Jeff Hurt, executive vice president for education and engagement, Velvet Chainsaw Consulting, and a member of the Virtual Edge Institute Advisory Board, is a master networker and was an early adopter of online communication tools. “Whether you use social media to communicate, market your services and events, generate leads, learn, stay abreast of trends, network, be found via search, or develop a thought-leader status,” Hurt said, “you need a profile that reflects who you are. You want to do what you can to help your professional social-media profile stand out from the rest.

He gave Convene these tips for using LinkedIn: 

1. Whatever you do, don’t confuse that word professional with stale, uniform, ubiquitous sameness. You want to be unique and showcase your rock-star meeting extraordinaire status.

2. Use short, headline-type words to speak directly to your audience as you clearly and concisely state your specialty, expertise, and sweet spot.

4. Post a current professional photo that shows your personality, and avoid using the same pose that everyone else has.

“If you cringe at the thought of new customers, potential employers, business partners, and sponsors finding you online, it’s time to embrace some 21st-century TLC!, he added. “Ask your kids or nieces and nephews to help you create that first bold and distinguished social-media profile.”

For information about Digital Event Strategist (DES) certification, news about virtual and hybrid events, educational opportunities, a resource directory, and more, visit PCMA’s Virtual Edge Institute at virtualedgeinstitute.com.