head shots.  Here’s how we at Hot Shoe would break it down for you.  Black and white headshots, and color head shots we have already talked about.  One more that may qualify and has a great impact for advertising that is called environmental heads hots where the background instead of just being a solid color or a grey scale would be taken in a setting conducive of portraying something important point about your environment maybe a farmer in a field or a lawyer in his office but we feel these will take away from what the head shots’ importance is and that’s you.  If you want something like this for your marketing they are great to use but we would recommend a portrait NOT a head shot for that type of use. Yes you should have both call us today.

Finally, the question people always ask themselves, should I get a professional photographer to take my head shot? Can’t I just do it myself? I have a GREAT camera!  You can guess my answer to this even before I start so I’m not going to spend too much time on this question.  Get it done professionally the camera is truly 1/10th of the shot.  My personal success with headshots started years ago when I was selling real estate and I never saw the success I had with photos I took myself back then.

Head shot prices can range significantly from one photographer to the other but look into it more as they have packages that include different things.  Some include prints, some have makeup artists on site to assist you, and some will send your photos off to a professional editor.  Weigh your options and pic what is right for you and you budget.  You will want a headshot to last you a few year BUT take them more often than not. (REALITORS IM TALKING TO JUST YOU NOW) so many times I see real estate ads with realtor’s pictures on them that are soo out dated.  I worked in the industry for a decade and in an office of over 130 agents.  I’d meet an agent at their listing to go over an offer and I’d think to myself … “why did she send her mother??”… That’s right the photo on her card was sooo old I thought she sent her mother.  This happens a lot in real estate and I’m not sure why, but it does.  Get new photos done once every few years if not every year.  It is important to be recognized and recognizable to your newer clients.  No more hiding.  If you’re not doing this properly it should not just be part of your marketing plan for this year but your business plan as well.

Of course here at Hot Shoe Studio we have many more tips to get the perfect headshot and not only that but how to utilize these shots to their full potential once you have them.  Every solid business and marketing plan starts with you and you being at your best and looking your best, let’s you get your best foot forward.  Discover the power of a professional head shot and lets increate your productivity and net worth together.  Call us today for a free consultation.

Photos are tools and there is a different type of tool for every job.  Portraits are a type of tool.  Just like a saw or drill are different types of tools.  Have you ever tried going through concrete with a hand drill or building a desk with a chain saw? Get the right tools for the job.  The right photos can make or break a person’s perception of you and your marketing campaign. Call us today we will gladly sit down with you.

Making a good reputation into a great one.