Fire & EMS Leader Pro The job of old firefighters is to teach young firefighters how to become old firefighters!
By: Robert Avsec, Executive Fire Officer
What does “digital networking” really mean today? I won’t pretend I’m a guru (though I did once survive a conference hotel breakfast buffet). What I do know, I’ve learned the same way I’ve gained most of my professional insight: reading, listening, trying, failing, and trying again. Repeat.
Here’s what I’ve picked up—so you can skip a few of those “trying again” cycles.
👤 Crafting Your Digital Persona
This isn’t about creating a fictional avatar—it’s about curating your professional brand. Who are you? What do you stand for? What kind of impact do you make?
In the digital world, your first impression is often your only shot. And unlike face-to-face interactions, you’re working with just a sliver of communication—mostly visual and textual. So make it count.
Let’s focus on LinkedIn, still the go-to platform for professionals. Your profile is your digital business card, résumé, and elevator pitch rolled into one. Here’s how to make it work for you:
📸 Profile Essentials
- Professional Headshot: Yes, it matters. Profiles with photos get significantly more engagement. Skip the cropped wedding photo—invest in a clean, friendly, high-resolution image.
- Your Name: Sounds obvious, but formatting matters. Make sure it reads naturally (e.g., “Robert Avsec” not “Avsec Robert”).
- Headline That Hooks: You’ve got 220 characters now—use them wisely. Skip the alphabet soup of credentials and lead with impact. Try something like:
- “Fire Service Advocate | Bridging Mental Health & Operational Realities”
- “Empowering First Responders Through Culturally Competent Training & Outreach”
- “Strategic Connector | Mental Health Advocate | Conference Architect”
📬 Make Yourself Reachable
If you’re serious about networking, make it easy for people to connect. Include a professional email address, links to your blog or website, and any relevant publications or media. LinkedIn now allows featured content—use it to showcase your best work.
📝 Summary Section: Your Digital Billboard
Think of this as your “above the fold” space. It should expand on your headline and give readers a sense of your mission, values, and voice. Use storytelling to humanize your expertise. A few tips:
- Start with a bold statement or question.
- Highlight your unique value proposition.
- Include keywords relevant to your field (for searchability).
- End with a call to action or invitation to connect.
💼 Experience: Depth Over Breadth
This isn’t just a job history—it’s a narrative of impact. Focus on 2–3 roles or projects that reflect your purpose. Include volunteer work, advocacy, or creative endeavors that show your multidimensionality. For example:
- Led scenario-based training for culturally competent clinician workshops.
- Co-developed outreach strategies for national fire service mental health initiatives.
- Participated in international mission trips focused on infrastructure and wellness.
🚀 Beyond the Profile
LinkedIn has evolved. You can now:
- Use Creator Mode to share thought leadership.
- Host LinkedIn Live events or webinars.
- Join Groups to build niche communities.
- Publish Newsletters to stay top-of-mind.
In a future post, I’ll dive into:
- How to leverage your current connections.
- Smart ways to expand your network.
- Organizing contacts for strategic outreach.
- Using Groups to amplify your professional presence.
