Some people obviously love to post pictures and videos of themselves online. I am not one of those people. I’m a card-carrying Gen-Xer who predates selfie mania. I’d rather veg out than take snaps of myself in a new outfit. And if you ever see a picture of me capturing my own image in a mirror, please alert the authorities – I’ve obviously been possessed by aliens.
But beyond this aversion, I’ve purposely not put myself front-and-center on the Solo PR Pro blog because I want it to be more about you. Since the blog began nearly six years ago, I made a strategic decision to avoid positioning myself as The Guru on all things indie PR. I prefer to put the spotlight on others.
It was quite in fashion when I started Solo PR for bloggers to use a tone I considered condescending – “you must do X” and “don’t you dare even think about doing Y” were common ways for bloggers to express themselves. Beyond triggering my rebellious streak (newsflash: this indie doesn’t like being ordered to do something!), this type of talk reduces the likelihood the community will express their valuable dissenting opinions – something I’ve always encouraged among Solo PR Pros.
I’ve always held that we learn from each other, and by sharing our differing views we’re all the stronger for it. While my commitment to putting the community first will never change, it’s come to my attention that I may need to make the connection between Kellye Crane and this blog more clear.
To be the most effective crusader for my fellow Solo PR Pros, I have to be more visible.
I’ve had people who know me in person or via social media tell me the shocking truth: they don’t realize Solo PR Pro is my blog, and vice versa. Since part of my mission for Solo PR is to raise the visibility and esteem for all of you working as independent PR consultants, I realize I need to be more visible myself to be a stronger advocate.
Many of you probably relate to this dilemma.
We overcame the psychological hurdle of social media, which required us to come out from behind the curtain with our own thoughts and opinions, but now the increasingly visual nature of social means we need more images – and some of them have to include our person (have you noticed the growing number of people who have their face at the very top of their blog/website?). I can't find who said it first, but it's a common refrain: people do business with those they know, like and trust – one's likeness is part of establishing that relationship.
So, once again, the times require me (probably belatedly) to step outside my comfort zone. I have to get over the fact that I’m not as young as I used to be (pictures – ugh) and that doing videos/images will require me to brush my hair and look presentable on occasion (in the Solo PR PRO Premium private Facebook group, we frequently joke about working without pants, but I think I’ll adopt Lisa Gerber’s “business above the screen” approach, which she hilariously shared on Arik Hanson’s blog). I’ll never be that person who posts selfies to Facebook multiple times a day, but I can baby-step my way to having a few more personal images here on the blog, and perhaps a little more Instagramming.
What do you think about the increasing prominence of author and blogger images these days? What have you decided to do in your own work, and what was your decision process? Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
The picture is hilarious! The post definitely resonates with me. I have embraced so many trends but have never been a fan of selfies or videos. I have issues but I am working on it! Instagram has given me a smaller space to stretch myself. I also say “yes” to opportunities that force me out of the comfort zone. I don’t think I’ll ever become queen of the selfies but I am learning to be a little less afraid of my own image.
Just do it. You’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll get comfortable. More importantly, I’ll nag you if you don’t.
Thank you, Karen (sometimes I crack myself up)! J You’re right about the comfort zone – we have to move outside of it from time to time, or we’ll never grow.
Glad to hear I’ll become more comfortable, and most of all that you’ll nag me! I’ll probably need an occasional kick in the pants. 🙂
Thanks for writing this post Kellye. It definitely resonates with me as well. My business coach encouraged me to add my photo everywhere too – so I added one to my profile pic for the first time after five years of being on FB. Now I notice when I’m at networking events, right away people recognized me and say they feel like they already know me, which makes the awkwardness of those events a little easier 🙂
Other than my profile pictures, I haven’t posted photos of myself in other ways though – for example, as part of my news feed – I haven’t had occasion to, but for those who do, I think it’s an effective way for others to get to know you differently, be more personable, and encourage more engagement.
Thanks for your comment, Jennifer! It’s true – I’ve found it’s easier to network at in-person events now that social media has paved the way for those connections. Perhaps becoming more prominent on the blog will open up even more opportunities – I’ll let you know. J
I share your discomfort Kellye. I think a lot of us do. But I also think we need to balance when it’s “me” and when it’s “us.” While I know I need to get out from behind the curtain more as well, I think some of our colleagues have gone too far the other way. When we work, even as solos, it’s rarely “I” but I’ve noticed social media has made us more ego centered. I’m not comfortable with that. I believe it’s important to share the credit. It could be my excuse for staying behind the curtain but I think we have to be careful we make sure everyone who’s behind it, gets to take their bow.
I know exactly what you’re saying, Mary (in my mind, I often note when someone has “gone to the dark side” – and become too self-centered and promotional). I think you strike the balance – your headshot and an about blurb is at the top of your blog’s sidebar and you have your tweet stream there as well. Both of these serve to introduce you to your site’s visitors, but aren’t obtrusive or sales-y. You’ll note that this post is a week old and I still haven’t gotten around to adding my image to the sidebar (ugh- dragging myself kicking and screaming! J). If I ever go to the dark side, please let me know! 🙂