I’m sure you’ve seen the posts on Facebook or other social media. A big block of letters that look like a blur – with the message up top telling you that “The First Three Words You See Will Be Your Words for 2025” or “The First Three Words You See Will Be Your Mantra for 2025” or something along those lines.
For reasons I can’t explain, these word searches Stress. Me. Out. I don’t even believe in this sort of thing, and yet there I am thinking “Oh Gawd, what if I don’t find the right words???”
So, I made my own. It’s easier this way. I chose my words, they didn’t choose me. I am deciding my future, not searching for it in an online puzzle.
Whew! That's MUCH easier!
BRAND
I’ve decided that 2025 is the Year of the Brand. Business Brand. Personal Brand. A brand that defines one's values and puts them out in the universe. A brand that screams “This is me, and I’m awesome!”
As most of you know, the majority of my photography/portrait work for clients is Brand Photography. Sure, I do family portraits and senior portraits, but really, I’m a brand photographer. For 2025, I have decided to lean into this role.
I love creating brand portraits with my clients. I love delivering photos they can use to promote their business, their nonprofit work, their dating profile, and more.
Will I do other types of photography, if asked? Maybe. Depends on what someone is looking for. Outdoor family photos? I know photographers who do this much better than I do – and I’m happy to share their names. Senior photos? Yeah, probably. Senior portraits are kinda like brand photos for graduates. Also lots of fun!
And, of course, I will always do my creative work.
Still, my word for 2025 is Brand. I am super excited to work with my clients to build their brand portfolio with photos that show their values, their energy, their hobbies, and their joys. Personal branding is more than a single headshot, and that's what makes it so fun -- and so powerful.
You deserve to be seen in more ways than one -- for you, for your business, and for the universe!
CONNECTION
I have a lot of wonderful strong connections in my life. I am beyond fortunate for the people I can call my friends, my family.
Still, people who know things have told me that I need to get out there and intentionally “network” for my business. I tried a variety of different options, but none of them felt right. They seemed to be all about referrals, not about connections.
Then I found Polka Dot Powerhouse. Polka Dot Powerhouse calls itself a “connection company” not a “networking company” – and I am constantly seeing why. It is their mission to "connect the world’s most positive, action-forward, amazing women to build lifelong friendships and business relationships".
I joined for my business, but Polka Dot Powerhouse offers more than that. I am given the opportunity to get to know other fierce, talented women who invite me to collaborate more often than they ask for referrals. I am often invited to coffee or lunch or happy hour just because – no underlying business agenda. And yet, at the same time, when it comes to my business, I have Dots who support me, refer me, and hire me – and you can't beat that!
I am thrilled that my connections will grow even stronger in the coming year as I explore a leadership role with the chapter.
If you are looking for a place to be yourself, promote your (personal and/or business) BRAND and forge real CONNECTIONS (see what I did there?), reach out! I’d love to tell you more.
JOY
This one is a no-brainer. Things aren’t easy in the world right now. But, as I focus on my brand, on helping others promote their brands, and on forging real business & personal connections, I can create Joy that will see me through the hard times – or at the very least – be waiting for me on the other side.
I guess this Word Search thing isn’t as stressful as I thought!
portraits | brand | photography | networking | connection | Polka Dot Powerhouse | Sunnyvale photographer | Studio photography
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