Whether you’re just stepping into the spotlight or you’ve been there a while it’s important to have professional headshots to energize your marketing – both online and off. You’ll want to engage a professional photographer to capture your unique personality and style so your photos will help your clients and potential clients get to know who you are.

Here are my top tips for getting fabulous headshots:

1. Put Your Best Face Forward – In order to do that you need to pay attention to Your Essential Self Care.

• Get plenty of rest.
• Eat healthy nutritious foods that nourish your body.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Exercise your body so you feel energized.
• Meditate. (more…)

I have been watching the current season of Celebrity Apprentice and I especially enjoyed the episode where the teams were asked to do a music makeover for an up and coming country music artist.  Each team was asked to create an image/brand for the artist and get them media ready. It was really fun to see what the teams chose for their artist.  Team Rock Solid consisted of Brett Michaels (Rocker), Curtis Stone (Celebrity Chef) and Bill Goldberg (Actor/Wrestler).  Team Tenacity consisted of Sharon Osborne (Music Manager/TV Star) Holly Robinson-Peete (Actress), Cyndi Lauper (Grammy Winning Singer) and Maria Kanellis (Former WWE Diva).

The task required the teams to create a new image for their performer.  This included new clothes for their photo shoot, hair and makeup, media training (for interviews with magazine/TV people), and a media kit (for marketing). Then each artist would perform sporting their new look.

I was enjoying every minute of the show, but was really quite surprised at the outcome — the all male team won this challenge!  They really paid attention to the details.  One of the things I loved most was when the guys were discussing their artist’s “look” as they tried various shirts on him. The goal was to make him a bit “edgier.” At one point they were trying to choose a shirt and Bill Goldberg (the hulking wrestler) asked the singer what color his eyes were!  I couldn’t believe my ears!  Do guys really get that wearing your body colors (hair, skin and eyes) is a great way to make you shine?  I wonder …

While Curtis and Bill went out to shop for more clothes, Brett Michaels sat with the artist and coached him on speaking to the media while writing his one-sheet to be included in his media kit.  Brett gave him some great tips for speaking to media people from magazines or TV. He told him to be positive and remember that these people are really glad to meet you — so make eye contact and show them that you’re glad to meet them as well.

When Bill and Curtis returned, it was time for the photo shoot.  They didn’t have much luck shopping so they picked up some of Curtis’ clothes at the hotel and did the best they could with what they had.  Brett took off the chain he wears around his neck and asked Luke (the artist) to put it on. At first he was very apprehensive and even said it was a bit out of his comfort zone. But the guys encouraged him to go with it for a couple of photos and he agreed to give it a try. The biggest thing I noticed was how hard it seemed for Luke to make the changes the team was asking of him. It reminded me of what I often tell my own clients – It’s important to feel comfortable with any change and to make sure you are reflecting your essence and how you wish to be perceived. But, it is also a really good idea to be open to at least trying something new and different to see if it might resonate with who you are today. Who knows — you might even like it!

Many women I meet are interested in what I do, but when I tell them that I help my clients match their image to their message as they step into the spotlight I often hear “Oh, I’d like to work with you, but I’m not really stepping into the spotlight.” I think there is a misconception here. You don’t have to be stepping on the stage to perform on American Idol or become America’s Next Top Model to be concerned about your image!

Whether you are an entrepreneur, executive leader, speaker or author you ARE in the spotlight — big or small. You’re being seen when you attend a networking event to promote your product or services, go to conferences as a speaker or attendee, promote your new book with a signing, and the list goes on.  How many times have you attended a conference or networking event having pictures snapped only to find yourself on Facebook?  Every time you leave your home or office you are in the spotlight.  Making sure you’re “media ready” means looking and feeling your best everyday — showing up authentically and confident. This should become a part of the process for achieving your goals. Dressing with intention will help you to manifest your goals and desires even faster.

The truth is … your image impacts your success and your income. Your outward appearance matters! Whether you’re stepping out into the speaking spotlight, showing up on Facebook and YouTube, or hosting workshops and events for your clients, your personal image is key to whether or not you connect with your audience in an authentic way. From professional headshots to casual pics that show up on social networks, to videos you post on your blog, to live appearances — you need to know you look your very best. And guess what? When you have that inner knowing that you look your best, you’re more confident, people react to you differently, and you open yourself up to receive all the abundance you deserve.

As an entrepreneur or an executive leader, your image needs to match your message and brand. As a solo-entrepreneur you are your brand! It should be equally as important to you that you are on target with that message so you’re attracting the clients you wish to work with, as well as being rewarded for your work and expert advice by charging what you’re worth and getting it. How people perceive you comes into play in that process. Your personal image is your unspoken calling card. What is yours saying about you?

If you’re not 100% positive that your public image is rock-solid authentic, be sure to check out my upcoming workshop “Media Ready! Step Up, Stand Out and Rock the Spotlight” on May 6^th in Boston. Register by April 28^th and save $200! If you missed the free preview call I hosted with great tips and information about the workshop, you can listen to it here.

I’ve been preparing for my brand new workshop MEDIA READY! Step Up, Stand Out and Rock the Spotlight that I’ll be hosting in the Boston area on May 6th.  I’m getting some great feedback about content and I’m really excited to pull it all together for an exciting, fun and powerful day. This will be a small, intimate workshop and we’ll be opening registration soon — but first I’ll be sharing some juicy bits of the workshop and answering your questions on a FREE PREVIEW CALL, Wednesday, April 21st at 1:00 pm Eastern. I’d love it if you attend my workshop, but just being on the call will give you some great tips and ideas to get you “media ready” so you can step up, play BIG and be seen … with confidence, ease and grace.

Maybe you’re right at the edge of big success, but a little scared to take the next step and be SEEN. Or maybe you’re already in the public spotlight, but frustrated that you’re not seeing more success faster. Either way, your image is impacting your success. The image you present to the world matters!

If you’re not 100% positive that your public image is rock-solid authentic, be sure to join me on this live call!

For all the details, and to get registered for the preview call, visit www.lauriemandato.com/previewcall.

It’s going to be a fun and informative call … I hope you’ll join me!