Each New Year offers new beginnings. In business, some are looking for new careers while others are looking to grow in their current positions. Regardless of your business goals for the New Year, there are two things you should do. The first, brushing up the resume, may already be ingratiated into your routine. While you’re at it, take a look at your online image, as well. Most employers check social and other sites to see if you are a good match for their company – whether they are hiring you for a job or looking to retain the services your business provides. Here are just a few tips to follow in branding your online identity.
- There are a ton of sites out there, but keep competitive and have profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Use them regularly to promote yourself and your business.
- If you don’t already have one, get a professional head shot, especially for your LinkedIn profile. Even though some of us don’t like to have our pictures taken, our face is our identity – so put it out there.
- Whether it’s LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or some other social site, drive traffic to your website by promoting it. Include a link in all online discussions to help generate more traffic. Also add a clickable link to your website in your auto signature.
- Include social media icons on your website, your e-mail signature and other appropriate areas to help encourage sharing.
- Make sure your website has a place to capture visitor information – especially if you distribute an electronic newsletter or running a promotion.
While these are just a handful of tips, there is so much more to social media, and it changes daily. To keep yourself competitive in today’s marketplace, keep educated.
