Stand Out in the Social Media World

Avoid Buzzwords Unless You Can Back Them Up

Online profiles, whether for individuals or a business, can be critical to making a positive first impression. However, overused or vague descriptive terms can do more harm than good, unless you are prepared to elaborate on them or explain their use.

LinkedIn recently identified the Top 10 terms that are overused in profiles by professionals in the United States. If you want to stand out, consider avoiding them altogether, or at least provide some additional information to back them up. Here's the list:

Be accurate, professional and original

If your profile contains too many of these clichés without providing any information to support your claim, it may be time for a rewrite. Consider telling a story that is about your (or your company's) professional capabilities. This way, some words like 'innovative' and 'entrepreneurial' may be the most accurate, because you've offered an explanation as to 'why.'

Customize your message

Select the audience you most want to reach. Here are some tips for individuals:

• Do you want your profile to resonate with marketing executives? The founder of medical device start-ups? You most likely can't reach all of your desired audiences at once, so be specific. Envision your ideal client—and write to that person.
• Instead of using buzzwords alone, "Note that you have eight to 10 years of experience or that you increased sales by 300 percent," says Lindsey Pollack, a career and workplace expert. "Include meaningful phrases that apply specifically to highlights you've achieved in your career."
• Answer the question, "Who cares?" Establish your credentials in relation to the problem you help solve. "I help x do y."

LinkedIn suggests making profiles "more actionable." This is good advice, but it doesn't mean that one has to lose all buzzwords as a rule. If you want to stand out, be specific, and be as original as possible.