How to Use LinkedIn To Maximize Your Professional Identity
I attended a terrific LinkedIn seminar the other evening taught by 2 managers from LinkedIn. I learned a lot of stuff I didn't know and thought I would pass it along.
While many think of LinkedIn as a job board, it's not. Admittedly it's being used extensively in the corporate world for recruiting but there are far more reasons to be on LinkedIn.
Here's Why:
- 75 million members with 3 million added each month, over 1 per second
- US has 52% of the members but international membership is growing
- Focus is on managing your professional identity
- You can build and maintain your professional network
- You have the ability to obtain valuable knowledge, insights and opportunities
Your presence on LinkedIn is key, and you must focus on your PROFILE, NETWORK and ACTIONS (status updates, messages, etc.).
As in other social media arenas, blogging, and the real world, folks will be thinking:
(1) I don't know who you are, and
(2) I don't know what you can do for me.
And people on LinkedIn may be more circumspect that they are on Facebook and Twitter because of the nature of LinkedIn's professional presence.
Just as people searching for, or thinking about, a new career will do, folks who are considering buying or selling will be pondering these questions. Remember, WIIFM!
Your profile gives you the opportunity to let others know what you can do for them.
No, it's not the place to brag about yourself, but a way to share your expertise and knowledge, the services you like to provide, and much more. It's the place for the REAL YOU to shine, so use the summary, headline, and talk about what you do.
Yep, you want a photo here, too, IMO (and per LinkedIn).
It's also important to have some recommendations (check out the article I wrote not too long ago - Would You Endorse Me? A LinkedIn Controversy). The LinkedIn dudes didn't talk about the issue of folks asking for recommendations that you don't know but I'm sticking with my opinion, and what most commenters in my article had to say.
Here's another VERY COOL feature - there are a number of applications offered by LinkedIn. Consider using SlideShare to upload presentations, video, and other materials that you think would be of interest and value to consumers. Go to the navigation bar at the top of your profile and CLICK ON MORE. You will see a drop down menu of options, including an Application Directory where you'll find Slideshare. You can sync your SlideShare account with LinkedIn, or create a new account then start uploading files.
And for heaven's sake consider linking your Wordpress blog, if you have one, to your LinkedIn Profile.
I could go on, but this should get you started, or perhaps take your current profile to the next level.
One more tip - if your profile is not showing at 100%, you've got work to do.
Do it!!
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