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When deciding on whether to connect with someone on a professional social network, 72%* of hospitality professionals rate a person’s CV/profile as more important than the number of contacts they have. The old adage of ‘it’s not what you know, but who you know’ does not hold water in an online network environment. Professional networkers look for expertise and knowledge to enhance their own networks.

So, what should you do to maximise your online networking profile? It’s at the heart of the networking experience and ensures that users view you as the best fit for a particular connection:

· Profile photo – put a face to a name but remember that it is a direct reflection on you. Opt for a friendly but professional approach.
· Profile summary – it is the 30 second introduction you would give to someone you’re meeting for the first time. Make it count. This is the one chance
you have to hook someone and reassure the user of your potential.
· Details – complete the requested fields in as much detail as possible. This is the opportunity to express your experience and demonstrate your skill. Be open and honest. Don’t overstate but don’t undersell yourself either.

Other ideas for improving your chances of being noticed include posting awards and achievements as they happen; linking with a variety of other people and asking them to provide a quote about you for your page, and including problem-solving ideas for issues that affect the broader industry constituency.

New members signing up to The Hospitality Hub (www.hospitalityhub.com) will be able to download the survey results and follow a step-by-step guide to optimise their online networking potential.

*Figures are taken from the Hospitality Industry Online Professional Networking Survey – conducted by 600 industry professionals through the BHA and the Institute of Hospitality for the Hospitality Hub working in conjunction with the Viadeo, global professional networking experts.