Frans van der Lee, Somm’s List
You could have an impeccable palate, an encyclopedic knowledge of wine and the grace to make your guests feel at ease, but if you aren’t marketing yourself, opportunities could be passing you by.
In today’s Internet and social media driven world, the search box of Google and Facebook reign supreme. It is the first-place people look to gather knowledge on someone who might be right for an opportunity and where first impressions are made. Even if glowing referrals and endorsements have been made, we all turn to the familiar search box to verify and learn more. A professional Internet presence is your most important tool in marketing yourself.
“So, you have to ask yourself, if someone searched for you online, what would you want to appear? What kind of impression would you want to make and what would you want them to learn about you?” I recommend making a list and then search for yourself and see what comes up. Try putting “sommelier” in front of your name when searching too. Are potential connections and employers getting the right image of your capabilities, skills and personality?
If you are curious what opportunities might be out there and how to easily fine tune your online professional image, come to my SommCon session “Beyond the Floor: Finding Opportunities to Supplement Your Career”. I will be leading an expert panel on how working sommeliers are finding interesting additional jobs beyond the restaurant floor. From supplementing their regular job with brand ambassadorships to personal cellar consulting and private event hosting – sommeliers’ knowledge and cachet is in demand and there have never been more opportunities available.
If a professional headshot is on your list, come see us at SommCon. Somm’s List will have renowned photographer Josue Castro on hand taking his signature professional fine art portraits. There will be several complimentary photo sessions throughout the conference, generously sponsored by Breville.
