CHEESE (your LinkedIn profile photo)

Your LinkedIn Profile Photo:
very important!

I'm not sure what the exact statistic is, but my guess is that the majority of LinkedIn users who do NOT have a profile photo are having a really hard time getting their invitations accepted. Like it or not, people want to see faces of their LinkedIn connections. I know that personally, one of the considerations for me on whether or not I'll accept an invite from an unknown person is their profile photo, or lack thereof.

When it comes to your Linkedin profile photograph, I always recommend:

• YES, include a photo on your LinkedIn profile.
• YES, make it viewable by public.
• Pleasant and smiling
• Head and shoulders only
• Professional attire
• Clean background
• NOT: summer vacation picture, group picture, avatar of something scenic instead of your face, sunglasses, angry grimace, etc.

Check out a few posts related to this topic:


On LinkedIn Chat:
When do you NOT accept a LinkedIn invitation?
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/When-do-you-NOT-accept-3904551.S.212031642


Blog:
How to Take and Choose a Professional Photo for LinkedIn: Tips for Picking a Perfect LinkedIn Profile Photo
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/tips/qt/linked-profile-photo.htm

Blog:

25 Things that Make You Look Dumb on LinkedIn

http://blogs.constantcontact.com/fresh-insights/look-dumb-on-linkedin/

Blog:
10 Mistakes That Drive Other LinkedIn Users Mad!
http://mrlinkedin.wordpress.com/2013/07/15/10-mistakes-that-drive-other-linkedin-users-mad/

Hopefully this blog post makes you rethink your position on the ever-powerful LinkedIn profile photograph. What do you think?

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LinkedIn for Executives: How Do You Stack Up?

If you're an executive using LinkedIn, chances are you have unique challenges and unique needs compared to the average working professional.

How do you stack up against these items? Give yourself one point* for every "YES." Subtract one point if you answered "YES" to items 6 or 19.

1. I’m on LinkedIn
2. I know why I’m on LinkedIn
3. I’ve completed my LinkedIn profile

   

   Don't use a "selfie" as your
   LinkedIn profile photo. 

4. I review and update my LinkedIn profile once per quarter
5. I personalize invitations to connect
6. I accept all invitations
7. I know what to do with invites from people I don’t know
8. I hide my connections
9. I know how to modify my profile settings…
10. … when I make updates, so my network does not see the edits as I make them
11. … if I want to privately view a profile
12. My company is on LinkedIn (company page)
13. My professional summary on LinkedIn mirrors my professional bio
14. My photo on LinkedIn is a professional headshot (NOT a “selfie”)
15. I know how to access LinkedIn HELP
16. I am aware of the value of LinkedIn groups
17. I participate in group discussions (post or read)
18. I review my LinkedIn homefeed weekly
19. My assistant manages my LinkedIn for me
20. If I have multiple emails that I use professionally (work, gmail, etc.), they are all linked to my LinkedIn account
21. I have only one LinkedIn profile
22. I’ve looked at my peers’ profiles on LinkedIn
23. I’ve looked at competitors’ company pages on LinkedIn
24. I know how to modify what displays on my public profile
25. I've added my board affiliations to my LinkedIn profile



Use a professional photo for your
LinkedIn profile photo.

26. I am connected with Brenda Meller on LinkedIn

This is just a sampling of common concerns that executives face when working with LinkedIn. In the next few months, I'll be blogging an explanation for each topic and provide instructions on each when applicable.

Was this blog interesting? Please click to share on your professional network.

** Extra bonus points if you share this blog as a LinkedIn status update.