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!
