LinkedIn is unlike any other social media platform. It represents the best of what modern technology has to offer in the world of marketing. The vast online marketplace gives businesses access to a plethora of resources, ideas, and recruits.
However, it’s often misunderstood, neglected, and underutilized. Social Media Consultant John Nemo, who made more than $135,000 in revenue for his business in just 90 days, says 99 percent of LinkedIn users are using it all wrong. He says that the online tool should not only be focused on selling yourself, but selling your benefits to others.
The list of LinkedIn benefits is infinite. Over 75 percent of people who recently changed jobs used LinkedIn to inform their career decision – needless to say, the power of LinkedIn is unmatched.
To make the best use of the one-stop-shop for networking, here are a few tips:
Put your best face forward.
First impressions matter. Remember LinkedIn is a business networking social platform, (unlike Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and certainly unlike SnapChat), therefore you want to be taken seriously. A professionally taken image or as close to as possible is recommended. That means, no photos of you in your car, or on vacation, or a cropped photo removing your former spouse.
Really sell yourself.
Be honest, be accurate, be thorough. Create a professional bio that is complete with all your experience, specifically the areas you excel in. Not only will it present you better, it will help keep you on track to network with like-minded and targeted professionals. Equally important, keep your bio current with your place of employment, skills, etc. Keeping content current reflects your organization and eye for detail.
Pay to play.
Not play exactly, but LinkedIn offers a powerful platform to connect with the pro’s in every industry. It’s called Premium. If you’re in sales and business development, the Premium level is well worth it to target, message, and connect with key players. In addition, Premium allows you to see who’s viewing your profile, thus who is most interested in connecting with you.
Join groups.
Many of the most proactive, entrepreneurial minds are on LinkedIn sharing valuable insights in LinkedIn Groups. Groups are a great way to get ideas as well as to network. Don’t just be an observer, if you have something of value to share, share it. Raise your value in the professional community. Search and find the best groups for you. Keep in mind, others can view the groups that you follow and contribute to, which by association, will reinforce your attributes and specialties as a professional.
Communicate.
Share the latest projects and news that relates to your work and most recent accomplishments. Create informative posts that not only share but also show your capabilities and include tips of benefit to others. Show, don’t tell.
Blog.
Got a “How to” tip? A “Do this not that” recommendation? Have you partnered with a unique service that is of value to your clients, followers and networking group? Share and show your expertise with others.
Recruit.
LinkedIn offers a hiring platform that effectively targets professionals regionally and nationally. 89 percent of talent says being contacted by their recruiter can make them accept a job offer faster. With LinkedIn, you could find recruits with the very skills you’re looking for. LinkedIn also displays a trophy case of projects and tasks employers can browse through to see those skills in action.
Show off your skills.
Select your skills carefully. In other words, don’t embellish on areas of expertise that are not your forte. No one is excellent at everything. Use the areas of expertise to highlight your core strengths and reinforce these areas through your chosen network groups, your bio and your blogs.
Write recommendations.
Whether colleagues, clients, vendors, speakers or educators, take the time to write recommendations for those that are excellent at what they do. They’ll appreciate it and often reciprocate by writing a recommendation for you. You can also send requests to those you connect with requesting honest recommendations.
Endorse.
Make endorsements of colleagues and key professionals. Much like recommendations, but simpler, this is a great way to help others and in return receive endorsements for your professional profile.
Above all else, connect. You never know the path that a connection might lead you to. LinkedIn should be one of the greatest assets for any organization. By following these tips, you’re sure to yield positive results for you and your organization.
