When was the last time you updated your resume? And how do you portray yourself on social media?

I've shared a couple of photos above. And while I wouldn't use them on LinkedIn, I would use them on Facebook. Facebook is a social space and therefore there's more leeway for the image you use as your profile picture BUT if you are on the hunt for a new job, this picture will be seen by those scoping you out and you'll want to make a good impression.

AFTER you land the job, you can do what you like, but making a little bit of extra effort can't hurt your chances. 

Whether you are on the hunt for a job or not, it won't hurt to refresh your resume either. At the very least, get your career timeline up to date, and add in all those extra skills and achievements you've notched up since you last did it. If the thought of doing either of these things fills you with dread, but you're in the market for a career change, then I'd be happy to connect you with a business coach who is currently helping others with this tedious task. Drop me an email with subject line 'resume rescue' and I'll forward you on so that you aren't turning up unannounced in her inbox. 

And if you are in need of a new head shot (and are based in Auckland) I've a promo in the works for people with busy schedules. Handy form below if you'd like to be the first to know when Express Sessions are available. 

Honestly, I hate this question. I often take a deep breath before responding, mainly to stop myself from saying that I hate this question. My current response is 'a lot', or 'depends on what day it is'. I run two business as sole owner operator so that's double the hats. But my businesses are not all I am... although it feels that way sometimes!

Because I'm super nerdy about certain things (yarn, scrabble) I like to ask 'what are you geeky about'. People tend to look at me strangely and I'll usually clarify by asking what they're passionate about, which can be their business or what they do for fun. But if they get it straight away, then I know I'm talking to someone who speaks my language, or at least is open to having a meaningful conversation as opposed to 'I'm here to do business'. 

Thing is, we are all already 'doing business'. I'm more interested in building connections, getting new book recommendations and sharing lessons. I'm 37 - turns out I know stuff, stuff the 32 year old version of me wouldn't have anticipated because she was still an employee for Someone Else. 

Sure, I'd love to be the person who helps you with your photography needs, but I'm just as happy if I can help you do your own images for a while, or recommend a resource that helped me, or simply listen because sometimes we can figure things out just by talking out loud. 

I am more than what I do. 

And so are you.

This photo was taken in 2010, my first year as a professional photographer. During that time I photographed a lot of weddings and families. 

While my subject focus has shifted since then, connection is the common thread through all my work. And I find it interesting that in searching for an image appropriate for now, it is this image from my archives that seemed the most apt.

Connection is also my theme word for 2020. For my personal life - partner, family, friends, but also for both of my businesses. For the people I serve, and the people who look after me. When you build and nurture those connections, you are also building trust.

I'm growing increasingly tetchy about the word 'networking'. It feels like a hustle to capture work. 

When really, it should be relationship building, because that's the work that matters. And it won't even feel like work. A genuine connection becomes a natural extension of the people you want to know and have know you. Your connection becomes a seed of growth, each of you nurturing the other towards success (and whatever that looks like to you).

Are you holding close the people in your life that you value?