Define Yourself on the Web: Creating an Avatar

Unless you have been living under a rock for years, social media is the new norm. It’s how you meet people, communicate ideas, express your thoughts, interview for a job, and just have fun. The days of a big smile and a firm handshake are no longer by any means a form of introducing one’s self. Your avatar is your first impression as you meet and interact with individuals on blogs, social networks, and in other online communities.

Your avatar defines you on the web. It represents your personality or interests and can even represent what your business stands for.

Here is how to best define yourself on the world wide web:

1. Make sure you have or are creating an avatar. In online communities, not have an avatar can be a fatal mistake. As well as indicate laziness. When you set up a social media account, make sure you have an avatar ready to go. Lack of creating an avatar can create feeling of suspicion, doubt, and frustration from online users. If you cannot see what someone looks like, are they trying to hide something? How serious are they about contacting you and using social media as a means of communication? Maybe, this individual does not know how to create an avatar. In a world were jobs are given through online interviews, does this person lack basic skills? Avatars also create a sense of connection in a world were face to face communication is slim to none.
2. Define yourself or brand by creating an avatar. Which words and images best describe the image you are trying to portray of yourself or your organization? Do you want to be seen as professional, creative, helpful, honest, etc? An avatar is like a first impression; you are either well-groomed and confident or you are not!
3. Create multiple avatars. Consistency is one thing. However, you can use create multiple avatars that are consistent. More than one image can convey the brand and personality you are going for. Or you can hold on to multiple images and if you think it is time for a change use them.
4. Express yourself carefully. Images may have underlying meanings that when creating your avatar you may not even think of. For example, creating a green avatar can indicate involvement in social movement. Even if you are involved in politics or social movements, avoid using these concepts when creating your avatar. People and organizations may steer clear of you if they do not share your views or see that you are promoting a cause or event that their organization is firmly against. First impressions are everything. In the online world, it is important to remember that your avatar is your first impression.
5. Be careful when creating avatars using photographs. Using an online editing tool to add special effects or touch up plain photography. Just be careful not to over do it. In the event you would ever meet in person, you want to be recognizable.

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