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Five books to fuel your business growth

In fifth grade, I famously read the entire manuscript of Gone With the Wind – yes, all 418,053 words. If you are looking for a #goodread of historical fiction that captures the complexity of war amidst the backdrop of an all-too-famous romance, then Gone with the Wind may be your next right thing.

But, if you need a less ambitious read – and one that will likely help you move your business forward – consider one of these five books I re-read every year and that actively inform my CIncinnati photography business every day.

Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life Bill Burnett, Dave Evans

Fresh from a layoff at my dream job and newly pregnant, I grabbed this title because of its emphasis on design-thinking as a way to prototype life plans – (‘cause, let’s be honest: I was going to need one, and stat). It ended up being a critical learning tool as I reworked Parisi Images to serve brands, not brides, all while adding the role of “Mom” to my resume. My biggest takeaway: Practice a bias toward action. Recommended for: Anyone wondering “what’s next” whether it’s a new job, new life season, or even a new hobby.

Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash Monster to a Money-Making Machine Mike Michalowicz

Before reading Profit First my business accounting amounted to piling all the funds into one account and “saving” it until something urgent came up (hey, a business outfit I sometimes wear to shoots counts, right?!). This book helped me allocate specific funds for operating expenses, taxes, and yes, owners' compensation and profit. This year marks the fourth year of using the system in my business and trust me: it works. My biggest takeaway: Use five core bank accounts for easy analysis of how much money is available for each business expense category. Recommended for: Business owners who want a clear and easy way to organize business income and expenses.

Building a StoryBand: Clarify Your Message So Others Will Listen Donald Miller

I thought I knew how to use stories to build a brand (I’m a photographer, after all) but this book helped me clarify the essential messages that need to be on a website and, more importantly, what doesn’t belong (like that 849-word essay on your company’s history). My biggest takeaway: A solid framework for my website’s homepage. Recommended for: business owners and marketers who need to clarify their message with confidence.

Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World Cal Newport

Cal Newport is quickly becoming a brand name in entrepreneurial circles, and for good reason. If you find yourself being sucked into the glow of your phone’s aura or Instagram’s never-ending scroll, this book provides a strategy-induced philosophy for using digital tools with intention. Pair with Newport’s earlier book Deep Work for an even better experience. My biggest takeaway: It’s ok to not be on Instagram. Really. Recommended for: Anyone wanting to lessen their dependency on screens and reclaim that time for work that matters.

7L: The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals

Micahel J. Maher

So many sales books can feel aloof. Not this one. 7L is truly a treasure trove of super practical ways to nurture relationships and stay top-of-mind of your biggest fans. The best part: it is written for the skeptic who is consistently asking: Does this work? and Does it matter? My biggest takeaway: Pick up the phone and call people. Seriously. Recommended for: Anyone looking to have some tangible, action-oriented ways to connect with the people you already know.

Psst: This content contains affiliate links for books I truly love, recommend, and often gift. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links I’ll earn some additional income, 100% of which will be donated to charity. Scout's honor.

Ten tips for looking your best in photos (that have nothing to do with the photographer)

What would it take to get you to book the brand photoshoot you’ve been putting off? Get a headshot request from your new employer? When you lose weight … finally? Finding the right photographer for your brand? Or…knowing, without a doubt, that you will look AMAZING?

Personal stylist Melanie Lippman asked these questions to her LinkedIn audience and the responses mirrored what I hear from my own clients -- not one of whom has ever been 100% confident about stepping in front of the camera. And as a mama of two littles still fighting off some pesky pounds, I get it. So much of how you look in a photo can feel out of your control. Will your photographer find the good light? (Yes, obviously.) Will she pose you right? (Absolutely.) Will she take the time to fix your flyaway hair? (Yes, to this, too. #igotyou). But hear me when I say this: A successful shoot is not about having the perfect light, the perfect pose, or the perfect hair. What's MOST important is your ENERGY!

Feeling energetic, optimistic, and aligned with your purpose is far more impactful in creating images you love than anything the photographer actually does (or doesn’t do).

And while this may sound like I’m letting myself off the hook, this is actually good news! It means that you don’t have to leave the results up to the magic of pixels (or photoshop). You can be proactive about giving yourself the time and space needed to bring your best self to the photo shoot. So, take a deep breath and know that you’ve got this. I believe in what you are creating and how you are serving. For an extra dose of confidence read through my top ten top favorite tips for feeling (and, ultimately, looking) amazing on camera.

