Optimizing Your LinkedIN Profile
LinkedIn has become the number one source for researching potential business partners. If you are in business, your LinkedIN profile should be well flushed out so people looking up information will get a very clear picture of your capabilities.
To help you flush out your profile we have compiled links to tutorials to assist you in accomplishing specific LinkedIN tasks. We would recommend you go through the whole list and do each item one by one, but if you are really time pressed, at least do the general and company profile portions.
General Profile
At the very least, your profile should contain the following information. Here are links for tutorials to add each piece:
- How to add a photo of yourself
- How to add a professional headline (be sure to include keywords for your profession)
- How to add a summary of your cumulative experience
- How to add all current and past job positions you have held
- How to add educational history
- How to add links to website or blog that you own/manage
- How to add honors and awards
Company profile
Companies have separate profiles than individuals. Many people do not realize this. When you add your work experience, you can type in the name of your company, but it’s better if you connect with the LinkedIN profile for your company. If your company does not have a profile, you should create one. Here are tutorials on connecting with your company profile:
- How to create a company profile
- How to edit an existing company profile
- Adding or removing your connection to a company profile
- How to delete people who are connected to your company profile but no longer with the company
Other Social Networks
If you have activities in other social arenas, you can pull in that information to give updates on your LinkedIN profile. This not only offers an easy way to keep your profile fresh, but also lets people know other areas where they can interact with you. Here are tutorials to make these connections:
- How to pull your Tweets into your LinkedIN profile
- How to pull RSS Feed of your lastest blog posts into your LinkedIN profile
- How to add a slideshow presentation from Slideshare, Box.net or Huddle
- How to add upcoming events
Recommendations
Receiving and giving recommendations are a way to add some great oomph to your profile. It’s not always easy to ask for recommendations, but it’s easier if you give one first. Choose people from various jobs so you have several recommendations for each position you’ve held. Here are tutorials for recommendations:
Groups
Groups are an excellent way to share your expertise and be noticed by others in your industry. Groups are a great way to start conversations, or get involved in valuable discussions. Join groups that are for your industry or include individuals in complimentary businesses. Here are tutorials for participating in groups:
- How to find & join a group
- How to start a discussion in a group
- How to reply to a discussion in a group
- How to customize your email notification settings for a group
- How to create a group
Conclusion
Are you in LinkedIN? Let’s connect! Also, what are your favorite groups in LinkedIN? Let us know in the comments.
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