Are you LinkedIn®?

By Mary Mekelburg, Social Media Strategist/Coach

 

Download Article

 

After the first installment of this article appeared, it was posted to a LinkedIn® group. I was asked “why did you ask people on LinkedIn® if they’re on LinkedIn®?” I appreciate the feedback! This series started out as a presentation to folks who are new to LinkedIn®, and I liked the way it captured what I was going to share with my audience. That includes you!

LinkedIn® is the social network tool used by mostly professionals. Recruiters search it regularly (one reason why key words are so important). Before you start, gather your employment, academic and extracurricular information, including dates. Include software programs, programming languages, etc.

From the home page, go to ‘Profile’ in the list on the left. It will automatically open the ‘Edit my Profile’ screen. Each time you see it, click on the word [Edit] to enter or change text in that field. Note: if you want to know what your profile looks like to the world, go to the ‘View my Profile’ tab above your bolded name.

Edit My Profile name and location: As I mentioned last time, use your name as it already exists in the digital world. If you are just starting out, decide how you’ll use it and be consistent going forward; in email signatures, business cards, etc. For example, Robert, Robert J, RJ, Bob, BJ? Then, select your display name.

Professional Headline: enter the title you use. This has been called a ‘bumper sticker job description.’

Country, Zip and Industry: When you enter your zip code, LinkedIn® points your profile to its nearest large city. Go to the drop down and select industry (the closest match or how you want to be found).

Photo: Use a recent photo. In the LinkedIn® space, you’ll be wise to make it a headshot, light background, no kids or pets. Put yourself in the place of someone looking for a service/goods provider or recruiter. Would you like what you see? Your own clear digital photo with neutral background is fine.

Status Update: change this consistently, at least once per week. Updating your status refreshes your profile and it’s a good way to keep in front of your connections. LinkedIn® updates typically regard work (nothing confidential or monetary), projects, academic, association, industry or LinkedIn® Groups.

Allow yourself enough time to enter work and academic info. Add your Current position. To enter Past employment and Education, scroll down to ‘Experience’ and click on ‘Add Position’. Do the same thing for education. To change text in these fields, go to [Edit]. The ‘Past’ list that appears just below ‘Current Position’ is pulled from the data you enter further down.

As you accept Recommendations that colleagues write for you and as you add Connections, LinkedIn® automatically tallies and displays them in your summary.

If you have a Website, blog or other web address, you can enter up to three. Click on Add Website.

You can [Edit] your Public Profile so it ends with your name: www.LinkedIn.com/in/firstlast. NOTE: add this to your business cards, resumes, in your email signatures – it points people to your profile.

Your Summary is a good place to include action words. In Specialties list your strengths and what makes you unique.

We’ll talk about Applications later.

For Additional Info, enter your websites. For Interests, include your hobbies, sports, etc. This is where people get to know you personally. At Groups and Associations include community, industry and academic groups and associations. Enter Honors and Awards, both industry and academic.

Be intentional when you enter Personal and Contact info. Click on Edit to tell viewers how you want to be contacted and for what opportunities. If taking phone calls doesn’t fit your circumstances, don’t include your phone number. If phone calls aren’t a problem, however, it will be a pleasant surprise to get a call from someone who found your profile while doing a search.

To Build Your Network
Generally there are two philosophies on how to expand your network. First, if you do a lot of market research, work with polls or are involved in product development, you may want to consider being a ‘LinkedIn Open Networker’. A LION accepts invitations from everyone/anyone and typically has hundreds and into thousands of connections. The second type of networker only connects with people they’ve met face to face, or had an existing phone/email relationship. By all means, invite colleagues within your company.

To send a LinkedIn® Invitation, click on the green box Add Connections on the left side of the home page; enter the email address in the right side of the text box that opens. Click on Add a personal note below the text box; and write a short personalized message: i.e., how/where you met the person – and please join my professional network on LinkedIn®. Then Send Invitations. Include a personalized message as often as possible.

Networking note: take business cards and a pen with you EVERYWHERE. Keep a thin ‘Moleskin’ type notebook with you (the small 3-pack type fits easily in a small handbag, pocket or folio). Exchange business cards when making the connection is mutually beneficial. Afterwards, write the date, place and a short trigger (conversation topic, industry event, etc) on the back side. When you get back to your computer and prepare to send the invitation, you’ll be ready to personalize it.

LinkedIn®’s motto is ‘Relationships Matter’. Indeed, Social Media platforms are all about connecting, relating and dialogue. The beauty of LinkedIn® is that if your computer crashes or you change employers, your connections belong to you; they don’t get wiped out when your company Outlook account gets shut down. And, as many Management Pro’s tell us, people like to do business with people they know, like and trust!

Until next time,
Mary

About the Author:
Mary Mekelburg is a Social Media Coach. She has presented the mechanics and strategy of using LinkedIn to Small Business, in an academic setting and to job seekers. Having experience in the corporate world, non-profit and small business, Mary can relate to the needs, requirements and constraints of each; as well as propose strategies to help an individual or company stand out.  Mary has found that working with individuals on their own pc/laptop is an effective way to increase familiarity and build confidence in using Social Media.

Mary lives in Theresa, Wisconsin near the Theresa/Allenton Marsh with her husband Dick, and kitty, Jenga.  Mary most recently worked at QuadTech, a Quad/Graphics subsidiary where Mary spent the better part of three years immersing herself in the ‘how does it work?’ segment of package printing. She enjoys connecting with people, following Social Media trends closely, reading and bird watching. Connect with Mary at www.linkedin.com/in/marymekelburg.

Copyright 2009 GravurExchange