A couple of weeks ago, I received the following message through my LinkedIn account from a young sales representative:
I currently work at a company as an Account Rep. I came across an article you wrote regarding the 3 BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACED BY SUPPLY CHAIN/PURCHASING PROFESSIONALS. My job is to reach out to prospect to discuss these very pain points. Often prospects are unwilling to take a call or respond to email.
If at all possible would you be able to provide additional details that can help me deliver a great intro email that would grab Supply Chain/Procurements attention.
As I frequently receive similar requests of this nature, I was more than happy to provide my perspective and scheduled a Skype call.
Beyond talking about the general market and the research upon which my article was based, I had also indicated that the image one projects within the realms of the social media world is critical.
After all, our social network profiles including the picture we use has become our calling card. What people see creates that lasting first impression of not only the individual but the company they represent. I then suggested that the sales representative would be well advised to “update” her current profile pictures on both LinkedIn and Facebook. The reason I gave is that it is not uncommon for potential clients or employers to check out both sites to obtain a more complete picture of the person they are considering as either a vendor or employee.
Obviously there is no need to use the individual’s name, as this post is not intended to embarrass anyone. Especially since the above is more of a reflection of the lack of direction young employees receive from their companies in terms of an established social media policy.
Here is another example of a profile picture that may not be the ideal representation of the company brand:
Of course, the apparent absence of a social medial policy that provides clear guidelines as to what best represents the brand, thereby leaving the creation of an account profile up to the individual themselves, is not always a bad thing. This is demonstrated by the following profile of another sales representative from the same company:
If you were a senior decision-maker in a corporation looking to do business with a company, with which person would you be inclined to deal.
Even though the first two individuals may be knowledgeable and committed to providing great service, based on their social network profile pictures, which person comes across as being professional?
Once again, the purpose of this post is not to embarrass anyone, or to suggest that the professional qualifications of the young individuals referenced above are lacking in any way because of their profile pictures. However, one cannot deny the immutable truth that a picture is worth a thousand words. In the hyper-connected Internet world, very few people will take the time to look beyond their first impression to see the true value one has to offer. After all, the person who initially took the initiative to contact me via LinkedIn obviously cares about her position, and has a desire to succeed. Unfortunately, this important truth will likely go undiscovered as will a potential client opportunity for the company.
All I am suggesting is that all companies, take the time to invest in the development of their young representatives. This includes the establishment of a sound social media policy.
As always, I welcome your comments.
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Procurement Insights 
Phillip Vasquez
February 19, 2015
I think this is an important message. I tried to tell my 23 year old daughter this very thing. She graduated from college and is teaching elementary school and continued like she was in college. It seems to be a generation trait.
I still go on client sites and on sales calls in a tie and coat, even though many organizations are casual or just down right sloppy. It is my image of professionalism. My daughter does dress nicer for work than her fellow teachers so she learned something. Social media is this generations way of expressing themselves instead of seeing it for what it should be, a tool.
piblogger
February 19, 2015
Well said Phillip.
piblogger
February 19, 2015
Reblogged this on Procurement Insights EU Edition and commented:
Editor’s Comment: Here is my take on the North American perspective regarding the influence of one’s profile picture. Do those across the pond share the same view?
colincram
February 19, 2015
Procurement people need to learn that appearance matters as well. When creating a large contracting organisation I had to tell an experienced recruit to buy a suit. If one wants suppliers to treat you seriously, then you have to look the part. Unfortunately that means pretty conventional and smart, without pins in the nose or anywhere else that is visible. Tattoos are not very helpful either. Also, women should avoid looking ‘tarty’ if they want respect from supplier’s representatives. Business is not the same as university.I reckon appearance can make a few percentge points difference in a deal. Suppliers are human beings. They like to deal with people they feel they can trust. Appearance matters very much.
Re social networks, a good sales person will check out the social networks of the person they are due to meet. If you are in sales or procurement, then treat social networks as an extension of your work. They can make the difference between being a winner or a loser.
piblogger
February 19, 2015
Thank you for not holding back Colin . . . you make very good points!
