LinkedIn is one of the most popular social networking platforms out there. It is also one of the most poorly used platforms in my opinion. it seems littered with people who have set up profiles, made connections and done nothing further with their account. I asked a question of LinkedIn usage on another social networking group today and got some interesting responses – from “I don’t get it” to “LinkedIn is pointless.” LinkedIn is definitely not pointless.
This article cannot possibly extol all the virtues of LinkedIn but I am going to share with you 5 tips to boost your chances of success.
Make sure your profile is filled out with a professional looking photo – LinkedIn is ostensibly a social networking platform but it is for business professionals. A nice corporate headshot works well on LinkedIn. You can use a picture of your wedding photo or a holiday sap on Facebook but you should avoid this temptation on LinkedIn. if you want to be taken seriously you have to be serious with your profile.
Be strategic with Connections – Who you connect with is a strategic decision. Personally I will connect with anyone and everyone if they ask me, but I won’t go out of my way to connect with people I don’t know – unless I ask for an introduction first. When making an approach for a connection on LinkedIn make an effort to change the default text in the invite. Tell people why you are trying to connect and what you hope to achieve by connecting with them.
Make your profile interesting – Don’t be boring. Break up and chunk your text so people will be likely to read all your information. If you optimise your profile and it is interesting then you can get it read by prospects.
Recommend those connections you have done business with – A LinkedIn profile is useful as you can leave (or get) references and testimonials and have them stored in the one place. If you have done business with someone you need to make sure that you leave a reference on their profile. With any luck they may return the favour.
Treat LinkedIn like a business networking event – Whilst not getting the immediate responses, you must remember that unless you participate you will get no value from LinkedIn. You can do a number of things to increase your visibility and credibility. By making introductions and participating in conversations, by talking up your contacts and promoting their businesses you will greatly increase your credibility and this can lead to increased profitability.
If you are working in a B2B role then LinkedIn should be your go to social network. If you are not getting the benefits you feel you should be from LinkedIn you should get in touch today