Regular LinkedIn users will have seen that Linkedin has changed significantly over the last few months. Not only does it look different but a number of features have disappeared while others have arrived. Here is a brief review of six areas on LinkedIn of which every professional should be aware...
Whats new in LinkedIn?
Regular LinkedIn users will have seen that Linkedin has changed significantly over the last few months. Not only does it look different butn that Linkedin has changed significantly over the last few months. a number of features have disappeared while others have arrived.
Here is a brief review of six areas on LinkedIn of which every professional should be aware by Sabra Swinson from Cerco Communications:
New profile pages
Since profiles are the most viewed pages on LinkedIn, the new-look profile page is arguably the most significant change to LinkedIn in 201
The new visual design makes it easy to easier to make an impressive first impression but instantly highlights incomplete information, the lack of a picture or an inappropriate, casual ‘snap’ rather than a professional image.
However, it makes it much easier to see contacts and companies in your network and to start developing a relationship with target clients.
But do check that your entire profile is visible to search engines – go to Customize Your Public Profile to do this
Tip: Invest in a professional picture of yourself
Professional gallery
The Linkedin Events application was switched off last autumn, having already stopped supporting the Google Presentations application (which enabled you to embed a video into your LinkedIn profile).
However, they have made it easy to add any visual content (i.e. video, photo, presentation, document, etc.) into your LinkedIn profile by simply inserting a link.
So now you can add a Slide Share presentation, YouTube video or even an Instagram photo at the touch of a button.
You can edit the titles (which appear in the above thumbnails) as well as the description (which appears when someone views your specific content).
Also, you can add your professional gallery at the end of your Professional Summary (which is recommended) or below any of your work experience or education sections.
If you have a lot of visual content sprinkle the pieces amongst various parts of your profile but always keep it relevant. This is not Facebook and videos of you at a recent party should not appear!
Tip: Upload any keynote presentations of which you are particularly proud as it added to your professional reputation.
Endorsements
You have probably received those notifications that Fred Smith has endorsed you for a skill. If you do not know Fred, and he could not possibly know how good you are, you may wonder at the value of the endorsement.
However, be grateful as any potential client looking at your profile will expect to see that you have a number of endorsements.
In a way, it is a quicker, visual version of the LinkedIn testimonial. You can Manage Endorsements and delete them but they can be useful.
When you receive an unexpected endorsement, use it as a way to connect with the sender. Who knows who they know?
Tip: Make sure that you add a wide range of Skills to your Profile so that you look a well-rounded professional and so contacts can endorse you. Ensure that your Skills link those of your target clients.
Interests
The interests section has been overlooked by many in the past but is an increasingly useful section.
When you view the profile of someone else, you are looking for information that can help you connect with that person and can be used as a conversation starter.
LinkedIn is now handing you this information on a plate by showcasing your common interests on a widget on the right hand side of every profile you visit.
The Interests section has always been a part of your LinkedIn profile and was often overlooked as being of secondary importance.
Reconsider the value of this area and fill it up with keywords that will hopefully create commonalities with those that you want to attract to your profile – and reach out to you as a result.
After all, if you a mountaineer and the CEO of a target company listed ‘Mountaineering’ amongst their interests, it could make all the difference and give you an advantage over your competition when pitching for work.
Tip: Add all your interests, however arcane, but don’t make them up!
Groups and companies
You’ve always had the chance to hide specific Groups that you are a member of from displaying on your profile, but now LinkedIn has added those news categories that you follow on LinkedIn Today, as well as any Companies that you follow, to your profile.
While this is a section that will more than likely be delegated to the bottom of your profile, it is still an area that becomes part of your LinkedIn brand. Ensure that you are comfortable with the images that are appearing and make changes if you feel they might take away from your branding.
Tip: Review your groups and companies on a regular basis. Groups showing no activity or which no longer relevant should be deleted to make way for more useful ones. Any companies that you follow currently attracting negative publicity should be re-considered.
Widen your reach
We have all seen people on LinkedIn with large numbers of connections and you may wonder why they have so many, as clearly they cannot know all of them personally.
The reason is that it gives them greater connectivity to potential clients and suppliers, as well as greater visibility generally on Linkedin.
Every additional connection you make gives you the ability to find, and be found, by many more people – which can only be good!
Tip: If you really want to raise your profile consider a professional membership. Not only does it give you far greater visibility, it also enables you to send messages to those beyond your current network and see who has been looking at your Profile.
See http://www.linkedin.com/mnyfe/subscriptionv2?displayProducts=&family=general&commpare_acct=
for the benefits.
Article by Sabra Swinson from Cerco Communications
