As many of you will have realised I am a big fan of social media – I’ve got profiles on quite a few including Ecademy, Linkedin, Facebook, Plaxo, Xing, Naymz and Twitter.

Now Twitter is both interesting and useful, as well as being fabulously original.  People use it to keep informed, network and do business – and it works pretty well whatever your objectives.

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One of the best networkers I know gets a new professional photograph of himself done every year.  Many people might consider that a little too often, but his strategy is smart and works well on many levels.

Firstly we change as the years go by.  Some people might say we age; I prefer to think we just get more mature and sophisticated.  Even the way we look at the world changes as we gain experience and knowledge.  Have a look at some photographs of yourself when you were younger – everything was new and exciting and you can see it in those photographs.

Secondly the world changes: fashions change, styles change, hairstyles change.  There are so many visual clues that tell other people this is an old photo.  They are visual faux pas that you would never make in person.

Lastly, your photograph needs to be you.  Really you.  Not you as you were 5 or 10 years ago.  When I meet you in person I should feel like I already know you after having seen your photograph, not wonder whether I’ve got the right person.  Honesty in online relationships is fundamental in getting real life relationships off to a good start.

As more and more relationships are formed online its important to make sure your image is fresh and current.  You wouldn’t wear a suit from 10 years ago, but many people post a photograph that’s much older.

Have a look at the photograph you use online.  Is it really you?  If it isn’t think about making sure your online image is ready for 2010.

Professionalism means different things to different people.  Indeed, it means different things according to the work you do.  One thing is for sure – its so, so obvious when it’s missing.  Lack of professionalism is like tripping over rubbish in the street or noticing a mark on someone’s suit.  It may be commonplace, but it does nothing to enhance your experience or better your day.

Working with professionals is always a joy, but finding them is not so easy.  David Maister, the consulting guru, says that professionalism is “believing passionately in what you do, never compromising your standards and values, and caring about your clients.”  That’s quite a lot to communicate quickly – either in person or online.

As more and more introductions are being made online its important to project a professional image right from the outset.  That doesn’t necessarily mean a suit and tie, but it does mean demonstrating that your work and your passion is important to you.

Why else would someone want to work with you?

A photograph is a great deal to communicate much about your professionalism.  Sure, there is more to be said – you have to prove that you know your business and are expert in your field, but your image is the unconscious reason for someone to read what you have to say.

A professional photograph is just that – a photograph with no “marks on suits” or careless “rubbish on the street”.  No distracting backgrounds or inappropriate dress that leaves a question mark in the reader’s mind.  A professional photograph lets the professional in you shine – whether you are a computer consultant, a graphic designer or a social worker.

Giving someone a glimpse of who you are and why you care is the first step in getting a new conversation started.

Photography is the passion behind my professionalism, now what’s the passion behind yours?

We have been digitized.  When the Prime Minister’s wife starts to Twitter, you know a revolution has not just started, but is already rolling.

Digital social and business networking brings many opportunities, not least the ability to stay and get in touch with so many more people.  People who would ordinarily fall out of your circle of acquaintances can now happily be included and incorporated into an extended network.  Which is great – we are all connected to more people than we used to be.

However, digital networking works best when it is given some thought and effort.  Thinking about your online presence pays handsomely.  I am always astonished at photographs cut from wedding snaps, images that are 20 years ago, or favourite skiing photos posted onto these sites.  I only hope that the people who post them give more thought to their physical presence.  Would they really turn up to a business meeting in ski pants?  I jest of course, but the underlying point is serious.  Make sure you have a good, professional and appropriate photograph of yourself.  Keep it up to date and reflective of the work you want to do.

Embrace change, don’t push it away.  Digital networking is truly a phenomenon that has swept individuals, professionals, companies and non-profit organisations off their feet.   Manage it proactively so that produces positive results for you.

Make sure the digital image of you that jumps off the digital page is the best you ever: if it doesn’t come and see me and let’s get digital!

If you’re serious about growing your business you should be promoting yourself online and part of the digital networking phenomenon. You should have a presence on some if not all of these sites – ecademy, Linked-in, Facebook & Twitter as well as contributing to blogs and forums.  Your headshot is your digital signature and it’s vital that you have considered what an integral part it is of your brand.  Here are my tips for making sure you make an impact with your headshot.

• Ensure your picture is current.  Clothing trends and styles of photography vary frequently (not to mention you ageing!) so make sure your picture is not dated.  A successful person would have the resources to ensure this happens.
• Be consistent.  Your audience needs to trust you and using the same headshot each time you issue a newsletter or press release will help to imprint your image into memory.  An image with you looking straight ahead will give the illusion of eye contact and help to build trust.
• Appropriateness.  Do you need to portray different images to different audiences?  The previous point stresses you must be consistent but depending on the “hats” you wear it might be appropriate for you to have a small portfolio of headshots that you use to convey different messages to different audiences.
• What  Colour should you wear?  It’s a headshot but it’s likely that some of your outfit will show.  I recommend that you wear a bold colour rather than just a neutral.  Wearing a brighter colour will convey confidence to your audience.  Picking a colour the same colour as your eyes can look fabulous.
• What style?  If possible choose a top with a collar that way even if you choose a headshot that is cropped right in you will see some of the colour of the outfit to frame your face.
• Accessories?  Choose with care.  High fashion earrings and necklaces can quickly date a photograph so choose classic styles and you don’t want anything that diverts attention away from the connection that people make with the picture when they look at your eyes.  I’d tend to avoid scarves too as unless you have a very long slender neck they can tend to emphasise a double chin.
• Grooming?  Plan a haircut close to your shoot.  Ladies consider investing in a blowdry before the shoot.  With any luck hundreds, if not thousands of people should see this picture online, in your PR, or even on your business card.  If you don’t know what you are doing seek make-up advice.  Successful women take pride in themselves and have the time for proper grooming.  On average women who wear make-up get paid 23% more than those who don’t because they give the impression of attention to detail and pride.  Do however aim for a neutral professional look that says “I made an effort but not a fuss”
• Leading lines?  If your headshot is going to show a little more of your body then consider leading lines.  Wearing a jacket in a contrasting colour to your top will be like drawing a line up towards your face and lead eyes there.

Catching someone’s eye is often down to chance – chance that you both happen to be there at the same time and in the same place, and chance that your smile is reciprocated.  You could be on the train, in the queue for the supermarket, or an on-line dating site.  When you are looking for love it is that first chance encounter sets all the rest in motion. (more…)

I did a session recently with someone who was very unsure about the whole thing. She had some semi-professional photographs taken a few years ago and the results weren’t that great. But eventually she agreed – her online presence needed a photograph and she knew it.
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