Gemma
February 20, 2015
I really can not belive the tone of this article! Both of the ‘offending’ pictures you have picked up from linked in are of women smiling at a camera! You have then overlayed her Facebook page on one of them which has a more personal image making it look like one and the same thing which is totally misleading.
I do agree with the point that people, note I say people not just women, should act in a professional manner on sites like Linkedin but can you explain why you have only chosen images of women to prove your point? Why not men who when you do the same PI work have tops off on their Facebook profiles or other looks that are most definately not corporate?
This article is offensive to women and as for the comments about women dressing ‘tartily’ and people sporting tattoos words fail me! Yes we are part if a different generation. One that thankfully defines a person on their abilities and not the way they look. And we are are also able to understand the difference between how a person is at work are how they might like to conduct their private life!
piblogger
February 20, 2015
Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts Gemma.
I will agree with you that poor picture choices are not limited to a particular gender.
However, when I chose the pictures, I never even considered gender as a factor in their selection. It could have easily been men.
As indicated in the post, after one of the individuals had contacted me I simply looked at the other people with whom this person was connected and, who also worked for the same company. It just so happened that these are the other people with the company that appeared first.
As for the overlay of the Facebook image, I also indicated that prospective employers and/or clients will usually look at more than one of a person’s social network profiles. Given that, and the fact that the first individual shows that they are employed with the company in both profiles, associates them with that brand. Whether it is fair or not, there is no real differentiation between social network profiles i.e. Facebook is for personal and LinkedIn is for business. In the end, they are ultimately viewed as being one in the same. To be even more direct, there is no such thing as a private life on the Internet!
The fact that the first two comments from readers did not differentiate between the two speaks volumes.
In the end, and as I wrote, what matters most is that “Even though the first two individuals may be knowledgeable and committed to providing great service, based on their social network profile pictures, which person comes across as being professional?”
piblogger
February 20, 2015
Just as an aside Gemma – and to further demonstrate that this is a genderless issue . . . here are some of the comments the above post has received through LinkedIn:
Deborah Puxty-Ward 1st
Group Event Manager – Europe, at Revolution Events
“I love this post. We discuss this often in the office and have seen some awful examples… It surprises me how many people use inappropriate photos. I always look at people on facebook before inviting to an interview. Public settings offend me too :)”
Patrice (McHale) Gibson 2nd
VP of MKT/Social media/Branding
“This is so true! What photo would you want attached to your resume? A professional headshot is a necessity”
Gemma
February 20, 2015
So what am I to take from that? That two other women have agreed with you ergo it shouldn’t be seen as offensive? It is offensive, and it is judgemental and small minded in my opinion to judge someone on how they look rather than their abilities and jn this case you have chosen only to make examples of women And the comment about women who dress too tarty to be taken seriously (one of the comments above mine) is offensive, extremely sexist and belongs back in the dark ages. But to that person you simply thank them for their honesty and tell them they have made some good points. No challenge to their comments or rebuttal as you have felt the need to do with me.
If people would look at someone and judge them so harshly on one picture on their facebook or the outfit they have chosen to wear then more fool them.
Socal media blurs the lines between work and home life for sure but most people have been able to move with it and adapt it’s a shame some others still have such archaic views.
piblogger
February 20, 2015
Once again Gemma, I truly do understand your strong feelings and really appreciate your taking the time to express them.
In terms of the introduction of the additional comments, I am not suggesting that you should feel one way or another. I merely used these responses as a means of demonstrating the larger issue which is that perceptions are reality, and whether fair or not, will have an impact in terms of how that person and their abilities are assessed.
As for the comments by Colin Cram – who for the sake of transparency is the Editor of the PI European Union Edition Blog – like you, he had raised good points. And as I have done with you, or for that matter anyone who takes the time to comment, thanked him for doing so.
piblogger
February 20, 2015
One question Gemma . . . everyone who has commented here and on LinkedIn has provided their identity i.e. their full name etc., yet other than your first name – which I assume is your real name, you have chosen to be anonymous. I have to ask why?
Why, if you feel as strongly about your position as you obviously do, and believe that profile pictures or content is not relevant, would you be so guarded? If these things do not really matter, then there is no reason to assume a posture of anonymity.
Sam
February 20, 2015
I agree with Gemma entirely.
