Only
if you want to network successfully and leverage your personal brand. . .
Nicole and I make it our business to stay informed
on the subject of social media relative to developing one’s personal brand and
online professional presence.
We’ve shared more than a few head-scratching
conversations on why a fair number of people choose to post no profile picture
at all.
We agree, for some, it could be not knowing how to
upload or post a picture, for others, not having a good picture may be the
inhibitor, and, for a few, it may come down to privacy and security concerns.
So, ‘Does it really matter if someone has a
profile picture on LinkedIn, website or blog?’
We both admitted we were more likely to skip over or
speed through the profiles of people who didn’t include a photo as part of
their online profile. This left us
wondering if other people do the same. Turns
out we aren’t . . .
Reasons to have a profile photo -
• Statistically, the majority of people who don’t include a
profile picture are less likely to have their profile considered as someone to
get to know, hire or do business with.
• A recent Wall Street
Journal article noted LinkedIn research that claimed a person with a good profile
picture is 7 times more likely to be viewed than the person who has no picture
or has used a logo, avatar or some other representation for a profile picture.
• The Executive
Branding Guide from Job-Hunt emphasizes that people will connect
more easily and believe your content more when your photo accompanies it. The guide also points out, networking and
branding is all about creating connections.
Therefore, when people view your profile they are looking for
information that will help them know, like and trust you. Your profile picture helps you create an
emotional connection and improves your networking success.
• Additionally, use your photo to help you make a good first
impression and communicate attributes like confidence, poise, professionalism,
approachability, etc.
• Having a profile photo depicts you as being knowledgeable in the
use of social media, therefore, more current.
Final
Note: Think of your profile picture as a virtual
handshake, to not extend it in a professional and welcoming way could be
perceived as an unfriendly gesture. You
may have many reasons to not put up a profile picture, but experts all agree
the benefits will far outweigh your concerns.
About Photo Fabulous You
Our Photo Fabulous You team focuses on professionals launching a new business or elevating their career to a higher level by combine their innovative skills with your own attributes to capture your best image in a photo and boost your ability to succeed.
Learn more about our Photo Fabulous Services.
Our Photo Fabulous You team focuses on professionals launching a new business or elevating their career to a higher level by combine their innovative skills with your own attributes to capture your best image in a photo and boost your ability to succeed.
Learn more about our Photo Fabulous Services.