For those of you who started the year with a new job, here begins a short series on starting fresh.

So, you got the new job!  Or, maybe you made a lateral move to a position tailored just for you...the one you've been waiting for with more opportunities, greater exposure and a chance to travel to Rio for Carnival on the corporate account.  Fantastic!  

One question.  Have you updated your online presence to share the news? 

I'm asking based on consistent experience having to hound clients and colleagues about this.  It's ironic given all the work you've had to do to get the new role.  But, it's also understandable because it simply isn't high on your radar screen.  

In your first few weeks, you may have a series of meetings with your new boss and team members, schedule meet-and-great lunches, or attend a trade show or networking event to introduce yourself to potential industry suppliers or partners. If any of these contacts want to learn more about you before or after your personal encounter, they will likely do a Google search on your name right off the bat.

Your professional bio, resume, CV, Facebook page and LinkedIn profile may be the first or second impression scores of people will have of you in a very short time period. Do you really want them to see outdated information from your prior company or “Freelance Editorial Consultant” left over from your job search period?

While you should probably hold off on distributing or posting the new version until your start date, it’s to your advantage to prepare before then. Once you start, you’ll be swamped with new information, ramping up on multiple projects and attempting to exude gracious interest while learning the political, technical and organizational ropes.

Think about your connections in your LinkedIn or other social networking groups. Wouldn’t it feel great to let them all know about your career move straightaway? Sharing good news draws people to you, gives them a chance to congratulate you and encourages them to reach out to learn more. Sound good? The only way it will realistically happen is if you get ready in advance or dedicate weekend time during your first two weeks.  If it's already been longer than that, no worries.  Just do it now.

Yes, you already have a lot on your mind. But I promise – refreshing your online image will be worth the pride, responses and respect you’ll receive in return.