With networking sites rather than face-to-face interaction being the preferred mode of social interaction, it's important how you present yourself online.

With the various online networking sites taking the place of face-to-face meetings, their online image has become increasingly important. And 'networkers' are going all out to make their profiles attention grabbing, whether on a dating or matrimonial site or for business networking.

Here are some interesting tips for that picture adorning your profile on Facebook (or any other social networking site for that matter).

Pic by default

Everyone's on one of these sites, having signed up to either keep in touch with friends or find new ones. And the sites themselves are constantly updating and installing new features to make networking more attractive.

And looks are definitely a criterion to determine your standing on these sites. Says architect Aishwarya Sinha, "I wouldn't accept a friend request without a picture, even if the profile looks okay," she says.

Let pictures speak

Vijay Verma, a software professional who frequents networking sites, says that he keeps updating his pictures. "It's a great way to keep friends posted on what's going on in my life. I am into adventure sports and have put up lots of pictures of my sporting activities. The girls think it's cool," he says.

DJ Sasha feels it's important to put up a photo that really reflects yourself. "Many girls put group photos and you have to keep guessing who matches the profile. They should put up photos that reflect who they really are and not what they'd like others to believe," he says.

Make your 'pic'

For marriages arranged via the Net, looks are a deciding factor and everyone makes sure they look their best on their profiles. Prithvi Banwasi, who used to work with a matrimonial agency, says online photos can be deceptive. "Most prospective brides have special photoshoots arranged; everyone wants to look like a star," he says.

Showing the photograph first to a prospective marriage partner can work both ways. "But eventually, it's the face-to-face meeting that counts," Prithvi adds.

Dangerously 'young'

The Net has become a hub for people to meet prospective clients, employees and employers. Though the concept of online business networking is quite new in India, it's picking up fast. Management consultant Gautam Ghosh says, "A picture impacts how a person is viewed.

If a person looks younger than he really is, clients may think he doesn't have the necessary experience. So it's important how you present yourself," he says.