Unless you have some sort of social media presence you are definitely going to be off-radar for many opportunities. In addition, when you meet someone who may be interested in finding more about you before progressing further, the first place they are likely to turn to will be something like LinkedIn, Twitter or even Instagram. If you are not there or if the content is either sparse or inappropriate you may have just lost an opportunity.

With the headhunting community openly admitting that most of their initial searches start on one or other of these platforms it’s just common sense to make sure you are visible. Start by making it clear that it’s non-executive roles you are interested in. Go to your community and ask for testimonials. Every time you carry out of particular business activity and get good feedback ask “nicely” if they would mind saying that on your LinkedIn account.

It’s important also to get a voice that is heard you need to be seen to be a thought leader in your area. Write relevant and engaging blogs, tweet interesting facts, do a one or two-minute video blog and put it on YouTube. Make sure you post relevant and interesting content weekly.

Take a note of your tone of voice, be human, tell real stories, let your audience know how you feel about things and why.

Having said that, as my Dad used to tell me avoid religion and politics as they are clearly very divisive subjects and never more so than now! But dare to be unconventional from time to time. Above all be yourself as Oscar Wilde said “you may as well be as everyone has been taken”.

Put a relevant photograph on the site so viewers of your profile can feel a connection. Start building your own connections across the platforms and respond to requests for links appropriately and timely. Some will not be immediately relevant and some simply looking for access to your contacts.

Join groups and there are loads, check out what’s relevant and what interests you. Then make sure you add to the conversations. Use humour and be honest there is nothing more engaging.

Check the content of your social media such as Facebook for anything that you may prefer not to be caught from a business point of view and consider deletion. If you are struggling to manage the use of these sites there are loads of training courses/webinars/online tutorials available, seek out one that suits you.

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