This picture, with the dark shades bought at a vintage clothing store, instantly made me look 20 years younger.

#gratitude

I’ve been working recently with three new collaborator-artists on their websites and marketing materials. Some of that time has been spent on choosing the best pictures to post. This reminded me of the time I scheduled a lunch meeting with a PR person who represented a new shining star and darling of the violin world.

I was on time, early in fact, and waited for the meeting time of 2:00. I kept looking at the door waiting for them to arrive, so I could offer a proper welcome.

2:00 came and went,

2:10.

2:20.

Finally I called to see if everything was okay, or if I had the date wrong.

ds: “Hi, it’s David. Everything okay?

PR: Yeah, I’m here at the restaurant. Are you almost here?

ds “I’m here too…sitting in a booth.”

************

I could hear their words on my phone, but at the same time, I also heard their voice in the restaurant —actually two booths from where I was sitting.

*****

What happened? I didn’t recognize them at first. But quickly I was able to process that the picture on their website was at least 25+ years old. It put me in a mild state of confusion that remained until the meeting was over.

Why was a picture that was 25 years old still on their home page?

1. They just never got around to updating it?

2. They didn’t see the need?

3. They wanted to project a younger image to the public?

4. ?

It was a nice picture, but better suited now for a family photo album on a coffee table.

Do your website pictures need updating?

Do your website pictures and videos need to be replaced because they’re dated, or just not flattering?

And in the case of videos, the look, lighting, sound, and the performance do not reach the same creative standards you’ve set for yourself when it comes to performing or composing.

It can be relatively easy to find a photographer who will respect your budget. It’s possible that under the right conditions you could also use your phone.

This isn’t about looks, ageism, body shaming or anything else that’s demeaning, assaulting, or insulting.

It’s about honesty and authenticity. And since you only have five seconds to get a website visitor’s attention, it’s also about making a strong first impression by putting your best self forward.

People like and appreciate the real thing.

That time when the PR person showed up to our meeting in disguise.

This picture, with the dark shades bought at a vintage clothing store, instantly made me look 20 years younger.

#gratitude

I was on time, early in fact, and waited for the meeting time of 2:00. I kept looking at the door waiting for them to arrive, so I could offer a proper welcome.

2:00 came and went,

2:10.

2:20.

Finally I called to see if everything was okay, or if I had the date wrong.

ds: “Hi, it’s David. Everything okay?

PR: Yeah, I’m here at the restaurant. Are you almost here?

ds “I’m here too…sitting in a booth.”

I could hear their words on my phone, but at the same time, I also heard their voice in the restaurant —actually two booths from where I was sitting.

*****

What happened? I didn’t recognize them at first. But quickly I was able to process that the picture on their website was at least 25+ years old. It put me in a mild state of confusion that remained until the meeting was over.

Why was a picture that was 25 years old still on their home page?

1. They just never got around to updating it?

2. They didn’t see the need?

3. They wanted to project a younger image to the public?

4. ?

It was a nice picture, but better suited now for a family photo album on a coffee table.

Do your website pictures need updating?

Do your website pictures and videos need to be replaced because they’re dated, or just not flattering?

And in the case of videos, the look, lighting, sound, and the performance do not reach the same creative standards you’ve set for yourself when it comes to performing or composing.

It can be relatively easy to find a photographer who will respect your budget. It’s possible that under the right conditions you could also use your phone.

This isn’t about looks, ageism, body shaming or anything else that’s demeaning, assaulting, or insulting.

It’s about honesty and authenticity. And since you only have five seconds to get a website visitor’s attention, it’s also about making a strong first impression by putting your best self forward.

People like and appreciate the real thing.