Number One Mistake on LinkedIn

When I begin discussions with a potential new client I always invite them to review my website, visit my Style Counsel Facebook page, follow me on twitter and read about me on LinkedIn.  These are elements of my digital brand and enable a client to establish an idea of who I am and what my business is all about, sometimes before they've even met me. From my digital platforms, they achieve a first impression of me and my services.  Hopefully its a good impression.

Well, guess what?  I do the same thing!  I visit all the social platforms to get an idea of who my potential client is as well.  What I run across so many times is the complete absence of a photo of them on their LinkedIn page. It's one of the biggest mistakes I see!  

Have you ever gone through real estate listings and wondered why there is no picture of a house on sale? Your assumption is that if there’s no photo, something’s wrong. You are seven times more likely to have your profile viewed if you have an image on LinkedIn.  In fact, HSN Beauty found that, when paging through LinkedIn profiles, 19% of recruiters look only at your profile picture.

Please put up a picture!  But make sure its a current professional picture!  This is not your personal facebook page, so no kids on the beach with the dog--especially if you are a mom ready to get back to work.  You want your picture to announce that you are a professional and ready for a full time career.

Another photo blunder is misrepresenting your age.  Do not use old photos. If you are called for an interview, the interviewer, instead of focusing on your answers, is distracted by the thought that you might be deceptive or lack confidence.  You have knowledge, experience and wisdom.  Own it.

So be authentic, be confident and be professional. Appearance matters!