A is for Appearance
5 details to ensure your profile picture's firing on all cylinders before people meet you in person
In 2023, first impressions are made long before you enter the room.
These days, people will probably first catch sight of you via your profile picture - Twitter, company website, index of conference attendees. Their reaction to your photo will determine how much time, energy, or money they'll invest in you, or not. Considering how this can affect your future, it's worth the effort to get the best photo possible.
Check your current profile pictures have the following details:
Eye contact Forget your sunglasses and baseball caps. People need to see your eyes to build trust. Look directly into the camera.
Smile Sit comfortably and smile like you're agreeing with someone. Squint your eyes slightly to accentuate the smile.
Fill the frame Crop the photo to show your head and shoulders. Avoid looking like a pinhead positioned in the centre of the frame.
Be well lit Shadows on the face will make you look suspicious. Take your picture in front of a window or in a well-lit spot.
Colour Stand out from the tiles of blue, grey, and black with a flash of colour. Choose a colourful background, or wearing a colourful tie or top, but not both.
TIP: If using your phone to take photos, use your corded earphones to activate the camera to save you having to reset it after each shot.