Yes, it seems simple enough, but the ease of the Linkedin.com interface just means anyone can do it and it’ll be harder to stand out. Theories are constantly evolving about how to get the most out of Linkedin, but here are a few tips to get you started if you’re a small business attracting clients, running a lead generation campaign or just looking for a job. BTW, if you’re ONLY building a Linkedin page and not integrating it with your blog, facebook page, twitter and social bookmarking efforts, shame on you. Anyway, here are the tips.
1: Add your picture.
Adding your picture helps you stand out among the large list of faceless wannabe experts. Not adding a picture makes some people wonder exactly who they’re dealing with and just seems impersonal. Remember, this is SOCIAL media. Stop shoegazing and be social.
2: Small business owners, give yourselves a promotion.
Though a point of pride for many small business owners, the title of “Owner” or “Founder” makes you (and your expertise) look like a small business – in a bad way. Try using “President,” “CEO” or “Managing Partner” to show that you’re not alone in trying to take over the world.
3: Use your headline to tease your story.
Your headline is your first shot to make a meaningful connection with people who find you on linkedin. It’s best to use it to describe how you solve problems, not just a place to put your title. Here’s a good example (mine).
It’s much better than if I’d said, “Social Media Coach” or “Interactive Creative Director.”
4: Make your summary more efficient.
Let’s face it, people are only going to read your full summary if they really want to hire you or your company. Much like anything else, the people whose attention you want to grab will scan your profile. Thus, bullets are a great way to make the eye stop on key points of information. Keep the bullets to under 10 and be sure to deliver a strong set up and payoff. Oh, and remember…it’s social media. Don’t use marketing speak, it’s proven over and over to turn people off in a social network environment like linkedin. Talk like a real person, not like a brochure.
5: Flesh out your bio
Were you in any professional organizations in college? Are you in any professional or social organizations now? Anything and everything that can connect you to people who can connect you to the people you want to reach is good to include on your profile. Did you leave any keywords/associations on the table?
6: Join Groups / ask and answer questions
There are a bazillion different ways to interact with people on Linkedin. It’s a bit like the Brits’Ecademy.com, but less stuffy and without the crumptes. Join groups, participate in discussions. Research questions and answer authoritatively. People will vote your answers to be worthwhile and you’ll climb the credibility ladder. This takes time, but with the proper strategy, you’ll be an expert in the eyes of a important few sooner than you think.
7: Update your status regularly.
This is easily ignored, but I get contacts from folks from my status updates more than almost anything else. Those within your network who are set up to receive regular email or RSS updates will receive mention of what you’re up to if it’s been updated. It’s no great thought leadership tool, but it’s a great way to stay top of mind. Just the other day I got a call do work on a wonderful project just because my status of “Making Industrial Windows Sexy” reminded one of my contacts that she needed a content provider.
8: Get help if you need it
There are countless experts online that can help you put together a linkedin profile that will get better results. I just happen to be one of them. Look around and you’ll find we all have slightly different specialties. Take some time and you’ll find someone you’re comfortable with.
