Selfies do not make good for good Profile Photos

When I was on LinkedIn recently, I noticed a very disturbing trend…”selfies” being used as profile pictures.  (In case you missed this pop culture term, a selfie is a photograph that one takes of oneself.)

I understand that it is a trend and I maybe should relax a bit, but frankly, I would have a hard time doing business with someone using a “selfie” as a profile picture on a business networking platform.  To me, this says two things when a selfie is used…

1. They have no one on their team that provides support and could take a simple picture. 
2. They failed to recognize how these home-grown pictures adversely affect their brand.

So, I know I am old school in my beliefs, but here’s the thing…your brand stays with you no matter what else changes, so take it seriously.  You may not think how you appear to others matters, but it does.

PROOF THAT YOUR PERSONAL BRAND MATTERS

We have a total of 9 seconds to grab someone’s attention and to make a marketing impression according to research by Sally Hogshead, author of the branding book Fascinate.

If you take into consideration how quickly someone can scroll through their newsfeed, the time is cut in half.  What do you want your picture to say about you? What do you want your prospects, clients/customers/patients, and future employees to think of you when they see your photo?

TIPS FOR A GOOD PROFILE PICTURE

If you want to step up your game, here are a few pointers for your LinkedIn profile photo and other social media sites: 

1. Look straight at the camera. 
2. Smile. 
3. Hire a professional photographer if you can. If you can’t do that (like only if you are stranded on an island by yourself) use a camera remote.  Here’s one I like that lets you shoot video or take pictures as needed: DBTech Wireless Remote Shutter for iOS Devices Camera, Video & Voice Note Remote
   
   
4. Don’t use the standard gray back drop everyone else has. Do something else to get your picture to stand out, such as using a photo from a news story of yours, or a photo of you engaged in what you do for a living.  Just remember numbers 1 and 2. 
5. I may get beat up for this one, but women, I recommend that you get your hair and makeup done professionally. Most good salons will have the ability to do camera-friendly work. This isn’t about looking like someone else. This is about looking like the best you, and for photos, I leave that to the professionals. 
6. Do not use a selfie as your LinkedIn profile picture. (Tweet This!) 

Say “cheese” and get your brand working for you.  Like my favorite line from Mad Men goes, “If you don’t like what’s being said, change the conversation.”

Do you agree or disagree with me? Are selfies acceptable for your LinkedIn photo? Share your thoughts by commenting below.