Are you Brand Ready?
Here are 7 STEPS to help you clarify your Personal Brand Story and get ready to create and impactful Personal Brand.
Feel the excitement & enjoy the journey!
When you’re ready, Let’s Talk!
personal brand photography for women over 50 branding tips for small business owners in Ireland
step 1 : Gather
You are passionate about the people you help and how you solve their problems. You know the fundamentals of developing a brand, launching, and running your business. You have resources [LINK] to help you develop your brand strategy and you are curious about the impact personal branding can have on your income.
You’re ready to Explore!
step 2 : Explore
Get curious about how your story [experience | values | dreams | aspirations] speaks to people [clients | employers | suppliers | partners] you would love to work with.
Explore this question: Does your brand IMAGE represent Your Ideal Clients?
Picture this: Who are in the picture with you, celebrating the amazing results you achieve together?
Notes, Lists & Journaling
Are you more likely to take action when you write stuff down? Your answer is most likely yes! I enjoy mind mapping business ideas — it’s how I arrived at the 7 Steps Checklist. Whether you make lists, take notes or journal, jot something down on paper when you think about your personal brand. You could start with your brand’s promise. If a PDF is helpful to you, download the 7 Steps Checklist here.
Go deeper with the FREE Brand Ready Checklist PDF
Our BRAND is the promise we make to our clients about how the experience we give them will make them feel.
What promises do you make to your clients?
My promise is to be an inspiration and comfort to my photography clients. Clarity and trust underpins all my relationships, it’s a refreshing experience that brings great joy to our partnership. Deep meaningful conversations are part of my approach and how I make sure I interpret your brief to match the vision of your brand IMAGES.
That’s why our Explorer Call is crucial for you. You want to make sure I can capture your vision and create the brand IMAGES that — right now — only exists in your mind (and on your notepaper).
Your Brand Story Promise
In traditional marketing this is a mission & vision statement. While it includes who you are, why you do what you do, who your competition and clients are and what problem you help your clients solve. While a mission & vision STATEMENT is important, it is not your brand story — nor the entirety of your promise.
My Brand Story Promise
I’m a professional photographer and personal brand marketeer, and I work with people who inspire me. Together we bring excitement and flow to the process of creating impactful personal brands and IMAGES that showcase the essence of my clients and illustrates their personal brand story.
We start by exploring your brand story. When we’re clear on your story we developed your Brand Brief, and IMAGE Brief . The IMAGE Brief guides every frame we shoot during your photoshoot. Detailed briefs are my secret to give you a personalised Brand and IMAGE Brief, that gives you control, which leads relaxed, fun & fabulous photoshoots. Intuition helps me guide you to be confident and playful in front of the camera. The result is a library of beautifully edited IMAGES — tailored to YOUR BRAND — ready for you to put to work and earn a healthy return on your investment.
Marketing Resources
Marketing and Visual Communication are my skills and passions — it was part of my degree and the field I worked in for decades. Beyond traditional marketing I’ve found a NEW fresh approach that I love – Click here for some of the amazing people who inspire me and other resources.
Your Turn!
The FREE Brand Ready Guide has excellent questions for you explore your brand story. You can also start your brand journey with a promise, a passion, or even with specific clients or employers in mind. You do you!
Write it all down!
Messy notes are fine. This is for your eyes only. Good conversations and journaling will help you get clear on your brand story. Think about it; if you’re not clear on your story, how will your potential clients discover what you can help them with? If you’re new to this, give yourself a few days [get cosy on the sofa with it]. Chances are, you’ve done this work before, if you’ve done it recently go straight to step 3. To trigger your creativity, download the FREE Brand Ready Guide here.
Get Brand Ready — the Workbook
I would have liked more clarity on where to start on my personal brand journey, but I’m keeping notes of what I’m learning. Some of these notes inspired the Brand Ready Workbook! I thought of you when I created it and hope it will inspire your exploration into personal branding for yourself. This workbook might help you get clarity on how your work can support the life you want to live. It’s free and delivered instantly to your inbox. You’ll agree to let me email you personal brand inspiration, but you can unsubscribe anytime.
