Your Mom Called

Hello,
Your mom called. She wants to know why you are still using that old grainy photo as your profile picture on LinkedIn.

You know the one. The picture you took in the hallway of your office in 2007, under fluorescent lighting, wearing that rumpled green polo shirt that you gave to Goodwill 3 years ago. Remember?

OK, I am being facetious. Seriously, from a marketing standpoint your profile photo depicts who you are: Your image, your brand, your persona.

You know the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression?” This is especially true as it relates to Social Media.

If you are trying to represent yourself as a professional to other businesses and to potential employers you need to consider the image you are projecting.  It also helps to use the same photo across different platforms to obtain more recognition. 

The caveat here is that I believe the rules are a bit looser in terms of Facebook since it’s a more Social medium, although if you are in a very creative field you can have a bit more fun with your photos (although try to stay away from using a photo taken at your best friend’s bachelor party).

Here are a few tips for taking a good headshot:
http://blog.linkedin.com/2014/07/14/a-professional-photographers-guide-to-getting-the-right-linkedin-profile-photo/

By the way, she wants to know when you are going to call her.