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LinkedIn has revolutionized how we make professional connections with others. While networking on LinkedIn does not replace the genuine connection that can be made in a face-to-face interaction, it can be more efficient. It also provides more targeted opportunities to connect with other professionals than the randomness of networking events. Nonetheless, just like with face-to-face networking, first impressions are important on LinkedIn. Your profile is the first impression a potential contact will have of you. Since you only get one opportunity to make a first impression, here are three (3) tips to help you boost your profile on LinkedIn.
1) Your Professional Background: The descriptions you provide in your professional background will help to establish your credibility. Therefore, you should be extra mindful about the information you provide. Be sure to include more than your job descriptions; include your professional accomplishments. Did you increase your company's market share by 25%? Did you improve employee retention by 15%? Did you develop and implement a new system that increased efficiency? Here is your opportunity to showcase what you have achieved. This information will help others determine whether they will want to add you to their network or not.
2) Your Photo: Display a quality photo on your profile. Your photo will add a personable touch to your profile. Make sure your photo is clear and a good professional representation of you. If you don't have a good quality photo of yourself, leave that area on your profile blank until you get one. The cropped photo of you at your family picnic last summer won't cut it. The photo you select will speak volumes about the care you put into your professional presentation. Therefore, put your best foot forward and display a quality professional looking photo.
3) Your Recommendations: Aim to get at least one reference for each of your professional positions. But don't just aim for references from your colleagues; get references from your supervisors and high level clients who can attest to the quality of your work. This type of reference will speak volumes on your behalf and increase your stock as a professional contact.
These three (3) improvements will strengthen your credibility and enhance the first impression you make on a potential contact. Not only will you see an increase in the number of individuals who will want to connect with you, but you will see a marked improvement in quality of the person who will want to add you to his/her network.
1) Your Professional Background: The descriptions you provide in your professional background will help to establish your credibility. Therefore, you should be extra mindful about the information you provide. Be sure to include more than your job descriptions; include your professional accomplishments. Did you increase your company's market share by 25%? Did you improve employee retention by 15%? Did you develop and implement a new system that increased efficiency? Here is your opportunity to showcase what you have achieved. This information will help others determine whether they will want to add you to their network or not.
2) Your Photo: Display a quality photo on your profile. Your photo will add a personable touch to your profile. Make sure your photo is clear and a good professional representation of you. If you don't have a good quality photo of yourself, leave that area on your profile blank until you get one. The cropped photo of you at your family picnic last summer won't cut it. The photo you select will speak volumes about the care you put into your professional presentation. Therefore, put your best foot forward and display a quality professional looking photo.
3) Your Recommendations: Aim to get at least one reference for each of your professional positions. But don't just aim for references from your colleagues; get references from your supervisors and high level clients who can attest to the quality of your work. This type of reference will speak volumes on your behalf and increase your stock as a professional contact.
These three (3) improvements will strengthen your credibility and enhance the first impression you make on a potential contact. Not only will you see an increase in the number of individuals who will want to connect with you, but you will see a marked improvement in quality of the person who will want to add you to his/her network.
Copyright ©2009 Ellie Nieves
For more info: Visit Ellie's webpage at www.LeadershipStrategiesForWomen.com or send her an e-mail at ellie@ellienieves.com.
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