Make Better Professional Use of LinkedIn

LinkedIn has become the go to digital networking and social media platform for professionals. Functioning as a living digital CV and career portfolio as well as facilitating industry connections and the go to platform for recruiters & head hunters. Some of the brand’s recent 2017 stats are actually more impressive than you might think:

Given the scale and importance of LinkedIn and its ability to grow your professional network, prospect and appeal to recruiters, are you taking your profile seriously enough or are you guilty of committing some of the many LinkedIn faux pas?

Here’s some tips for making the most of LinkedIn:

Use a Suitable Profile Photo
It’s a common mistake to make. Many treat LinkedIn as an extension of their personal social media life and this is a mistake. This profile will be used to create numerous digital first impressions and mark your place in your given industry. Consider this when choosing a photo and if you have a professional head shot this is definitely the place to use it.

Avoid Cold Selling
Yes LinkedIn can be a great lead generation and sales networking tool if used correctly but you need to take care not to be intrusive or irrelevant with your communications as it will damage your reputation and lose you connections fast. If you are going to propose or offer services through LinkedIn make sure it’s with a genuine connection and that you’re taking a personalised approach to how you can assist that individual. Ask permission to introduce your services, don’t just go for it.

Use Personalised Connection Requests
Using a personalised request to connect message will greatly improve your chances of gaining a new connection to your network. Introduce yourself as you would face to face and subtly elude to why you want to connect. If you can’t think of a good reason why the individual you’re requesting might want to connect with you, then you should probably re-think why you are inviting them in the first place.

Give the Platform Your Time
Log in regularly and make use of the mobile app and it’s push notifications so that you’re able to respond to requests and messages promptly. As a professional network, it pays to be attentive and pay members of your network the courtesy of a suitable response time. It’s also a good way to make the post of the platform, there is some fantastic content being shared on LinkedIn and it can help you to stay dialled in to your industry.

Show Off Your Work
Don’t be afraid to put up case studies or examples or your hard work and success. That’s what LinkedIn is all about. It may feel a little self-promotional but try to see LinkedIn as an extension of your business and professional online presence. Why keep all your achievements and abilities you have to offer to yourself? You never know who might come across your profile and be inspired by your work as well as just your profile.

LinkedIn can be a very strong tool for promoting yourself and your business. For many it is used as a very successful lead generation mechanic as well. With a little time and effort you can exploit this now giant social media network for professionals.