Have you ever noticed how perfect the photos are in the picture frames you buy? No red-eye, perfectly focused, above average children. More than once I've caught myself wishing my personal photos were as good. The same is definitely not true of the generic avatar images used on Social Networking profiles. When you don't post one of your own images you wind up with a blank silhouette or an egg (?) What's worse, unlike those perfect picture frame photos, if you have no social portrait your viewers have no confidence in your online persona.

Producing Powerful, Professional Portraits

I use Nimble.com for Social Relationship Management (SRM). I get to see all your profiles on a single page. If you could see my screen you would be shocked at how few business professionals pay attention to their personal brand. If you're feeling a bit ill about your virtual portrait, here are some tips for some fast, fast relief.

• Open separate browser windows for each of your profile destinations. Not just social, but everywhere your portrait appears on an "About" type page. Have you published an image, does it match your other profiles, is it current?
• If not, create a standard virtual portrait you can use everywhere.
• Make sure it's a close-up. Fill the frame with your face if possible. Mobile devices take a small image and turn it into an even smaller thumbnail.
• Post your new portrait to one social profile. View it on mobile devices including phones and tablets. Don't forget to check your look on notebooks or desktops.
• Once you settle on a good image, publish it everywhere.

Insight

Nothing says lazy like a social profile without a portrait. As Fernando used to say, "You look Marvelous!