DSB Professional Headshot Guide

PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT GUIDE BEST PRACTICES FOR USING YOUR HEADSHOT

HOW TO USE YOUR PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT

Professional Headshots are a crucial part of modern-day professionalism. Online activity has increased and many meetings have become virtual as there are less in-person interactions and more people interacting on applications like Zoom, LinkedIn and Outlook. A professional headshot is appealing to potential residents, team members, stakeholders, and collaborators.

Posting your headshot on social platforms gives individuals a glimpse of your personality and allows them to feel comfortable enough to interact with you. Additionally, your professional headshot is part of your personal brand and first impression.

Outlook Profile Image Update your Outlook Profile with your professional headshot.

The profile photo acts as your digital brand within our organization.

Being visible is key to being recognized and creating familiarity with other team members. At David S. Brown Enterprises, company culture is extremely important to us. Our goal is to bring our people together in every way possible which includes a digital connection. Ensure that your professional headshot is updated at least once a year so that your photo matches your current style and look. Follow these steps below to update your profile image.

From your Outlook Email Ribbon, select “FILE” Navigate to Account Settings and Select “Change” under the profile image

VISION THAT BUILDS VALUE.

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LinkedIn Best Practices Using Your Profile Image: Connection is easier when a profile is accompanied by a user’s photo. Future business partners are more likely to reach out to someone when they have an image to connect with. Your photo helps to personalize and humanize any posts and brand driven content.

Your Profile, the "LinkedIn Banner" Utilizing all of the LinkedIn profile options such as a banner can increase your visibility on the platform. A banner is there to not only enhance your profile's appearance but should also support/reinforce the written portions of your profile. We are proud of our organization and encourage you to use our branded DSB banner.

Networking and Connecting: LinkedIn offers opportunities to network every day. You can expand your business connections through LinkedIn far more than by using Facebook or Twitter. LinkedIn is not only a platform to connect with others, but also a method to discuss industry hot topics and follow trends. LinkedIn hosts thousands of online groups, enabling professionals to network within their respective niches. Research and join professional groups that include like-minded people and industry hot topics.

Your Profile, the "About Section" This portion of your profile is where you can highlight your personal brand and summarize what you do from a professional stand point free of start dates and titles. You can use it to put career choices in context, celebrate your biggest achievements or show of your personality. The summary is your chance to deliver the best version of yourself in writing. It strengthens your first impression and helps others immediately identify your experience and talents. We are proud of our team members and encourage you to use one of the sample descriptions included for your “About Section.”

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LinkedIn “About Section” Recommendations Property Manager: As a Property Manager for David S. Brown Enterprises, I handle daily operations, and contribute to asset preservation, revenue growth and expense management. It is largely my responsibility to enhance the value of the property, cultivate and motivate staff, maintain positive resident relationships and to implement viable solutions as challenges arise. Providing an exceptional experience for both my residents and team is part of the David S. Brown Enterprises brand promise.

Assistant Property Manager: As an Assistant Property Manager for David S. Brown Enterprises, I assist with the day to day operations and management of the community. Directing the overall operation of the Leasing Center, including training staff, scheduling daily activity of office staff, leasing apartments and maintaining proper records, as well as developing long and short term plans of action. David S. Brown Enterprises is one of the most innovative real estate companies in the Baltimore area and it takes an amazing team to get the job done.

Leasing Consultant: As a Leasing Consultant at David S. Brown Enterprises, I am a difference maker! I am a skilled match maker who matches needs and wants to the perfect apartment for future residents. As part of my responsibilities, I also solve problems and provide superior customer service to current residents. I act as a liaison between managers and maintenance team members by coordinating resident services. My role is crucial in providing the best possible experience for all residents and potential residents. At David S. Brown Enterprises, we believe that working as a team is the only way to get the job done.

Leasing Specialist: As a Leasing Specialist for David S. Brown Enterprises, I proudly support our Residential Division by way of training new and current team members on company initiatives and various responsibilities including sales techniques, customer experience, and software systems. I make a positive impact daily by helping others to improve, reach goals, and achieve successful outcomes for our communities. In addition to providing training support, I work closely with leadership to implement new processes and analyze data. At David S. Brown Enterprises, we invest in team members because together we succeed.

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The Perfect Headshot ATTIRE

SMILE

Choose a professional suit or a classic office-wear outfit. Don’t pick any bold or distracting patterns, however little pops of color here and there can be alright. Short sleeves and sleeveless tops are not acceptable. If not in a classic suit, a blazer is recommended with a blouse for the most professional look. For jewelry, anything subtle and classic is a yes, but anything blingy or flashy is a no. We don’t want to notice your jewelry before your face!

There is no “right” way to smile. The important thing to remember is stay true to what makes you comfortable. Do not try and force a smile because you are in the spotlight. Think of something or someone that makes you laugh. This will keep you relaxed and allow for a genuine smile!

Pick your favorite suit in a preferably dark color, such as grey or navy blue. Bold patterns and colors, as well as shiny ties, detract from the face and can look unprofessional. If you don’t wear a tie, it’s best to wear a sweater, jacket or some other kind of layer to break it up and prevent you from looking like a floating head!

QUICK TIP These headshots will be taken on a light gray background so keep that in mind when selecting your outfit. Colors such as black, navy blue, white, tan/beige, general blue tones, and darker grey tones will nicely compliment the backdrop.

POSTURE Body language is everything! How you carry yourself can speak volumes in a portrait. What to do with your hands can be tricky but try not to overthink it. Keep you hands out of your pockets and relaxed. The photographer should also be able to help you position yourself in a way that feels right! A final tip: Keep your back straight and do not hunch your shoulders.

This will help you stand tall and confident!

Be You. Be Confident. Stay Relaxed!

VISION THAT BUILDS VALUE.

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