4 Ways to Seriously Kick Butt on Linkedin
You may have a profile on LinkedIn, but are you using it effectively? Most people aren’t. Here are four ways I have found to make using LinkedIn more fun and WAY more effective, whether you are trying to set yourself apart as an expert, find work, or just expand your network. If you start doing these four killer habits, you will very quickly become a LinkedIn expert and the envy of your LinkedIn connections. Here they are:
- Regularly update your profile - This is absolutely key. Why? Well, for one thing, employers and recruiters regularly use LinkedIn. I have heard recruiters say that they actually prefer looking at people’s bios on LinkedIn (rather than their resumes) as it gives a nice summary of their skills. Also, you make it easier for people to find you (and your fabulous skills / expertise) on LinkedIn when your profile is up-to-date. Make sure your profile summary and the details under each of your positions are clear and accurate. Include any and all keywords that pertain to what you do. I personally like to review and update my profile on a quarterly basis – for example, each time I take on a new role, get a new certification, etc.
- Add cool stuff to your status – Most people forget what a great tool the “status” line is on your LinkedIn profile. You don’t even have to be doing anything terribly interesting to be able to include something great on your status. Post an inspiring quote you like. Share helpful information. Include your favorite website. Write a few lines about a fun event that you are looking forward to. Spread the word on a great organization in your area. There’s lots and lots of great stuff you can put in your status line. Just make sure you don’t spam your contacts more than about once a week. Also, don’t be someone who is constantly selling products. People see through this very quickly and don’t like it.
- Answer and ask questions – The “Answers” section on LinkedIn is a fantastic resource for a number of reasons. First, by answering questions and sharing your knowledge, you set yourself up as an expert in your field. You don’t have to do this more than once a week, but try searching for open questions that deal with something you know about. For example, I know a lot about project management, so I search a few keywords related to this profession. See if there are any questions you are knowledgeable about and can add to the conversation. If you get selected as the “best answer”, you get an expert point in LinkedIn. These are great if for no other reason than to show others you are pretty cool and kind of smart. Also, try asking a question about something you would like to know more about. I have always been surprised by the wealth of information that I receive when asking a question in LinkedIn.
- Write unsolicited recommendations – This is my favorite feature that most people don’t either use or use incorrectly. The best way to use the “recommendation” feature on LinkedIn is to, every once in awhile, go through a few of your contacts and find a couple of people that you think highly of, and then just write a recommendation for them. Don’t wait until someone asks you. Give it as an unexpected gift. Most people will be so surprised and grateful they may write you one in return (and genuine recommendations make the best recommendations). However, the absolute best reason to write an unsolicited recommendation is that it strengthens the friendship you have with someone else. It’s a good, unselfish thing to do; and it’s a nice way to spread some love to your network. Try it. You will be hooked!
Posted by Erika Flora at 1/4/2012 9:32 PM 
Categories: NETWORKING, career planning, careers, Communication, communication, business, Career, Branding, networking, Job hunting
Tags: LinkedIn networking branding project management project
Categories: NETWORKING, career planning, careers, Communication, communication, business, Career, Branding, networking, Job hunting
Tags: LinkedIn networking branding project management project
#1 ok - yes update your profile as required such a a change in job, winning an award, etc.
#2 - no - this is not Facebook. LinkedIn is business networking. Provide updates only business career related not what you did on your vacation
#3 - yes - good to answer questions as long as you have expertise in the subject and provide earnest answers
#4 - WRONG - never write an unsoliceted recommendation. It sounds like a nice idea but its not a good practice. Do recommendaions only upon request. JGH
Reply to this
Thanks so much for sharing your feedback. I agree with you on the status updates. You want to keep it professional, and a status update on LinkedIn will certainly be different than a status update on Facebook.
When I refer to unsolicited recommendations, I am talking about giving a recommendation to someone you have worked with and know very well. I am not trying to say that you should give a recommendation to someone just because you want to be their friend. In fact, I frequently get recommendation requests from people I don't know at all or don't feel comfortable recommending. I hate getting those kinds of requests. I would rather genuinely write one for someone that I can attest to their skills (without them necessarily having to ask me).
Reply to this
Great Post, i was not using status update feature of LinkedIn, will start using that... i am active on LinkedIn groups but never used question / answer section...Do you recommend Q&A over groups?
Reply to this
I like both the Q&A and Groups feature. However, I am not as active on Groups. For me, it's just personal preference.
Reply to this
I love this and you are right on all counts. In addition I would add one "don't do / stop doing" to your list: Do not cross-post your Twitter feed to your LinkedIn updates. By all means publish your Twitter handle in your LinkedIn profile, but keep the streams separate for those who follow or connect with you on both services.
Reply to this
Oh..these are simple steps that i normally avoid.. Great Idea Erika..Its an eye opener..I am going to be more professional now...Thanks a lot..!!
Reply to this
Glad you found them to be helpful. Have a great day!
Reply to this