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by Faith Monson
www.FaithMonson.com
Whether you’re looking for new clients, seeking a promotion or hunting for a new job, it’s essential that you take the lead in creating a winning online first impression. Clients, employers, and headhunters want to find you online. Today, having a polished, professional and intentionally managed online presence is an expected part of a professional resume. Here are three essentials your online presence should include:
- Up-to-date and consistent bios. Your bio is a concise summary of your expertise, credentials and achievements. It should include a current professional head shot, as well as the key elements of your career. Your bio/profile should be consistent across all of the places where it is listed (company web site, LinkedIn, Facebook, professional and alumni organization sites, other membership sites).
- A complete LinkedIn page. By complete, I mean your LinkedIn page should not only have your photo and bio, but it should also list your full resume, and you should request recommendations from trusted clients, colleagues and supervisors) to make sure your profile shows you at your best. Make sure that you’ve added your personal network of contacts to your LinkedIn profile, people whom you would be comfortable recommending or referring. A broad network multiplies the power of your connections, so make sure you add the people you want to stay connected to.
- A great Facebook page. Harness the power of Facebook to engage in conversations, stay connected with casual business acquaintances and showcase your experience in a laid-back way. While it’s not OK to add everyone you meet to your mailing list, it is OK to invite the people whose business cards you collect at luncheons and networking events to be your Facebook friend. Have a page just for you, the business professional, and don’t mingle personal/professional information. Facebook is also a great place to showcase your portfolio or case studies, and to get conversations going around recently read business books.
In today’s Internet-driven culture, you are notable by your absence if you’re not using social media. Start today to take control of your online reputation and make sure it speaks well for you.
