Mentorship with Tara Dunn, Branding Expert, Ep. 022

In this episode of Dentistry Support® The Podcast, host Sarah Beth Herman dives into the critical elements of branding and mentorship with special guest Tara Dunn, a renowned branding photographer from Queen Creek, Arizona. Join us as we uncover the secrets to effectively running and marketing your business by presenting the right image online.

Sarah Beth and Tara tackle the common pitfalls in branding, from social media mishaps to inconsistent printed materials, and how to ensure everything aligns for a cohesive and powerful brand. Tara shares her inspiring journey into branding photography, the game-changing role of mentorship, and how connecting with the right people can revolutionize your business.

Listeners will gain insights into:

• Why your branding efforts might be failing and how to fix them
• Finding and connecting with the perfect mentors in your industry
• Learning from your competitors instead of fearing them
• Practical tips for small business owners to enhance their online presence
• Personal stories of growth, mentorship, and taking bold steps

Don't miss this eye-opening conversation that highlights the crucial role of mentorship, the power of a positive mindset, and the importance of believing in yourself and your business. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with invaluable advice and real-life examples to help you succeed.

Tune in and discover your TGM – "That's Good Moment" – in this episode of Dentistry Support® The Podcast.

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Dentistry Support: The Podcast, Sarah Beth Herman, and affiliates provide all contents for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as counseling or business consulting services. Listeners and viewers engage with the content voluntarily and assume full responsibility for any consequences or impacts resulting from the information presented. For proper credits or any inquiries, please contact us, and we will make the necessary adjustments to acknowledge individuals or sources mentioned in the podcast.

Transcript

Welcome back to Dentistry Support The Podcast! I'm Sarah Beth Herman, your host for this episode. Today, we're diving into the crucial aspects of branding, mentoring, and all the things you might not have considered yet. I'm thrilled to introduce our guest, Tara Dunn, a phenomenal branding photographer based out of Queen Creek, Arizona. Welcome, Tara!

**Tara:** Thank you for having me.

**Sarah Beth:** Absolutely! As leaders and business owners, we often wonder how to effectively run and market our businesses. How do we let everyone on the outside know exactly who we are? There are so many modalities—social media, websites, printed documents. How do we figure out what we don't know and put it all into action?

Tara Dunn has been instrumental in helping me understand what I want the world to know about me and my businesses, which are all exclusively online. The only way I get people to learn about me is through what they see online, how they see me in photos, and how they read what I write. Tara, can you give us a little introduction about your company and how you got started?

**Tara:** Absolutely. I've been doing branding photography for about five years, but I've been a photographer for twelve. My expertise is in helping small business owners and entrepreneurs create imagery and video clips that reflect their values and what their company is about. It's about creating an online presence that truly represents who you are.

**Sarah Beth:** That's amazing. One of the biggest lessons I've learned from you is the importance of not being afraid to connect with people and create opportunities wherever you go. Can you talk about how you developed that confidence and skill?

**Tara:** It has taken time and practice. I've had a mindset coach who helped me realize that I'm a great connector and encouraged me to keep talking to people. It's not just about the paycheck for me; I really want to connect with people and show that I'm human. Even if we don't end up working together, it's always great to meet new people.

**Sarah Beth:** I love that. You taught me that every moment is an opportunity to grow. We met at a local coffee shop, and from there, our professional relationship blossomed. That openness to connect has been so valuable. Speaking of mentorship, how has having mentors in your industry, who are also your competitors, impacted your business?

**Tara:** It's been incredibly beneficial. My current mentor is a branding photographer in San Diego. We have the same clientele, but she is at a much higher revenue level than I am. Learning from her has helped me grow my skills and adapt her methods to my business. It's not a threat; it's an opportunity to learn and grow together.

**Sarah Beth:** That's such a valuable perspective. Mentorship is essential, but it can be daunting to find the right mentor. What advice would you give to someone looking for a mentor in a niche industry?

**Tara:** First, you need to be ready to take action and grow. If you feel uneasy or afraid, that's okay. But if you think you know everything and don't need help, that mindset will hold you back. Use social media to search for mentors who share your values. Schedule calls to see if you connect with them before making any decisions.

**Sarah Beth:** I completely agree. Letting go of control and accepting accountability is crucial. Without accountability, we all fail. I need that external push to keep me going. Tara, can you share the impact your current mentor has had on your growth, both mentally and professionally?

**Tara:** It has been all-encompassing. Mentally, it's about shifting my mindset from feeling unworthy to knowing I can succeed. My mentor has me doing daily affirmations, which has really changed my perspective. Professionally, it's about taking leaps of faith and investing in myself. I've seen my business double, and it all started with believing in myself and committing to growth.

**Sarah Beth:** That's powerful. I always tell myself, "Only the best things happen to me," and it's amazing how that mindset can shape our reality. Tara, thank you so much for joining me today. For our listeners, if you want to know more about Tara, check the show notes for links to connect with her. Whether you need mentorship or branding opportunities, she's here for you. If you're looking for your TGM, or "That's Good Moment," there were so many in this episode. Rewind and listen again if you need to catch them all.

Thank you for tuning in, and I'll catch you on the next episode of Dentistry Support The Podcast.