Appalling sexist comment and then even worse is you haven’t even challenged it.
piblogger
February 20, 2015
As I am sure that you can appreciate Sam, I do not judge comments as everyone has the right to state their opinions. To do so, as Seth Godin so accurately put it, is to go down a rabbit hole that detracts from the focus of the post itself.
In short, what are your thoughts regarding the point or points raised in the post?
piblogger
February 20, 2015
By the way Sam, would you be willing to share with us your identity beyond your first name?
Phillip Vasquez
February 20, 2015
I would like to focus on the topic at hand. I was a baby boomer and thus it has influenced my style. My dad was a Great Depression baby and that influenced his style. The Millennial generation is influenced as well. However, there are appropriate boundaries. I have counseled men on their business attire and women too in my career.
I have followed Jon for a while and he is merely focus on professional business relations. I would request that Professional people should not denigrate and make this personal towards anyone. I respect everyone’s opinion. This was not about feminism. It is about helping all people understand how to be professional in the work place.
piblogger
February 20, 2015
Thank you, Phillip. You have captured the true intention of this post.
SuzanneBirch
February 23, 2015
Philip, you raised a tetchy subject very well, and it is really good to see all the points of view. It’s very hard to be concise and to the point without offending some readers, and I feel your responses, and Philip’s, were excellent.
piblogger
February 23, 2015
Thank you for the feedback Suzanne.
phillip
February 24, 2015
Thank you Suzanne for your kind words. I realize not everyone can agree on things but that is what makes us better by truly listening and thus understanding what someone is saying without our preconceived notions interfering. That is how we grow.
piblogger
February 25, 2015
So here is another question . . . what are the characteristics of a “professional picture” i.e. head position, clothing etc.
Ken
February 25, 2015
Everyone’s Internet image is a direct result of subjective standards. No one standard for business attire applies in this day and age. Being in the work force for over 30 years I have a very conservative view on business dress but my view point is fast becoming an outdated one. The real point here is that trends always go toward the lowest denominator, what is on the fringe today will be the standard tomorrow. When you lack a difinitive standard people will make one up.
It will be difficult to find a solution to the vaying viewpoints on standards because we no longer are driven by a common consensus for right and wrong dress and people let there personal experiences and judgments take precendent over traditional societal standards.
Every person is deciding for him(her)self what is right and its too late to put the geni back in the bottle…………..
piblogger
February 25, 2015
Interesting perspective Ken. What does this mean if an individual’s personal judgement reflects poorly on the company image or brand?
Does the company – with proof that their image is being tarnished have the right to take action by way of reprimand or even termination?
Conversely, what right or rights do individual employees have relative to their freedom of expression?
Ken
February 25, 2015
Companies will have to decide what reflects their brand and some people will be fired rightly or wrongly depending on your point of view. When making an offer for employment companies should spell out expectations and get agreement before hiring. People don’t realize how the internet and social media are changing the traditional distinction between of work and personal life. Some folks don’t seperate the two because they don’t see the need, but sooner or later it will catch up with them. Balancing a person’s right to be who they are and the right of companies to define who their employees are is going to be a big question for the next several years. Another solution is uniforms or company provided attire, lax and inconsistent standards give employees the idea the company doesn’t have an opinion on dress.
Nick @ Market Dojo
February 26, 2015
Lively debate amongst the comments there! I couldn’t agree more that this is an issue that any company faces regardless of gender. As a business owner myself who is in the midst of a recruitment drive, it is a genuine challenge to ensure a recruit has the same professional outlook as us Directors. Clients and prospects do check personal facebook acccounts. I do too, especially during recruitment. It gives some additional insight that may not be revealed during a contrived interview process. Now that more devices and web-apps are being interconnected, it’s so easy to post something on your phone late at night whilst having a few beers, only to find out in the morning that you’ve shared it to your company Facebook or Twitter account – that’s a true story as well. I pale at the memory of sharing an inappropriate YouTube video to our Facebook account! Thankfully it was early days and we didn’t have many followers. Still, lesson to be learned.
piblogger
February 27, 2015
Thank you for your feedback Nick. In a subsequent post I asked “Should a company have the ability to establish standards on individual employee activity on social networks such as LinkedIn and Facebook?” What do you think?