Organize, organize, organize. I put this first because it’s THAT important! Don’t wait until the last minute to get your wardrobe, props, etc. all packed and together. The more organized you are, the less stress you’ll experience in the weeks and days leading up to the shoot.
Block off your calendar. As soon as you have your photoshoot scheduled, block off your calendar to preserve the time you need to show up fully prepared and fully rested. Bonus points if you block out the day before, too. Pro tip: dust off that that handy OOO email so you can ditch the inbox and truly focus during our time together.
Prioritize your wardrobe. The outfits you wear are SO important for flattering your body and helping you feel good on camera. Did you know subscription boxes like Rent the Runway, Nuuly & Trunk Club are tax-deductible (if you are wearing the items for brand photoshoot purposes)?! Order ahead of time in case you need to exchange for different sizes.
Create a confident-boosting playlist. Spend 10 minutes creating a playlist of your favorite energizing tunes that help you connect with your purpose. Be sure to share it with me on your photoshoot day so we can play it to help you get in your zone.
Hydrate and nourish. Good hydration and nourishment leading up to your photoshoot day is key to looking radiant on camera! Stock up on those eye-boosting carrots and those skin-repairing greens. While you’re at it, cut out alcohol the week before your photoshoot to reduce bloating in the face.
Splurge on beauty. Investing in professional makeup and a fresh haircut can go such a long way in helping you feel your best on shoot day. Pro tip: don’t forget about your nails. We’ll be including your hands in several shots, so make sure to give them a little extra love as well.
Bring a business bestie. I cannot emphasize enough how much having a bestie on board throughout the shoot can bring out the best in you. Whether this is a spouse, a colleague, or someone you just “let loose” with having someone that you enjoy being around can help calm your nerves and bring a lightness to your eyes. Bonus if they moonlight as a comedian and can easily make you laugh.
Energize your routine. Keep note of what brings you ENERGY and what depletes your energy. In the days leading up to your shoot, focus on energy-boosting activities. Go to that favorite yoga workout. Host a dance party with your kids. Take a walk at your favorite park. And heck, if eating ice cream brings you energy, then eat the ice cream.
Start with your “Why.” Still feeling a bit unsure about being in front of the camera? Turn inward to focus on your “why” to motivate you through the vulnerability. Consider reading your “why” statement out loud together with your photographer at the start of the shoot (psst: this really is a #gamechanger).
Retrain your self-talk. It’s natural to look at a photo of ourselves and focus on what we DON’T LOVE. Instead, retrain your brain to focus on what you do love about yourself every time you see a photo of your reflection the mirror. Maybe you love your hair today, your glowing skin, or your smile. Be loving and kind to yourself. Confidence isn't built from perfection; it’s about embracing your unique beauty and honoring yourself just as you are today.

Curious as to when you might be ready for a brand photoshoot? This article lets you know when brand photography is a good investment for your biz.

This post was originally shared as part of our Brand Photography 101 email series.

Parisi Images captures candid, stock-like brand photography for individual and team-based professional service firms, giving you the confidence to show up and stand out online, validate your expertise, and increase your impact. Ready to plan your next photoshoot? Schedule a Discovery Call here!

How to start a business the RIGHT way (psst: it's not with a website)

On two occasions this past month I had wonderful conversations with soon-to-be business owners. I say soon-to-be because both were getting stuck.

“I’m trying to find the perfect name for my business.”

“I’m going back and forth between using Squarespace and WordPress.” “Do you know a graphic designer that can help with a logo?”

These are all great questions. And ones that will need your attention and answers at some point in the life of your business.

But, if you are truly just starting – as in: “I’m ready to move this idea in my head into the real world,” then these questions are bound to get you stuck, Austin Powers style.

Yes, I KNOW it is much more fun to think about what colors you want to use. Or what you want to wear for your brand photoshoot. It can also be a HUGE time suck and a distraction from actually building the business.

Instead, you need to start by serving.

It sounds simple enough, but the best way to start a business is not with a website. Or a logo. Or even the right name.

It’s by starting to do whatever it is you want to be doing for anyone interested in what you have to offer.

When working on these first “projects,” charge each test “client” a little – just enough to cover any out-of-pocket expenses plus a little bit for time. Set the expectation often and early that instead of charging the full value of your service, you would like them to be available for feedback, a testimonial, and referrals (when appropriate).

Capture feedback.

Once you’ve completed a handful of “test” projects, it’s time to make good on your word and actually solicit feedback from your early adopters. Capture – and record—every ounce of feedback you can from these clients. Ask them to be specific about what they enjoyed about your offer and, more importantly, where they saw room for improvement. As you ask for feedback, remind the clients of your intention to launch a business and that their constructive criticism will help you enter the marketplace with a service and at a price point that will be well received.

Reiterate (quickly) and serve (again).

Use the feedback from your first customers to revise your services and complete an additional round of projects. Charge these new clients a little bit more than you did the first time, but still not a lot. Continue to set the expectation that you would like feedback/testimonials/referrals once the project is complete.

Capture feedback (again).

Follow up with the appropriate questions and redefine your services, pricing, and process. Continue to serve clients as you are able, increasing your prices, capturing feedback quickly, adjusting, and then serving clients again. And again. And again.

If you commit to serving people, gathering feedback, and re-imagining your original idea for the business to meet actual customer demand, you will successfully launch a business.

All without the “perfect” name. Or defined color palette. Or a website.