Business Spotlight: Penny Manning, Lisle Therapist
Penny reached out to me not too long ago wanting to update her website with some new images for her mental health therapy business. I came to her beautiful home office in Lisle where she treats her patients and we captured some wonderful portraits. Penny had such a warm and inviting demeanor. I can see why she is so good at what she does by even the short amount of time we spent together.
How long have you been in your field and what lead you there?
I’ve been a mental health therapist for over 20 years and was drawn to this field because I've always felt an intuitive connection to those in need and also have a passion for problem-solving. I work primarily with women and specialize in issues with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and chronic health issues.
What is your favorite part about what you do?
The best part of my job is collaborating with my clients in a motivational way, and cheering them on as they begin to transform their lives.
What do you wish more people knew about therapy and any common misconceptions?
Because there is still sometimes a stigma of secrecy about counseling, I wish people knew that it is simply something to be proud of. It takes strength and courage to lay out the details of your life, examine your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and be willing to consider the possibilities of trying new approaches to your life. It’s a brave thing, but the pay off is huge, and it humbles me to be part of that process!
What is your website, email, phone number and/or the best way to reach you?
You can find me at www.pennymanning.com, my email is info@pennymanning.com and my phone number is (640) 499-0440. You can reach me through any of these channels.
Top 3 tips for businesses looking to market themselves with photography
Do you have your own business? Do you know how much of an impact the photography you use to represent yourself and your businesses make? Here is a quick rundown on my top 3 tips!
1. 60% of consumers are more likely to consider or contact a business that has an image show up in local search results.
How many times have you been in the market for a new hair stylist, dentist, chiropractor, doctor, lawyer, restaurant and etc, tried to see what the person or space looked like only to find nothing at all or really low quality images? People need to put a face to your buisness, especially when you are in the buisness of working directly with clients. This will help put your clients at ease and feel more comfortable picking up the phone knowing who is on the other line and making that appointment or heading to your store. In order to run a profitable buisness you need customers and images will drive your marketing in all facets. (Source of information MDG)
2. Establish your brand identity and stick to it in all areas, including photography.
Every business should have cohesive brand and marketing scheme style and this also includes the photography. If you are a lawyer representing important clients, perhaps a more corporate and conservative look is what you are after. If you are a wedding planner, a more lifestyle session with light and airy photography might be the best look. Whatever you decide on stick with it and make sure to have the right photography. Photography for businesses is not only a head shot but also images of you in your retail space, your products, and details and lifestyle images of you and your team, engaged in doing work. These images can then be used for email marketing, facebook, instagram, websites, brochures, etc.
3. Go beyond the head shot and avoid using stock images.
In order to really connect with your audience and clients, go beyond just head shots for your buisness and include images of you working and details to fit your brand identity. Stock images will always be lacking since they don't include you, your staff, or your space. Stock images also have a certain quality to them that scream "I AM A STOCK IMAGE" and quality stock images can cost more then having custom work done at times.
A dental office with smiling friendly faces and a comfortable looking space
Click for Hope Branding session, the owner sells t-shirts, jewelry, and other handmade goods to go along with her charitable photo sessions