By the way, here is the link to that post; https://procureinsights.wordpress.com/2015/02/25/conduct-and-consequences-social-media-policy-in-the-procurement-world-by-jon-hansen/
heathergrossmuller
February 27, 2015
To be sure, this is an interesting conversation, which keys in on an important issue for all organizations. A strong social media presence is one of the main ways modern day organizations present their brand–employees are inevitably a part of that grand-scale picture. I do wonder about the comments on sexism – as a woman professional, I’m usually sensitive to that type of claim and willing to support. In this case, however, even if the examples provided are all women, issues of professional image transcend gender – anybody can counter-point by showing cases of men with unprofessional images that clash with corporate image as well, but doing so doesn’t “balance the scales,” by showing there is an issue on both sides. Doing so, or hyper focusing on sexism or gender, fails to show the forest for the trees – corporate image is, in the trenches, carried by the personnel that are customer facing.
piblogger
February 27, 2015
Well said Heather, and of course you are right inappropriate images are not limited to one gender. From a big picture standpoint, what role can and should a company play in terms of establishing a sound social media policy?
Giuliana Scott
February 27, 2015
Jon – your question has value, and so does the discussion that ensued (I joined late in the conversation, so I had some time and advantage to read it as one long post…)
From the viewpoint of someone in the workplace for the last 30 years – I would suggest that if you are wishing to work up in the Corporate world, or at the global level – to avoid posting personal images that tie back to the basic no-no’s of business conversation – sex, politics, religion. Yes – there – said it. Personal-private topics should be omitted – unless you are in the entertainment industry, art industry or advertising. And even in those sectors, the images posted are usually carefully crafted.
Business is all about business. If you wish to have a private life on Facebook, then your Facebook settings should be more carefully monitored, and if you wish for the Facebook account to be public, then there should be no reference to your employer’s name or the employer’s easily identifiable products/services. (Gosh – it’s easy enough to set up separate unlinked Facebook accounts….)
As to gender bias – I don’t want to see shots of men dancing like John Travolta in the movie – Saturday Night Fever, any more than I wish to view cleavage shots of sales people. You wish to be judged on skills – then post images of you doing what is skillful. Or keep to neutral business headshots.
Jon – as you may know – I am very new to posting on social media, which is why I don’t have an image yet on LinkedIn – as soon as I have a current professional headshot (as recommended by a reader earlier in the discussion), then my profile will have “an image”. And yes – the family images that I could crop & use just don’t belong on business websites.
Thanks for putting those “hot potatoes” out there! Keeps us on our toes!
piblogger
February 27, 2015
Extremely well said Giuliana. Thank you for weighing in with sound advice on such an important subject.
mattfarringtonsmith
March 4, 2015
The advice here is technically sound – I broached the subject (briefly) late last year on Procurious. Do take a read if you feel so inclined:
https://www.procurious.com/blog/procurious-news/what-your-profile-picture-says-about-you
piblogger
March 4, 2015
Thank you for sharing the link Matt. The more perspectives that are offered as part of this meaningful discussion, the better.
Anya@MarketDojo
April 8, 2015
A tad late on this post, but I wanted to put in my tuppence worth…
As a 24 year old female who has just entered into the world of Procurement as Sales and Marketing Executive at Market Dojo, I whole-heartedly agree with Jon on this one I’m afraid.
Of course people (not just females, who are, incidentally, classed as ‘people’, males too) are allowed to have some amount of freedom on social media. The boundary is however crossed when, as Jon mentioned, you place your company’s name on your public profile. As the above have done.
As an employee of a company, you are at all times, especially in this industry, representing the brand online. And every presence you have in the wide and wonderful world of web should be thought out accordingly.
People DO judge by appearance and if you draw connotations of ‘smuttiness’ and ‘tartiness’, there is only one thing that people will be interesting in buying- and it most definitely is NOT software!
piblogger
April 8, 2015
Thank you Anya for providing an important Generation Next perspective.
Anya@MarketDojo
April 9, 2015
No problem Jon!
It’s important to convey the appropriate image. Its all too easy to jump on the defence and play the sexism card, but that is not what this is about really. Not at all.