In these trying times, people and companies need to stand out above others.  You want to be found, stand out and be recognized within your niche area.  

For those between jobs, this means in integrated approach that is consistent, clear and focused.  From the elevator to your business cards and your social media profiles, your message needs to stand out and come across easily to have others find you and help.

Several venues matter when trying to stand out, from the in-person message to your online profiles.  Your business card is one of the first steps to introduce your self for the first time and first impressions matters.  Key words, a nice look and quality cards are important to giving what is often a first and also lasting impression.

While unique certainly stands out at times, it can be a hindrance to getting a clear and focused message across.  During a recent networking meeting, I sat at a table with eight people.  Four at the table at the table had the same card – not a great way to stand out.  In another example, placing a dolphin or an elephant on your cards might work if you are a zoologist, but is not likely to work if you are an electrical engineer.

As in resumes, you only have a few seconds to interest someone in you and have them ask for more.  Your elevator pitch is your opportunity to give a concise introduction.  For example, “I am a corporate story teller with a focus of spreading the good news through traditional and online media including marketing, advertising, public relations and corporate communications.” That message provides a clear focus and known skill set to a reader.  Or another “I am a customer focused parking marketing, business development cultivator and relationship builder” also provides a clear profile.

An elevator pitch not focused will confuse and not allow others to help you.   The message needs to be clear, concise and  consistent and integrate with your offline and online profiles.

With scanning tools, key words are more important that ever in getting found.  The ease of changing minor words or even tailoring to a specific position will often pull you to the top.

Beyond the resume, your LinkedIn profile is a key element in standing out, networking and getting recognized.  Key words, phrases and industry terms often are way for recruiters, colleagues or anyone to find you.  Consistency, integration, and a fully developed profile help you to stand out.  Use and involvement in groups, applications, and quality connections help to stand out and be found.

Twitter as a networking and information tool is key but integration with other elements is also important.  For example, my Twitter account did not have a link to an outside web site.  After posting my LinkedIn profile to on my Twitter page, I received requests to connect with others. I am now connected through LinkedIn and Twitter and have written several articles for a blog, and had phone conversations as a result of my links and connections.

A few lessons are key to develop a coherent profile message and stand out these days.

Be consistent

Like segmenting a market, you should be consistent with your profile when sharing with others. Tailor your resume with specific and key words.  But be consistent and focused with industries and specialties. Your messages needs to be concise and  consistent and integrate with your offline and online profiles.

Integrate

Be sure to have links that complement each other.  Be sure to include links to your Twitter profile in LinkedIn as well as links on Twitter to a profile.

Test (and refine)

Testing your message and refining it are important.  Ask your friends and family. Test versions on LinkedIn and see who is reading your profile.  Change your key words to see what come up in LinkedIn search or in Google search.

In the end, you have to use what you feel comfortable with and what helps tell your story.  Use all the tools to be consistent, focused and stand out while always paying attention, testing and revising to get recognized.  This all assumes you have a plan, but that is another issue.