--- title: Don't Commit These LinkedIn Photo Fails description: Examples of terrible LinkedIn photo fails, and protecting your personal brand. image: http://info.adaptiveims.com/hubfs/IMG_1037.jpg --- 980-275-2253 [info@adaptiveims.com](mailto:info@adaptiveims.com) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/adaptiveims) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/AdaptiveIMS) - [Google](https://plus.google.com/115321561753968879446/posts) - [RSS](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/rss.xml) [![Adaptive](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images-Adaptive-Dec2015/header-logo.png?width=320&name=header-logo.png "Adaptive")](http://www.adaptiveims.com/) - [Home](http://www.adaptiveims.com) - [About](http://www.adaptiveims.com/about-2/) - [Executive Team](http://www.adaptiveims.com/what-we-do/#) - [Patrick Sitkins](http://www.adaptiveims.com/patrick-sitkins/) - [JC](http://www.adaptiveims.com/jc/) - [Testimonials](http://www.adaptiveims.com/adaptive-testimonials/) - [“Brand Aid”](http://www.adaptiveims.com/brandaid/) - [Marketing Expertise](http://www.adaptiveims.com/yeah-were-kind-of-a-big-deal/) - [What We Can Do](http://www.adaptiveims.com/what-we-do/) - [Free Tools](http://www.adaptiveims.com/free-marketing-tools/) - [Blog](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog) - [Instant Help](http://www.adaptiveims.com/instant-help/) - [Contact](http://www.adaptiveims.com/contact/) # The Chameleon - Adaptive Marketing Ideas For Your Business # Don't Commit These LinkedIn Photo Fails Posted by [Patrick Sitkins](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/author/patrick-sitkins) on Jul 23, 2015 7:30:00 AM ![](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hub/424801/file-1607212244.jpg) Find me on: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricksitkins) [Twitter](https://www.twitter.com/patricksitkins) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ***![LinkedIn-InBug-2C](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hub/424801/file-1992523862-png/LinkedIn-InBug-2C.png?width=100&name=LinkedIn-InBug-2C.png "LinkedIn-InBug-2C")Back by popular demand - LinkedIn Photo Fails!** * My original post **[15 LinkedIn Profile Image Sins You May Be Making](https://info.adaptiveims.com/blog/15-linkedin-profile-image-sins-you-may-be-making)** is still the most read post I've ever done. It was a lot of fun, but it also got people thinking hard about their presence on social media.  The following examples are taken from actual profiles I have seen. As to not totally offend anyone, I recreated all of the image types. I hope you have as much fun reading this as I did creating it. With marketing, there is almost never one correct answer. Most times, what works for one individual or company may not work exactly the same for another company - even in the same industry. There is certainly a try-test-adapt-try again methodology. Notice I said almost. If you are a professional, then listen up because your LinkedIn profile image may need help! There is really only one correct answer on **what your profile image should be**. It should be a clean, professional headshot of you. Period. This is one of the few times there is not another answer. LinkedIn is a **professional network**. It is not Facebook or Instagram. If first impressions are important, and if your personal brand and **[reputation precede you](http://www.adaptiveims.com/brandaid/),** then you have to get this right. Here are 16 MORE image types you may have; and more importantly need to change immediately. I was feeling a little punchy, so bare with the sarcasm. It’s all in good fun, but serious of course. Let the fun begin... ## YOUR CRAZY EX "I'm crazy...errr...I mean passionate about your business." ![LinkedIn_Fails_6](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LinkedIn_Fails_6.jpg?width=600&name=LinkedIn_Fails_6.jpg "LinkedIn_Fails_6") ## GRADUATION Nothing screams "I'm green and inexperienced" like the graduation picture. Even if it's an MBA graduation, this is best left detailed under "Education" ![LinkedIn_Fails_10](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LinkedIn_Fails_10.jpg?width=600&name=LinkedIn_Fails_10.jpg "LinkedIn_Fails_10") ## DUCK FACE CAR SELFIE Just no. ![IMG_1037](http://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_1037.jpg?width=600&name=IMG_1037.jpg "IMG_1037") ## SIDEWAYS Really, I'm just impressed you got it to load that way since I assume you weren't actually sideways when it was taken. You weren't, right? ![FullSizeRender_5](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FullSizeRender_5.jpg?width=600&name=FullSizeRender_5.jpg "FullSizeRender_5") ## I DON'T GIVE A $#!