You wouldn’t think of going on a job interview in mix matched attire and tattered shoes as this would be a poor reflection of your personal brand right? So why present your personal brand on linkedin with anything less than the best representation of YOU?
The top 5 picks that I recommend you have in your Linkedin wardrobe include:
1 – Complete your profile 100% and be active. Take an hour and follow teh simple guidelines. Write your information in short bite-sized paragraphs or bullet points. Lead with an interesting cocktail pitch that will attract others to want to connect with you. Have you taken Strengths Finder 2.0, DiSC, Lominger or other profile assessement? Post your results! Let others know who you are and what makes you tick!
There is a reason social/professioanl sites are called NETWORK sites. Think…NETWORK = NOT WORK. If you showed up at a networking event, you would likely show up to network. Do the same on linkedin and be active. A stagnate profile may be viewed as a stagnate professional. Make new contacts weekly and keep others interested in who you are!
2 – Your summary should be written in first person not third person. This is the reverse of a well written resume. Linkedin is a social and professional business site so it is best to write in first person drawing others in and engaging in open dialogue, benchmarking and recruiting.
Example:
CORRECT (for Linkedin / Incorrect for resume)
- I excel in leading teams, generating revenue and achieving record breaking results.
INCORRECT (for Linkedin /Correct for resume)
- Consistently excels in leading teams, generating revenue and achieving record breaking results.
3 – Add a photo that represents your personality, character and professionalism. Leave your pets, spouses, boats and wedding photos for your facebook picture.
4 – Take advantage of the freebies by joining groups, posting and answering questions and engaging with others. I like to think of Linkedin as a social professional networking cocktail event where you are mixing, mingling and talking shop! Write a blog, start a poll, ask others for their opinions when answering questions and engage openly. The people with the highest success rate in business are those who engage with others on an ongoing basis. Read posted website links and share them with others. Post your favorite book reads and share your thoughts and comments with others. Research book that your linkedin contacts list to gain a new perspective. Before long, you will have an online active support group that extends from your office. This is particularly good for professional working remotely or virtually!
5 – Update your profile with each new accomplishment, promotion and even a daily success! By staying on top of your personally branded and FREE worldwide marketing campaign, you will be reinforcing all of the excellent components of who you are in business and your capacity of contributions in the workplace.
With these 5 recommendations, you have the basic essentials to work the internet much like you would work the room. Now GET MOVING!
Tina,
Thank you for your 5 recommendations. I saw you posted it on the EUP Alumni group. I find them so simple, yet when I had a look at my own profile I realized I was lacking a few things here and there.
I have a question for you now in this aspect. I my education has been in finance and my MBA concentrated on strategy and project management. However, my past work experiences have not been in the financial services arena. In fact, I worked for universities in Residence Life positions. Granted, the two positions I held were professional positions, many recruiters take them as campus jobs.
I realize I need to look for entry level finance positions, however, I am not having any luck so far. At the same time, I have been applying for Higher Education positions in various universities as well. Since both fields are so different, I never wish to tell recruiters I am looking into both fields. I would much prefer to start a career in a financial analyst role.
How should I approach that when using LinkedIn? I do not want higher ed. recruiters to shy away if I concentrate on financial roles. At the same time, I do not want finance recruiters to look for other candidates since I am also looking elsewhere.
Ammar
Hi Ammar,
I appreciate you reading the 5 Linkedin must haves and taking the time to seek further information. Self-educating is so critical these days!
Based on the information that you shared with me thus far, the simplest recommendation that I can make is to be sure your Linkedin offers a crisp, clean section bulleting your transferable skills.
Very likely, behavioral leadership and task-oriented skills are transferable between the positions that you held. Pitching your “cocktail” story or value proposition should be offered in your first paragraph. Short, simple and choosing words that clearly send the message of your industry desired.
If you would like, please connect with me on Linkedin.com for more information.
Engaged in worldwide career success!
Tina
Tina,
Thank you for the excellent summary. I’m grateful for the reminders. I shared this with a hospitality organization with which I am working. The Admin/Director of Marketing and Director of Events are just stepping into the LinkedIn pool. This will give them practical steps to follow.
Mark
Mark,
So glad you appreciate the article! If you would like to see other topics covered, please email me directly at: [email protected]. I enjoy hearing from individuals who are conscientious regarding careers, social networking and anything that has to do with business.
I noticed your linkedin.com comments regarding this blog. Thank you for taking the time to post!
Engaged in worldwide career success,
Tina