Use
LinkedIn like a Boss!
If you are like me, you probably thought all social
media sites were created equal. Wrong! LinkedIn is one of the most powerful
platforms for professionals out there. Now, I am not saying to ditch the other
social media outlets, but to be a boss and make boss career moves, you MUST be
on LinkedIn, period.
Now that we have established that LinkedIn is where
you want to be, let’s do it. If you
already have a LinkedIn account, kudos! If not, sign up immediately.
Get
in the Game
To begin, study the profiles of other top
professionals, especially those in your current or desired industry. Review
their headings/headlines; find out which groups they have joined and consider
the keywords they have chosen for their profiles. But while you are doing all of
this studying, remember that you must get in the game at some point and move
from spectator to participant.
Start
requesting recommendations
Wouldn’t it be convenient to leave your bulky recommendation
folder at home? Now you can! LinkedIn
allows you to request electronic recommendations that are available for immediate
review within your profile. Believe me, recruiters and hiring managers will definitely
check out this section. If you are shy about asking for recommendations, try
offering a few recommendations first. Then ask each person to reciprocate.
Start
connecting with others.
Linking up with others will expand your network,
increase opportunities, and allow you to build relationships. These relationships
will take you so much further than your skills and qualifications ever could.
If you are having trouble getting linked in to other
people, find out if someone you know can introduce you. Remember, even your
“bestie” knows or has access to someone you don’t know, so keep this avenue
open.
As with any social media outlet, use reasonable
judgment when connecting with others. In the meantime, have fun with it and
watch your network grow into relationships that will serve you well.
Position Yourself to be Seen
Now that you are in the game, it is time to improve
your visibility and show people how awesome you are and what you know. This
self-promotion is key if you are seeking employment or advancement in your
current career.
Creating and responding to industry-related posts are
game changing activities that should be part of your strategy to get noticed.
My LinkedIn connections almost tripled once I began creating new posts and
responding to what others posted. So did
my requests for employment. Since this is all a part of your strategy, you
should carefully plan what to say, keep up with what is going on in the
industry, and keep your profile in tip top shape.
Keep in mind that the photo you choose, the
header/headline under your profile, and your name are all that is visible when
you turn up in a LinkedIn search. These
should grab the searcher’s attention and leave him or her wanting to read more.
Play
where the bosses play
Joining LinkedIn groups allows you to interact with
like-minded professionals or key players in your industry. It will also give
you the opportunity to “absorb” from senior level professionals and stay
abreast of current trends. If you didn’t know, recruiters and hiring managers
hang out in these groups to find top talent.
Invite others to your playground
Be sure to list your LinkedIn
url on your other social media profiles.
It is quite common to visit a Twitter or Facebook page and be invited to
connect with that person via LinkedIn. Cross-promoting your LinkedIn page to
gain more connections will grow your connections quickly.
Tighten up on your follow-up
Practice following up when:
- Someone reviews your profile.
- Someone asks you to connect.
- After your invitation is accepted.
Begin the
relationship-building process immediately. Make a comment on that person’s
profile or point out some of your common interests. People often remember the
person they share conversations with.
Boss
Bonus
Change your LinkedIn url to
something that can be remembered and that represents who you are or who you
want to be. Here’s an example:
Easy to remember: www.linkedin.com/in/SallySmithCPA
Almost impossible to remember: www.linkedin.com/in/1576793
See what I mean? After all,
you are more than a number; you are a boss!
I would love to hear about
your success. You can find me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/devaycampbellcareercoach
This awesome blog post was contributed by Devay Campbell, owner of Career 2 Cents, a career advice and consulting firm.
A few of our CMB Mentors shared their wisdom and experiences during the #SheLeads2016 virtual conference. Our facilitators shared tips on networking, taking on leadership roles at work, self-care and more! Sign-up here and get access to some of these fantastic workshops!
