I am always baffled when I speak to people and they tell me that they don’t have a LinkedIn profile or that they barely use LinkedIn. I would have thought that LinkedIn would be bigger than platforms like Facebook, Instagram or even Tiktok, but maybe that’s just me.
It appears that people either do not use LinkedIn or do know not how to optimally use it to their advantage.
LinkedIn is the number 1 place for you to search for your new dream job, source the perfect new recruit and network with great potential clients. And best of all- it is not that hard to do.
First thing first- Set up a proper LinkedIn profile
Having a proper LinkedIn profile is key to making proper connections. If your profile is not optimized to its highest potential, you might as well leave it in its entirety. So set up your profile with the intention of attracting and making world class connections.
How to do it? Simple:
Have a good quality photo
Having a professional, but not stuck up photo gives the first impression of ‘I’m competent, confident but fun’. You don’t want to scare possible connections away by having a classic ‘office mug shot’ nor a photo of you doing shots in the club.
Ensure that the photo is a high quality photo and is representative of how you look now. There is no point in having a blurry pixelated photo of you back in 2008. Rather be confident in how you look and in who you are.
A high quality photo does not have to be done by a paid photographer. Using your phone, good lighting and a strategically taken photo will do wonders. If you are not sure, I would recommend researching Vanessa van Edwards on what a good profile picture looks like as well and Chase Jarvis on how to take a great photo with just your phone. They are experts in their fields and are worth the time.
Have a proper headline
Your headline should be a short summary of what you do, what you specialize in and how you can add value to others. This is essentially an elevator pitch so you have to make it captivating and informative.
Write a headline that is creative,captures attention, but is also personal. This is not a paragraph about who you are, but rather just a glimpse of your field of expertise and help optimize searches for your field.
Ensure your headline is not boilerplate and has a bit of personality, but don’t try to overdo it as well. Make it clear, concise and captivating.
Dazzle connections in your About section of your profile
Writing a proper summary of yourself in the about section of your profile is an art in itself. It is where humility meets bragging rights.
The about section is where you inform recruiters, connections and potential clients in more detail about what you do, what you have accomplished and what you aim for the future. You tell them about your what you do, your past experience; specialties; skills and qualifications as well as what your vision is for the future, because people want to work with vision oriented people.
You need this section to be concise and informative. This is where you have a chance to tell your connections how and why you can help them and why you are a great fit.
Don’t be too humble here. If you’ve written a book, say it. If you have a podcast, tell it and give a link to it. If you are the entrepreneur of the year or decade, people should know.
You need to advertise and sell yourself here. So don’t hold back. Be confident and be bold.
I recommend you to have a look at Lewis Howes’s LinkedIn profile if you really want to see a fully optimized ‘about’ section. He also did great courses, webinars and a book on LinkedIn strategies.
Use LinkedIn effectively
Interact with your connections
LinkedIn will not do you any good if you don’t actually use it.
By posting an article, making a valuable comment or simply participating in a poll. Your will gradually grow your network.
When you add people to your network, send a personalized note, say congrats on their new promotion or simply post something truly worthwhile and inspiring.
Use hashtags and mention someone
The best way to grow your network is by posting meaningful content and adding popular hashtags to it or mentioning a connection.
This helps your content gain more view and ultimately helps to build your network.
Add value
Lastly, without adding value, you will soon find no value to this amazing platform. Adding value can occur in different ways, be it connecting two connections, posting an article or just inspiring someone. Adding value is the first step to business and the first step to any relationship worth while making.
As Gary Vee said. Give. Give. Give. Give . Give . Ask
Go try it!
Now don’t take my word for it. The only way you will ever discover the power of LinkedIn is to truly try it for yourself.
I can go on and on about LinkedIn. I am really passionate about the platform and would love to teach you more and also learn from you. So connect with me, send me a message and let’s connect.
