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How Can I Use LinkedIn Carefully?

by pmmorris
7 replies
So I am getting ready to get on LinkedIn and start reaching out to possible leads, however I have a concern. I currently have a LinkedIn profile for my day job, using my job's email address, I am a consultant and both my consultant firm and the customer with whom I work for onsite, both use LinkedIn very heavily. I am planning on creating a whole new profile setup for my Offline Marketing business however I do not want to risk my co-workers from either company coming across my new profile and me getting some flack and possibly losing my job because of it.

For the time being is it frowned upon using a "pen name" and stock picture on LinkedIn when starting out given the above mentioned circumstance? Now the industry that I am targeting for my Offline business are not in the same industry by any means, however I would need to have a profile that is built around my offline offerings and would not make sense to use my current profile.

I am looking for any suggestions you may have!

Thanks in advanced!

--Paul
#carefully #linkedin
  • Profile picture of the author mojo1
    Please tread carefully. Linkedin's algorithm is eerily accurate when it comes to making suggestions of others you might know or be interested in knowing.
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    • Profile picture of the author pmmorris
      Originally Posted by mojo1 View Post

      Please tread carefully. Linkedin's algorithm is eerily accurate when it comes to making suggestions of others you might know or be interested in knowing.
      That's my concern, which I was why thinking of creating a "Pen Name" profile and stock profile photo, using an email based off my domain site. I am wondering (hoping) that will be enough to throw off the "scent of the trail"
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      • Profile picture of the author AmarieP
        Originally Posted by pmmorris View Post

        That's my concern, which I was why thinking of creating a "Pen Name" profile and stock profile photo, using an email based off my domain site. I am wondering (hoping) that will be enough to throw off the "scent of the trail"
        You could try but people want to connect with real people not a stock photo. This might turn people off from you.

        Do you have an old pic that doesn't look like you anymore? lol that's the only thing I can think of.
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        • Profile picture of the author pmmorris
          Originally Posted by AmarieP View Post

          You could try but people want to connect with real people not a stock photo. This might turn people off from you.

          Do you have an old pic that doesn't look like you anymore? lol that's the only thing I can think of.
          The photo makes sense, I can figure something else out (use an uncle or a friends photo etc.) I guess my bigger concern was using a pen name on LinkedIn, I wasn't sure how frowned upon this was in both the IM and the LinkedIn world? I would obviously make sure that I am using the same name in all my correspondence with my clients, LinkedIn, Website, Emails etc.
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          • Profile picture of the author AmarieP
            Originally Posted by pmmorris View Post

            The photo makes sense, I can figure something else out (use an uncle or a friends photo etc.) I guess my bigger concern was using a pen name on LinkedIn, I wasn't sure how frowned upon this was in both the IM and the LinkedIn world? I would obviously make sure that I am using the same name in all my correspondence with my clients, LinkedIn, Website, Emails etc.
            A lot of people in the IM business use an alias. Like you said just make sure to keep it consistent throughout everything you do and you should be fine.

            I hope you find a solution. Linkedin is a great place to get clients, that is where I get most of my clients.
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            • Profile picture of the author pmmorris
              Originally Posted by AmarieP View Post

              A lot of people in the IM business use an alias. Like you said just make sure to keep it consistent throughout everything you do and you should be fine.

              I hope you find a solution. Linkedin is a great place to get clients, that is where I get most of my clients.
              Thank You!
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  • Profile picture of the author Preeti
    PMMorris, LinkedIn's policy is that you're only allowed 1 account. I know others have told me that they've been able to successfully have more than 1 account but because I rely heavily on LinkedIn for prospecting..I don't mess with their policies.

    You could create a generic profile but the whole point is to brand and position yourself. People like seeing your real face, reading about who you are and of course, it's all about those recommendations and making connections.

    I know it's difficult with a full-time job..but any way you can add your offline business as a side-thing? Or would that pose a conflict of interest with your current position..? I mean if you're not consulting currently for marketing...it shouldn't be an issue..depends on how understanding your manager is about the situation too..I worked at a Fortune 500 company and many of my coworkers had side/weekend businesses and it wasn't an issue..

    Hope this helps..sorry I wasn't able to offer a clear cut solution!
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