Working with a professional

No, not like THAT, you guys! Get your minds out of the gutter.

Lately I’ve worked with several different professionals—I’ve hired folks for  graphic design, photography, and some web development that was beyond my expertise. I also worked with an interior decorator, and I helped a client hire a makeup artist and a wardrobe specialist. I’ve been getting my taxes done by a proper accountant for years now; I’ve worked with a nutritionist; I’ve started having someone clean my house maybe once or twice a year (right before we have houseguests, haha).

In all of these ventures, working with a pro has made a huge difference to my sanity, and has produced superior results. As an example, just look at the difference in my webcam-shot photography versus my professional shot:

The “before” on the left is grainy and low-res, with poor focus, blown-out lighting, and weird color balance. I also don’t have my hair professionally done, and my expression is a little forced because I was trying to awkwardly time it to a webcam countdown.

The “after” on the right features a fresh salon blowout, an improved background image thanks to my awesome husband, and a generally professional and polished look that still showcases my signature personality-driven photo preference and goofy-ass retro iPhone headset.

The after is SO much better, right? Try as I might, there was no way I was going to get a shot like that without working with a pro. (Let me know if you want her help with online dating pics, by the way!)

It’s funny that, even though expertise is my business, I can drag my feet about hiring information pro. Despite this hesitation, I always have a better experience and get better results when I work with someone who’s an expert about whatever it is I’m trying to accomplish. I thought it might be useful to share what I found worthwhile and why—of course, it also serves to showcase why MY expertise is valuable, but that won’t be the focus.

So tell me, lovebirds—which type of professional would you most like to read a deep dive about? Any of the professions I listed, or something completely different? [icon-heart]