\* "I'll ignore you when we meet in person as well." ## ![FullSizeRender_10](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FullSizeRender_10.jpg?width=600&name=FullSizeRender_10.jpg "FullSizeRender_10")  ## INTENSE PRODUCT PLACEMENT "Look! I have something to shove in your face. This is my sales tactic. Be afraid!!!" ![FullSizeRender_11](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FullSizeRender_11.jpg?width=600&name=FullSizeRender_11.jpg "FullSizeRender_11") ## THE MOTIVATOR!!! "Hey you! Do you remember the 90's? Me too, that is why I'm using this classic pose. Now, let me MOTIVATE YOU!!!!!!" ![FullSizeRender_12](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FullSizeRender_12.jpg?width=600&name=FullSizeRender_12.jpg "FullSizeRender_12") ## HOBBIES "Let's like totally do business together bro."  ![Screen_Shot_2015-07-21_at_1.51.51_PM](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen_Shot_2015-07-21_at_1.51.51_PM.png?width=600&name=Screen_Shot_2015-07-21_at_1.51.51_PM.png "Screen_Shot_2015-07-21_at_1.51.51_PM") ## CAT MEMES "I'd like to do business with you, right meow." ![LinkedIn_Fails_8](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LinkedIn_Fails_8.png?width=600&name=LinkedIn_Fails_8.png "LinkedIn_Fails_8")  ## THE "UP AND COMER" **Again, I am not making these up..**. I saw a guy with the title "Founder" and his picture was him in a clothier, in front of the sign, wearing a jacket with the tag still on it. ![LinkedIn_Fails_5](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LinkedIn_Fails_5.jpg?width=600&name=LinkedIn_Fails_5.jpg "LinkedIn_Fails_5") ## THE TECH SAVVY Make sure your phone data isn't in the picture, and **definitely** don't use a screen shot of your lock screen. It's just weird. ![LinkedIn_fails_4](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LinkedIn_fails_4.png?width=600&name=LinkedIn_fails_4.png "LinkedIn_fails_4") ## PUBLIC BATHROOM SELFIE Because that is what every prospect and professional connection wants to think about - you in the bathroom. ![LinkedIn_fails_3](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LinkedIn_fails_3.jpg?width=600&name=LinkedIn_fails_3.jpg "LinkedIn_fails_3")  ## THE MULTI-TASKER "I can handle everything and anything - all at the same time!" ![FullSizeRender_9](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FullSizeRender_9.jpg?width=600&name=FullSizeRender_9.jpg "FullSizeRender_9") ## I'M SUPER IMPORTANT You see, I can't stop my conversation to look at the camera. Expect the same treatment in real life. "I'm always closing!" ![FullSizeRender_8](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FullSizeRender_8.jpg?width=600&name=FullSizeRender_8.jpg "FullSizeRender_8") ## SUPER FAN! Professionalism? Pooh... It's football season!!! ![FullSizeRender_13](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FullSizeRender_13.jpg?width=600&name=FullSizeRender_13.jpg "FullSizeRender_13")  ## QUIRKY I'm a blast at parties AND in the board room! ![FullSizeRender_7](https://info.adaptiveims.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FullSizeRender_7.jpg?width=600&name=FullSizeRender_7.jpg "FullSizeRender_7") ## 7 TIPS TO TAKE THE PERFECT PROFILE PICTURE  1. Consider getting a professional headshot. 2. Show a setting that is typical of your work environment. 3. Use an image that actually looks like you today. 4. Smile! Your expression goes a long way. 5. Wear appropriate work attire. 6. Just below shoulder height, and up. You should take up about 60% of the space. 7. Use good lighting. Warmer tones are best online. ## But Wait, There's MORE! If you are looking to go beyond a good profile picture, and truly maximize your presence on LinkedIn then download our free guide. 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