Portraying character in your #LinkedIn profile

This diagram is hitting some nerves again and I am pleased to go further with my views on Character, along the left half, in today’s blog posting, with a LinkedIn flavor.

(Tomorrow, views on Competence, in a LinkedIn context.)

from http://www.tlnt.com/2014/08/05/building-a-strong-team-it-really-takes-an-emphasis-on-trust/

What aspects of your personality attracts people?

No, not your good looks, I am talking about the way people emotionally perceive you, want to refer you to their trusted colleagues. We “buy” with our hearts and minds.

You may have seen me quote Lois Geller in her article May 23, 2012 in Forbes:

…Your brand has to plant itself in the hearts and minds (especially hearts) of prospects and customers.

Today we look at the nonverbal effect you have on others. The “it:” you can’t touch “it,” but you know it when you feel “it.”

I like to think of the “it” in your brand as the warmth you exude, the charisma, the thing we can’t describe well enough in words, but feel, when you are helping us in your business do better in ours.

You must come across as sincere, caring. It’s how you are sensed. Your eyes are fixed on the counterpart’s. You do not look away despite distraction.

Not only speaking in person, but on social media.

When I read your LinkedIn profile, I can almost hear you speaking to me, in your own intonation and expression. You do not speak in bullet points or sound like an walking resume. 

You need to shoot for success today and tomorrow, drawing on your past experience. You  sound that way because you spent the time and practiced it. And you only get one chance to make an indelible impression.

Do I feel comfortable with you, my new vendor, advisor, business colleague handling my (depending on what you do:) money, safety, health and/or reputation?

You had better come across as honest and fair. Open and concerned. Authenticity takes practice and in front of numerous audiences. You don’t get another chance to make an impression on an off day and expect to be believable another.

Similarly, your saying why you do what you do on your LinkedIn profile is reinforced by others saying how well you do it in Recommendations and Skills Endorsements. You know my take on those topics already. They had better be neat, tidy, thorough and clear.

Add it all together and the “soft” elements in your LinkedIn profile go a long way to your self-describing as the “real deal.”

You, as you want to be perceived, in your best words and nuances.

Be you, show character. It’s not easy but once perfected, “it” feels really good for both of us.