Most of my clients come to me once they have built various profiles and wonder why their online efforts don’t seem to be achieving expected results. This post will deal with LinkedIn and how you can start using this very powerful networking tool.

LinkedIn is designed to connect you with other professionals, allowing them to see your “best professional representation”.

1. Be sure your profile is clean, easy to read.

You may understand the termonology and industry jargon associated with your profession, but does everyone reading your profile? Don’t miss a connection because someone doesn’t really understand what you do. Also, write your profile in a word document and use spell check! Nothing makes quite the same impression as poor grammar and misspelled words! When choosing a picture, find a warm smiling picture and crop to a headshot. These do not have to be “professional”, in fact, I personally prefer a more relaxed and fun representation of myself. Your profile speaks to your experience, you picture can be casual IF your profession allows.

2. Make sure your profile is complete and relevant.

LinkedIn has a little measurement bar on the right side of your profile letting you know how “complete” it is. Ignore this. Yes, ignore this. LinkedIn is a business, collecting data. So, what really defines complete? You have to ask yourself, “why am I here?” To find a job? To maintain relationships in your field? In your physical community? To advertise your skills? Once you know WHY you are on LinkedIn, you can tailor your profile to meet your expectations. What do you want to share with your audience? Complete those sections of your profile. Use relevant keywords to describe yourself and what you do, making it easier to find you.

Newsflash…Your “Experience” is not your resume. Don’t list all your jobs, just the ones that make you look like a rock star in your field. Showcase things you have done, companies you have helped, places where you have made a difference, etc.

Don’t overlook listing your certifications and licenses under “Education” and your achievements and awards under “Honors and Awards”.

“Interests” should include professional motivators (why do you love what you do) as well as hobbies and activities which you enjoy. The more I “know” you, the more likely I am to want to connect with you!

3. Creating a more 3-D image.

There are two additional inclusions I highly recommend to my clients. One, join groups. Click on “groups” (top left corner of your home screen) and find affinity groups to join. This shows me that you are engaged in your profession and/or continue to be active in a sport or hobby. Two, use the Amazon Application and compile a reading list. Books you have read, are reading and want to read. This shows me that you are continuing to grow your mind and professional skills. A profile can be “flat” and read like a printed resume. Use these tools and make your profile “pop”.

4. What’s in a Name?

When you create your profile you are assigned a URL similar to this: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jane-doe/14/4b7/233. Click on “profile” (left sidebar).  Click on “Public Profile” (middle of page) and enter just your first and last names.  Your URL now reads: http://www.linkedin/in/janedoe. It is easier to share with others and serves you best in search engine results.

5. It’s All About Who You Know.

Once you complete your profile, use the search box (upper right corner) to find connections. Believe me, every client tells me, “I won’t know anyone on LinkedIn” and my average client finds 40 people within the first week. Get started by typing in your city. You will find people you know right here. And DON’T be discouraged when you don’t receive an immediate response from someone. Some people have an email alert sent as soon as you request to connect, some find your request the next time they login to LinkedIn.

6. Recommend and be Recommended.

Nothing we say about ourselves will carry the weight of what others say about us. Once you have a few connections, ask people to write a testimonial (recommendation). Also take the time to look at your connections and see who you could recommend. You should try to get 5 recommendations as soon as you can and continue to build these on a regular basis. I suggest soliciting at least one recommendation a month AND giving one recommendation a month. Seems like a lot? Remember, this is WHY you are here – to utilize social media, the most powerful word-of-mouth advertising available today.

7. Have something to say.

Contribute by updating your “What are you doing now?” Be relevant to your industry, but don’t get too detailed. Obviously you wouldn’t say “Working on John Jones first mortgage” – but you could say “helping a great couple finance their first home!” Updating what you are doing shows me you are “active” in your career or your pursuit of one!

Strut your stuff. In the top menu bar there is a tab labeled “Answers”. Click here, view the list in the right sidebar and choose the topic of your expertise.
Share your knowledge and make some new connections.

These are just a few brief ideas on how to get started utilizing LinkedIn. For more information, give me a shout. There’s so much more!