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.

People buy people. Very often the first image people see is the profile photo on your website, blog or social networking profile. So its vital it makes the right first impression.

Here’s my quick checklist to ensure your image is working for you:

• Is it in focus?
• Is the light flattering?
• Is the composition pleasing?
• Is the background distracting?

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