When entering the business world or the job market, you should count on the fact that the people you meet will probably think differently than you. That is why you should learn to communicate with them in a way that can help you avoid misunderstandings that may harm you.
The people who decide whether to hire you or finance your business will not give you a second chance to explain what it was you actually wanted to say. Therefore, you must be able to present yourself in a way to make a good impression the first time. The following advice is from Steve Tobak, a popular author of managerial recommendations on Entrepreneur.com. Let's start with social networks.
Beware of too many degrees
Even if you hold multiple academic degrees, avoid showing them off on social networks, including LinkedIn. It could seem too pompous and stupid. Present yourself simply with your name only. Keep your degrees for your CV.
Write correctly
One or two typos may still be okay. Your e-mails, websites, profiles on social networks, comments, and other documents should, however, not look like they were written by an illiterate person. Don't be one of those people who can't even write their own name correctly.
Do not make up "managerial" job titles
Just because you have a profile on a social network and you want to start a business or have just made the first steps in business, you are not entitled to label yourself as "CEO" or "serial entrepreneur". The long and short of it is, it's a lie. Do not try to attract the attention of potential employers or business partners by incomprehensible jargon either.
Remember that less is more often more
There is no need to inform the readers of your CV, profiles on social networks, or even in your business offers about your religious beliefs, political or sexual orientation, or all the jobs that you have had since high school.
Do not be sarcastic
Sarcasm is not a good tool when you are starting a new business or career. Most people will not appreciate it. In both personal communication and online, you should be natural, direct, professional and trustworthy.
You can read more about building your personal brand in our previous articles:
How to build your personal brand on the Internet
3 steps to attract the attention of headhunters
10 surprising recommendations on how to use LinkedIn
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