Download your copy of the FREE Brand Ready WORKBOOK today. Full of helpful ideas on how to build your personal brand, what to expect and how to prepare for a great personal brand photoshoot. You will LOVE it!
step 3 : awaken
You’ve explored who you want to work with [ideal clients] and how your brand story connects with your audience. Now you turn the wisdom you want to share into messages and images that inspire and engage the people you want to work with. But where will you connect with them? On which platforms?
This step comes with a serous rabbit hole | detour warning! You might want to limit how much time you spend researching platforms and tools.
Outreach
Your outreach program [marketing & communication plan | strategy] is you showing up and being – not only visible but – easily accessible to people who want to work with you.
Question | Answer this : How will you connect with new people and keep connected with people you enjoy working with?
- What STORY will you share with them?
- What IMAGES and Elements [logo | fonts | colours | graphics] will help you tell your story?
Write a list of the platforms [social media | website | search engines | email system | audio and video | AI | apps and such] you like or think you want to use to connect with ‘your’ people.
💡 H I N T : If you answer this now, step 6 will be easy!
No matter where you are on your brand journey, now is a good time to awaken the idea of getting in front of a camera and becoming more visible. The thought may thrill you or freak you out, either way – now is the time to book your Explorer Call. If this feels like a huge leap, then leap and enjoy the dopamine hit. Celebrate each completed action on your brand journey to give it extra power. Actions & connections are two parts of what makes branding so much fun!
step 4 : aim
While your head is buzzing with excitement and new ideas it’s time to take aim at your destination. Your capacity to focus on where you want to go will impact your cruising speed and how quickly you reach your destinations [goals].
Journal on this:
What awaits you at your desired destination?
Desired, because sometimes we end up somewhere way beyond what we first thought possible, while other times our journey is slowed by shiny objects and feelings of falling into The Gap.
step 5 : why?
Your private, personal reason for doing your work and helping your clients is connected to your beliefs and values, as well as your basic and aspirational human ‘needs’ — see Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
We have an emotional attachment to our belief and values, which means it is a matter for our brains. I became nuts about neuroscience when my daughter was born. Learning that our thoughts and emotions create neural pathways in our brain was like discovering a new world that can potentially [with much practise] silence our negative self talk and change our core beliefs about ourselves and the world as we see it. I wrote an article on neuroscience – as it related to understanding my daughter’s teenage brain.
It’s fascinating stuff! But how does it help YOU get brand beady?
Because it gives you REASON & MOTIVATION!
Our reasons [motives] for believing or doing anything, is what motivates us to take action. It’s the carrot 🥕or rather, the pay check | accolade | promotion | election win or retiring abroad while still footing the bill for the kids education. For me, it’s financial independence. I wrote about that on Instagram.
What is your REASON?
The more important our reasons — WHY we do what we do — are to us, the stronger our belief in our self grows. Confidence gives power to our decisions and actions that moves us towards our destination.
No matter what you believe it will take to get there — wherever THAT is to you — I want you to be as excited about your destination as I am about mine. Because excitement gives us more time and energy to do the work that moves us forward on our brand journey with joy and ease.
Just like being clear on your destination, focusing on your WHY will help you keep a steady cruising speed [progress] without too many detours, diversions or trips down rabbit holes [procrastination].
step 6 : Cruising Speed
In STEP 3 you thought about the platforms [delivery channels] you want to use to connect with the people you want to work with. If you love social media and | or email marketing, you’re already clear on your channels and you’ve mastered [in your own way] how to use your platforms of choice.
If you’ve dabbled in Instagram and Facebook and wonder why your website isn’t getting more traffic, or don’t see the benefits in having a website, you’re probably looking for a few guides to help you. The first key to a good cruising speed is knowing your destination [goal], and the second is mapping the route to get there [brand brief | coms plan | process | client experience]. The third key is mastering the vehicle [tools & technology] that will drive you to your destination smoothly. If you can, choose your tools & platforms with your passion in mind. Where do you think you will thrive? In the beginning, focus on the platforms you like using and wouldn’t mind learning to master — in your own way. On your own terms. With time or a team you can expand. For now, start small and focus on joy!
