LinkedIn Part III - Learning | BWJ

I have a few final thoughts for getting the most out of LinkedIn.  Afterward, I'll briefly wrap-up the keys to success from Parts 1, 2 and 3.  Here are some 'big-picture' points that we can't forget (for the full LinkedIn advice page, click HERE):

• Become familiar with and use APPLICATIONS - These tools are a great way to show a little personality, as well as share some truly useful information about yourself.  There are many applications that LinkedIn allows you to use - I would suggest applying at least a couple of them (I currently have 'Reading List' (by Amazon), 'Polls' and 'Events').  By doing this, you're adding some spice to your profile, but you're also showing your connections that you know what you're doing.  It adds a comprehensive touch for anyone visiting you profile.
• Periodically post a short-link going to your LinkedIn profile to your Facebook, Twitter or Google+ accounts - Don't be afraid to share yourself and invite others to come join the party.  It's good to let your friends, co-workers and acquaintances know that you're active on another social network, and you're trying to make it a success.  Who knows what other connections this could lead to... (especially on Twitter - but that's for another day).
• Be active in making appropriate Introductions - This shows that you're able to not only maintain a network, but to use it.  Remember that your network isn't just for you, it's for everybody in your network.  By introducing others who may benefit from the connection, they'll remember this favor in the future.  I view this as the same principle as writing someone a positive, honest recommendation - it will always come back to you in one way or another.
• No dead profiles!  This is so easy to do on LinkedIn - set it up and then let it sit.... and sit..... and sit.  That adds zero value to you and everyone that you've connected with.  There's a better way:  I will be the first to admit that Facebook or Twitter can be extremely 'fun' and addicting.  Because of that, my personal rule of thumb is that every time I check my Facebook or Twitter, I also check my LinkedIn profile (which means I check it at least once per day).  Staying active has paid off in major ways.  Take the 7-day challenge:  Check it at least once-a-day for 7 days and see how it pays off for you.

This is all I want to cover at this point, so I'll make another quick wrap-up of Parts 1, 2 and 3:

• Use a LinkedIn profile picture
• Make sure that your profile is "100% Completed"
• Add a complete list of employers and positions
• Connections matter
• Use a catchy, accurate headline
• Update, Update, Update
• Join and ENGAGE in different groups
• Edit your LinkedIn URL
• Make your entire profile "Public to Everyone"
• Display recommendations on your profile
• Upload contacts from Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo!, etc.
• Add a "View My Profile on LinkedIn" to email signatures
• Become familiar with and use Applications
• Post shortlinks to your profile on other networks
• Be active in making introductions
• No DEAD PROFILES!

That will wrap us up on our LinkedIn segment.  Remember that everything here is different than your other social networks - this is the professional world.  Always make sure that your actions are appropriate and consider who will be seeing it/ what they will think because of it.

I hope that this has been helpful - feel free to make the connection on LinkedIn, or leave comments here for future posts.

Cheers!

BWJ