We humans are social creatures; we look to congregate in tribes, we follow fashions as we usually have a desire to belong. We tend to gravitate to those we identify as being like us.

In any economic climate being in business is a tough haul; when the going gets tough though it’s even harder to be successful. One of the ways to succeed is to back up your amazing customer service with making your company presentation more personal.

Simple ways to do this include having relaxed corporate portraits of staff members on your web site and in your printed material, introducing your team, the people who make your business tick. After all your people are your business.

Personally, I like to know who I’m doing business with so being able to see a picture of the person I’m transacting with is a big draw, even if I never physically meet that person. Your clients are likely the same.

A good corporate photographer can work with your company to capture the essence of its personality and show this in your photographic presence. Of course you need to do your research so that you find someone who gets you but the right photographer will create images that shine and show your staff and your business in the right light. Here are 5 tips on what to look for:

• Does the photographer have examples of previous work?
• Do the photographs speak to you?
• Is the photographer people focused?
• Can you work with the photographer?
• Does s/he get the business’s personality?