Focus
This is about how you present your brand message to the people you want to connect with, not about Follow’s and Like’s. Follow’s and Like’s are poor metrics compared to measurable clicks and conversion rates that translates to income on your P & L. If you find social media frustrating, get clear on the return on investment you get for the time you spend there — does it make you smile? Focus on your BIG WHY and attend to the tasks at hand with intention.
When shiny ads land in your inbox — or catch your attention while scrolling — promising to teach you everything you should know about the latest platforms in a ‘free’ webinar, heed the foghorn’s warning! You could be heading for rabbit holes [time drains] ahead! The allure of building a ‘6-figure business’ by following an influencer’s ‘6 easy steps’ can be tempting — I know, I fell for it, especially when I was unsure of myself in the early days of writing my memoir. Be discerning about who you give your time to and why. If you don’t like this post, the way I write or what I’m saying, NOW is a good time to close this tab. If it inspire you, keep reading!
Remove your Should’s
You can use basic research to support your intuition about where ‘your people’ are and when they’re most likely to be available. Look at the list of platforms you wrote in step 3.
- Which platform do you think you should use?
- Remove your ‘should‘ platforms.
- Which platforms are you left with?
If you pick one or two platforms and decide to spend half an hour a day — most days here — are you spending your time with people who inspire you? How will you inspire them in return?
- What kind of conversations will you have?
- What boundaries will you set?
- What is the return on your time investment?
- Is this how | where you want to spend your time?
Value your Boundaries
Without boundaries people won’t know where you stand, and might become demanding of your time or disrespect of your fees. Without boundaries we can end up working with people we rather not — for les value then we’re worth. Thankfully this is in our control. Let’s talk more about it on our Explorer Call.
If your website is your shop, social media might be your window display [social media graphic | story & IMAGE]. An invitation you extend to people to step inside [click the link | sign up] and find out more about you and your work. What’s your window displays like?
- How does your brand story and images speak to the value you bring to your clients?
Funding
Do you need funding? If you live in Ireland you probably qualify for the Trading Online Voucher Scheme. Are there any grants available in your region | industry? If you’re not in Ireland, what’s the equivalent funding in your country?
step 7 : The brand brief
This is where you and your business merge into your personal brand. A good Brand Brief brings clarity to your story, vision and values. It’s an easeful way to get clear on who you are [in your business], what you want your business to be and do for you, how to tell your story, where to connect with the people you want to work with, and why people want to work with you.
Magic happens when you revise and refine your brief down to the details of IMAGE and style. This is where our work together brings your vision alive. Our first Explorer Call focuses on turning your brand story into your Brand Brief. But before we do that, we Celebrate YOU for having arrived at this exciting destination in your life and career!
Let’s go on this Journey Together!
You’ve explored, you’ve visualised, you’ve done some deep thinking. Now is your time to bring your brand to life. Book your Explorer Call today so we can create the stunning brand IMAGES that will set you apart.
Whether you’re looking to update your website, refresh your social media, or simply make a more powerful connection with your audience, I’m here to guide your brand IMAGE journey every step of the way. Click below to get started!
I’m ready to help you create a library of show stopping BRAND IMAGES that makes an irresistible first and lasting impression on your clients. Let’s get on this Journey Together!
Explore
My aim is to inspire and empower small business owners and career professionals – like you and me – to explore personal branding as a direction for our professional life. I share ideas on how we can get clear on our personal brand story and build it into the foundation of how we communicate –with people we want to work with. Communication, in my view, is the engine and energy centre of our work and brand.
I am a photographer, writer and visual communicator, and I’m nuts about creating joy and ease in my own and my client’s careers and business. I believe – as small business owners and career professionals – we have a unique opportunity to merge our personal life with our work life in a way that feels easy, empowering and joyful. Personal Branding, as a philosophy & strategy, is the foundation for how I choose to live and work for the next 10 years.
