How do you present a professional image online?

Choose the right platform for the right message and social interaction. For instance, you may use your LinkedIn page for career and business engagements (jobs, learning, insights, ideas, articles, achievements or how-to), and other platforms for non-professional messages. Check that icon before you hit "send" and be authentic and polite with your comments.

It's always a good idea to know WHY you are on THAT platform. If you have a hard time answering the question of why you're there, you're likely wasting time/money. #Goals

I have the exact same profile picture for my LinkedIn, for my Facebook page, and for Instagram. All three are the same because I want people to know that Deanna doesn't change based on the platform I'm using. First impressions are ULTRA IMPORTANT. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Get a good headshot and appear appealing. Invest some time to craft a genuine and professional profile, complete key sections in LinkedIn, no matter how short your message is. Apart from a career intent, let your profile speak for you, and this also determines how people connect with you.

This is a really useful article, I'd add that relevant contact details are essential as is a to-the-point description at the top of your profile of the services you offer, or if you are a job seeker, what roles and locations you are interested in.

Your profile is the foundation of any online presence. Incomplete or out of date profiles are truly a missed opportunity and can make a poor first impression. While there are multiple components of a LinkedIn profile, I recommend focusing on these five to hit the basics: 1. Photos - a recent profile photo and branded banner image 2. Headline - this could clearly convey what you do, not just your title and company name 3. About - written in the first person, this is a narrative that highlights the value you bring and your specific expertise 4. Experience - updated and connected to the company pages of current and past employers 5. Skills - keywords that are relevant to your current role and function

I fully agree with the five points Rachel wrote about but will add another critical one. Recommendations. You can have a visually appealing, stand out profile but recommendations are testimonials that help give confidence that you are who you say you are and can bring value to the viewer. I recommend 3 current (no more than 12 months old) and mix it up. Manager, customer, colleague, etc. that positively express your expertise and experiences.

Networking online, specifically LinkedIn is similar to a 24/7 networking event. One can easily join (or leave!) with just the click of a button, participate without fighting traffic, and no need to get all dressed up. Sounds amazing, right? However being that it's exclusively online - it's imperative that one actively engage for maximum benefits. Make sure to leave comments on content you enjoyed, endorse people's skills and send a personal DM letting connections know you appreciated their post. Each comment you leave gives added exposure with the goal of having more people know who you are and what you do. LinkedIn is an awesome platform - but one has to participate in order to benefit.

Engaging is important, of course, on social channels, and I impress upon my clients to focus messaging and content expressly on the person you are engaging with. First, prioritize your network. Most people's network is large so focus on your best targets. How can you educate them that you understand their business/position and its challenges? What content can you share that they are most likely struggling with that you can help resolve? What experiences, services and/or products can you share with them--with proven examples of success--to address their business challenges. Know their industry, know their role, and know and educate them on how you can help will make you not just a connection but a trusted advisor they can call upon.

Careful not to come across as someone who is constantly boasting about your success. Work on figuring out a creative angle that allows you to speak about what you just accomplished without it sounding as if you're tooting your own horn. Also extremely helpful to master storytelling to ensure your message is conveyed in a manner that is easy to read and digest.

Most important, post things that draw people to you. Talk about your successes and interesting events. Share information about you doing things that are mentioned in your profile.

When scrolling social media - if you come across something you don't agree with ---- just continue scrolling. You're wasting your energy (and will self damage your reputation) by leaving negative feedback or comments.