Do you have a targeted strategy in how you handle your LinkedIn profile? Keeping up on everything is hard. I recently took a look at my own LinkedIn profile, and while it had only been a couple of months, it already needed some updating. I can only imagine how many small
business owners tend to pass up this social media platform because of their busy schedules. But what I've realized is this really can be an error in judgement since LinkedIn can be a great way to build your online presence, network with others and discover potential prospects and opportunities. Just in a matter of days of updating my own profile, I began receiving new visits to my page, new endorsements and new invitations. Who knew what else I was missing?
LinkedIn really is a great way to network, and like me, even if you do have a LinkedIn presence, do you keep it up to date? Here's some homework: Take a look at your current profile right now. How current is the photo? When was the last time you updated your skills? I am regularly surprised to see how many profile pictures are low-quality photos that were just pulled up from their desktop and just uploaded. For me, I use the same photo of myself everywhere. LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, About.Me, all have the same photo. Which, I had professionally taken. Not only is it my favorite picture of myself, but it was not that expense to have done. (Unfortunately my hair has now completely changed so I need a new one, but that's another story...guess I need an update :)
Your photo is your first impression with Social Media, and your profile on LinkedIn is no exception. This is a great opportunity to make sure your photo is expertly edited and uploaded to your profile. You can easily outsource or delegate this job to an online manager and you certainly do not need to take the time yourself. Any good online manager or virtual assistant should be able to do this for you within an hour or so. Even I am learning to delegate more, and once you get the hang of it, it really is great. I am so much more productive with my time.
Back to photos, as I mentioned before, one benefit of a great photo is you can then use it everywhere. Consistently using the same one across all your social media will help you become more recognizable and builds your brand. Then as you attend networking events, chat or comment in online groups, etc people will begin to feel familiar with you and develop a trusted connection. Imagine when a potentially prosperous contact reaches out to you, all because of your LinkedIn profile.
Have you been deprived of exposure lately just because you have less than a complete profile? What will you do?
When you are really ready to maximize LinkedIn, update your profile to reflect all your current experience. Again this is something you can easily delegate and any good virtual assistant or online manager can help. Give them a copy of your resume and let them take a stab at it. It doesn't have to be perfect, and sometimes someone else's perspective can be really beneficial. Then you can take a look at it yourself and make personal edit adding information relevant to your industry.
Don’t hesitate to promote your individual accomplishments and remember that your current updates posted will be shared and read within the networks you belong. I link a lot of my social media posting together, so when I post in Twitter it ties to my Facebook and/or LinkedIn. I do try to keep LinkedIn more business related and relevant.
In essence, Linked in could easily be one of several sites that you delegate the upkeep to a virtual assistant or online manager. They can easily keep it updated for you and send to you for review before they post on your behalf. Monitoring your social media, including LinkedIn, your blog, website, Facebook Business page, Twitter, etc. and keeping them current, fresh and relevant, you will build your online presence and attract new leads and prospects to your business. And who wouldn't want that?
I'd love to hear your thoughts on LinkedIn. It would be great to connect!
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