Click here to read more about me | Sign up for Brand Ready Inspiration straight to your inbox.
photography clients
Of course, my photography clients are extra special to me. I feel enriched and grateful for the wonderful friendships and great experiences they bring to my life. We do great work together.
Click here for photography services and client work.
Clarity and trust underpins all my relationships. Deep meaningful conversations are part of my approach to make sure I interpret your story to match your vision and expectation for your personal brand experience and impact.
Through my client gallery, the Brand Ready series of free downloads, and when you are ready to Experience more, I look forward to meeting you on YOUR FREE EXPLORER CALL!
FREE Explorer Call
Our Explorer Call is a beautiful first step to get to know each other and for you to tell me your story. We explore where you are and where you want to be in your life work – work life and how personal branding can help you get there. The Explorer Call is free and lasts between 15 – 45 minutes.
Feel free to use me as your sounding board to get clear on some of your questions. I want to listen to your story and get to know you and the work you do. If I can help brainstorm solutions with you – I’m all in!
You can share your thoughts around life | work |career | business – you set the agenda.
If you’re 50+ and returning to paid work – like me – or you’re pivoting your approach to income generation, I love a good conversation about life work visions | dream destinations | income strategies | tech & platforms. Tell me your views & ideas on work life and personal branding.
There is real magic in being heard by someone who gets us and can reflect our thoughts back to us with compassion. From a non-judgement and personal branding point of view, that’s my role, and – I hope – will be your experience of your free Explorer Call.
Click here to Book your Explorer Call now.
Our BRAND is the promise we make to our clients about how the experience we give them will make them feel.
Your Photography
In addition to Personal Brand Photography, my clients enjoy a range of services from headshots and profile photos to private and business event photography. I often work with groups and event organisers who want to offer headshots, profile, group and still photos, to their members as part of an event or launch.
Please click here [product & pricing page] for detailed photography product & pricing
While I work one-to-one with Personal Brand Clients from across the English speaking world – predominately online – most of my photography clients are based in Ireland. When I launched WonderWorks Photography in 2010 I quickly became the ‘go to’ local children & family photographer. Since then I have practised and developed my people photography skills through decades of working with hundreds of models of all ages.
After eight years of writing a memoir while living in Bangkok, Cairo and Athens – for Shane’s diplomatic postings – I’m delighted to be home in Limerick and return to my Passion for Photography.
Click here for photography services and client work.
With 50+ years life experience I’m returning to paid work, knowing my work must both inspire and challenge me as well as sustain and support my financial and emotional investments and objectives. Knowing who I want to work with and how, as well as being clear on my worth & value, comes from hard won life lessons I’m keen to share as I believe it will benefit us all and prevent burnout in business. Sign up to my Brand Ready Circular for news as it happens.
Please click here [product & pricing page] for detailed photography product & pricing
Your Brand Brief
Your Brand Brief set out to answer the fundamental questions about you and your business. To get started on your own, read the Brand Ready Checklist and download the Brand Ready Guide to Stunning Images.
My personal brand brief [strategy] focuses on the emotional and financial support my client wants their work to bring into their life.
Whether you work with me or another photographer, your brand brief is the foundation of your IMAGE brief.
Your IMAGE Brief
Your IMAGE Brief is a detailed storyboard for each set of IMAGES we want to create during your photoshoot. This level of detail and clarity means you are in control during your photoshoot and can relax and enjoy yourself, while trusting the creative process and our work together will produce the desired result.
The result is a unique to you IMAGES Library of beautifully edited photographs — ready for you to put to work and earn a healthy return on your investment.
Your Photoshoot
We finally get to meet in person, which makes shoot days my favourite days ever!
A day of great energy where we work together with ease to meet the objectives of your IMAGE Brief. Because of our detailed planning, Magic happens on shoot days!
I have decades of experience capturing the essence of people while guiding them through a photoshoot, and making sure you’re comfortable and having a good time.
It is so much fun!
Click here to book your photoshoot today.
Your IMAGE Gallery
After your photoshoot I’m as excited as you are to see the IMAGES we captured together. Still, the process of selecting and editing your photographs is a labour of love that takes about 10 working days – depending on how many IMAGES you ask for.
