Forget what you've heard or read before, and certainly don't think I'm talking about immigration.  Profiling is everything, and it's good practice.   It's where social media starts.  It's the essence of the minimum you do.  You need to give it some attention.  The most important part of your profile for those you want to see it, is the photo.  If you want people to connect to you, you have to look like someone that others want to connect to.  Take time to think about who you want to connect with and make sure that your photo conveys you as they expect to see you.  Yep, the way they expect to see you.

Take a good look at the photo you already have or the ones you're considering and think about asking others to look at photos for you and give you feedback.  It's worth the time.  Remember the universal truth that a picture is worth a thousand words; make sure you make the most of that!  It's universal that most people don't like their photos.  Here's a tip...you don't have to like it.  Other people have to like it.  For my money, I say don't go the route of stiff, formal photos.  It's great if you can afford a photo sitting and find a photographer that will help you look approachable, but it's not necessary in most instances.  Given a choice, I'd pick someone good with Photoshop, over a great photographer any day.  Ok, I didn't really just say that, did I?  Allow me to digress on this point.  Have you seen or used the most recent Adobe Photoshop CS5?  It's amazing.  After watching this video of the virtual diet, I knew I could never believe an image was authentic again.

Ok, back to where I was...profiling.  After your photo, the next most important thing in your profile is to examine and make sure your bio and text based description invites people to want to know you enough to reach out to you, or at a minimum accept communications you send their way.  Again, you have to match this to who you want to interact with.  A resume of accomplishments will get you a job interview, but it's not likely to get you interacting in any meaningful way if you're employed.

So whether you're on the most popular networks, (in order) Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Linkedin, Ning or more industry specific networks associated with your company, trade association, school or other social network, make sure you've got an appropriate profile.  I still say the photo is the most important.  As a matter of fact, I would say not since you traded 2 inch photos in 3rd grade has a thumbnail size image been so important.  They are critical because they affect people's perceptions of you, particularly since it's one of the first things they might see/know about you.

So, do you need a "makeover"?  You might.  Your choice.  But if you're not convinced it's worth it, consider that some reports show that profiles with photos get 10 times more connections than those without.  I don't know about you, but I like those odds.  Oh, and I have one, and yes, only one tip...do a clear, recent, smiling, close up shot.  I leave you with happy "profiling" and an apology for the earlier diversion to the virtual diet video!

DestinationRX