We are all mindful of using copyright fee images, or ones that we have permission to use. But what happens when you make an error with cropping an image, or that a platform you post an image on, does the cropping for you. This is exactly what happened to me earlier this week.
I had created an image with some text, to promote my latest Superstar Communicator Podcast. I posted it on a number of platforms, including my Google+ account. However, it automatically cropped part of the image, removing the head. This caused a great deal of amusement within my ‘Circles’ with some great comments. The ‘naughty’ posters contributed to the discussion by adding meeting advice of “Sticking your chest out” or “This is how you get attention in meetings”. Of course it was very light humoured and not intended to be offensive. Actually some of the comments were hilarious! Here’s the cropped image.
Of course my post attracted a lot of interest, and I SHOULD have double checked the post, and I have learnt my lesson! But this really made me consider images that we project of ourselves, either in blogs, the media or our websites. I have included a photograph at the top of this blog. This is from a Parliamentary broadcast from the House of Lords. Surely someone noticed? Or perhaps they DID notice (and sniggered).
We live in a visual world and MPs standing in front of ‘Exit’ signs when they are interviewed, create a memorable image and are media gold dust. As are photos of David Cameron, with a hoody “V” signing behind him.
Perhaps some people feel that wearing revealing clothes and tripping out of nightclubs at 3am is part of their brand: it might be and certainly it gives them press coverage. But I do get puzzled with actresses that don’t wear underwear and are surprised that photographers scramble to get au natural photos of them climbing into cars.
Remember that the images you use on your website and blog reflect you and your brand. I have now been warned to use images with care, including the cropping of them! What do you think? Have you seen some hilarious images?
Top Meeting Skills Tips
I can’t admit that I am laughing out loud right now.
Because it’s not happening Susan.
As you so rightly pointed out, perhaps people ‘do’ notice.
Mistakes can often be surprisingly beneficial!
It’s superb isn’t it! I’m almost tempted to have a name change. Thanks for commenting. Glad I made your day 😉
I think this is so true. One of the things that get me on my “soap box” is around branding. Having spent a small fortune on portraying the right image it is easy to miss those extra things that make up a part of who we are. If you want to portray a serious business image, using Comic Sans and cartoons will give the opposite effect! (Unless your business is providing cartoons).
The images we use online and offline form a part of that professional image whether we like it or not.
Thanks for a timely reminder to check images and make sure they work (and are attributed correctly too)
Shelley
Hi Shelley, thanks for commenting. I totally agree. I would also add (being a vocal and speech trainer) that there are companies that spend lots of money on their written branding, and online content, but their brand is damaged when customers meet employees of the company. When people speak, it should reflect their brand!
I too learnt my lesson and now make the image the right size before I add it.
I also laughed at your pic, cos I bet in reality that’s where certain members of the workforce would be looking!
Thanks for comment. So true! And I think that was confirmed by the cheeky comments I had from my Google+ Circle too!