Your First Look Folio, is a beautifully designed PDF [similar to The Brand Ready Guide] filled with YOUR unique IMAGES laid out to tell YOUR brand story in a way that attracts the people you want to work with.
Building on your Brand Brief, the First Look Folio, gives you image size guidelines
This is for you to share and draw inspiration from.
Your private online IMAGE Library is designed to make your everyday communication and marketing easy. Some photographs are cropped to suit the various platforms of your choice. Create a ‘love it’ combination of profile and cover photos. Unify your on and offline presence with instantly recognisable Personal Brand IMAGES only you have access to.
I want your communication to be as easy as ‘add a quote & post!’
Using Your IMAGES | Return on Investment
How you use our images, together with your messaging, will impact your return on investment. I want you to be clear on how soon you will make a full financial and energetic return on what you invested in your photoshoot and brand journey.
Many small business owners cite tech as a barrier to success. I believe, tech & platforms are tools for empowerment – like driving a car – it takes practice and patience to master.
As your photographer and a copilot on your brand journey I am invested in your success.
This is why I help my clients be visible and available while staying sane in a tech & platforms crazy world!
I help bridge a knowledge gap by developing communication strategies and elements – like graphic design, social media posts and email newsletters – with them. Using easy to learn – and free – platforms like Canva, MailChimp, Meta, WordPress, Yoast SEO and ChatGPT, my aim is to enable you to use your IMAGES and spread your message with ease and greatest impact.
Hearing from my clients about the impact personal branding is having in their work life is MAGIC!
Celebrating Your Personal Brand
I am passionate about sharing YOUR story and IMAGES with my clients, subscribers and followers, that’s why I invite all my clients to make use of my channels, including being a guest at my Podcast.
Contact me today to explore more.
When you’re ready to explore your brand journey further and you want beautiful unique photographs to tell YOUR story – I’m here to help you create a Personal Brand IMAGE that brings wow to your business, add ka-ching to your income and expand your joy and love
Get Brand Ready — the Workbook
I would have liked more clarity on where to start on my personal brand journey, but I’m keeping notes of what I’m learning. Some of these notes inspired the Brand Ready Workbook! I thought of you when I created it and hope it will inspire your exploration into personal branding for yourself. This workbook might help you get clarity on how your work can support the life you want to live. It’s free and delivered instantly to your inbox. You’ll agree to let me email you personal brand inspiration, but you can unsubscribe anytime.
Download your copy of the FREE Brand Ready WORKBOOK today. Full of helpful ideas on how to build your personal brand, what to expect and how to prepare for a great personal brand photoshoot. You will LOVE it!
It’s November 2024, more than a year since I published my memoir and we returned from Athens. I’m returning to paid work, after nearly ten years since my last pay check and I figured, the best way to get back to financial independence is to get brand ready! Anyone who’s intentionally created a personal brand will testify that launching one is a big scary deal! Over the months of planning, designing, revising, testing and slowly launching I’ve been thinking about you. Much of my time, relaunch my photography business, was spent researching and studying, especially new technology and platforms. While I groan my way through days of SEO training I took a bunch of notes. I thought my notes might be helpful to you on your personal brand journey.
I’m turning my messy notes into free brand ready resources, please help yourself to the PDF downloads. If you enjoy them and think I can help bring more clarity to your personal brand journey, or you’re in Ireland and want to talk about photography, I would love to hear from you! Let’s talk!
speak #truth lies
Is about figuring out how to get free from stuff that weighs us down. When I learned how our past impacts our beliefs in ourself and therefore our aspiration for our future, I wanted to understand how my past ruled my beliefs, thought and behaviours. It helped me get clear on how I can change, feel better about myself and live a better life.
It turned into a journey of self reflection and healing. It’s written like a novel and it’s a good story about a 50-something woman who travels from Cairo, with her 11 year-old-daughter, to a small island off the coast in Norway. Her father, that she’s been estranged from for 14 years, has just died. What will meet her, when she arrives on the island, to burry her father?
