Are You Capitalizing on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is definitely one of the older social networks, but unlike some others, it hasn't become outdated or irrelevant. It's the world's largest professional network, and its reach and growth within the B2B industry just keeps expanding.
Here are some current statistics that will probably blow your mind. These all came from a DMR statistics report.
LinkedIn currently has 433 million users.
128 million of those people are in the US, meaning close to 70% of their users are outside of America.
Every second, there are 2 new LinkedIn members.
LinkedIn's members cross 200 countries and territories.
Adding a professional photo means you are 14X more likely to get found.
YOUR PROFILE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT
One of the biggest mistakes you can make on LinkedIn is not using a picture. The numbers speak for themselves on this one, but there's also another factor to consider -- real life networking! People will find it much easier to remember you, and look you up afterwards if they have a picture. You also need to ensure it's a professional photo that properly represents what you actually look like. Don't include your baby or your pet -- that's for your Facebook profile. This should be a professional headshot. Nothing more, nothing less.
Make sure to turn on your status update notifications. You want people to see when you've posted a new update or skill. Make sure that you are posting updates, but not about what you had for lunch. It's all about providing value. Do check your privacy setting though, especially if you'r looking for a new job. You don't want to inadvertently notify your employer before you're ready to make a move.
Don't skip over your summary. Unlike a traditional resume, you don't need to worry about cramming your entire professional life onto one page. This is your time to shine, and to really highlight your skills and personality. This is where you tell people why they should hire you, and what you bring to the table. Whether you're looking for a new job or prospecting clients, this is where that crucial first impression comes from.
Don't feel like you need to remove or eliminate past roles and jobs. Your history is what gives you experience and demonstrates you're not new to the game. Invest the time to complete your profile, and take advantage of every available section. Keywords are important to creating a profile that is easily found for relevant searches, so put some thought into how you would be searched before you start. Include your keywords in your title, your descriptions and summaries as many times as common sense allows.
TIPS & TRICKS TO CAPITALIZE ON LINKEDIN
Infographics are widely popular on LinkedIn. While they are great for any social network, they are particularly great for LinkedIn because this is where you need to establish yourself as an industry expert. Infographics are the ideal way to convert numbers and statistics in a meaningful, engaging and visual manner, that will actually be remembered.
The personal history you can see from simply connecting with someone on LinkedIn is huge. You could never approach someone on Facebook and ask them for their resume, just because you felt curious about their skills and past work. Because of the way LinkedIn works, a person's entire work history will be there. This information is extremely valuable when you're trying to learn abut people and connect with them in a meaningful way. It allows you to really get personal and figure out how you can provide value to that person.
Take full advantage of keywords within your profile. Really think about the keywords you are using, as more and more people are actively using the search functions. You want to include your keywords in as many places as possible, from your title to your various job descriptions. This isn't meant to be spammy, but to ensure people find you when they're looking for you. For example, if you're a social media manager, don't stop there. Include social media marketing, Facebook marketing, Instagram marketing, etc. Recruiters spend many house sifting through the results the find on LinkedIn, so make sure they can find you.
Use LinkedIn to share your content. Whether you post your latest blog through a status update, or publish directly on the platform, this is your chance to position yourself as the knowledgeable, helpful industry expert.
When you ask to connect, make sure you have a good reason. LinkedIn wants to stop people from being spammy or bothering others, so make sure you wear the white hat on this one. Don't aimlessly target and send people generic connection requests. If you're getting denied a lot, you'll get marked. The best way is to do your research, and send a personal message with each connection request. Make sure you're explaining why you're sending the connection request. Perhaps you studied the same thing in University, or live in the same town.
Find LinkedIn Groups that are relevant to your industry. These groups give you access to highly targeted communities, and are a fantastic way to connect with potential customers and like-minded people. Find a few groups and participate in them, to provide value and establish yourself as an expert. These groups are great places to share your content.
Use LinkedIn to research people, competitors and companies. Whether you're looking for press releases or competitive information, LinkedIn has a wealth of knowledge. Another thing you can use the search function for is uncovering any connections with potential targets. A quick search will show if you have a connection in common with someone already in your network, which gives you the opportunity to ask for an introduction, rather than making a cold call.
Use it to market yourself. If someone searches you online, they are going to see your LinkedIn profile. Make sure what they see demonstrates how great you are, what you can offer and what value you bring to the table. This is your online professional representation. A prospective employer, for example, will undoubtably Google you.
Although LinkedIn is one of the most powerful social media networks, it's really under-utilized by most people. Many refer to it as the professional Facebook, and it has come by that name honestly. If you work in the B2B industry, LinkedIn should be a top priority. If you use it properly, it will become a major source of business for you.
Melanie Dodaro, a LinkedIn expert and superstar, has written a book on cracking the code and also provides a whole bunch of free resources to help you up you LinkedIn game. Check out some of her free stuff here.
Here are some current statistics that will probably blow your mind. These all came from a DMR statistics report.
LinkedIn currently has 433 million users.
128 million of those people are in the US, meaning close to 70% of their users are outside of America.
Every second, there are 2 new LinkedIn members.
LinkedIn's members cross 200 countries and territories.
Adding a professional photo means you are 14X more likely to get found.
YOUR PROFILE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT
One of the biggest mistakes you can make on LinkedIn is not using a picture. The numbers speak for themselves on this one, but there's also another factor to consider -- real life networking! People will find it much easier to remember you, and look you up afterwards if they have a picture. You also need to ensure it's a professional photo that properly represents what you actually look like. Don't include your baby or your pet -- that's for your Facebook profile. This should be a professional headshot. Nothing more, nothing less.
Make sure to turn on your status update notifications. You want people to see when you've posted a new update or skill. Make sure that you are posting updates, but not about what you had for lunch. It's all about providing value. Do check your privacy setting though, especially if you'r looking for a new job. You don't want to inadvertently notify your employer before you're ready to make a move.
Don't skip over your summary. Unlike a traditional resume, you don't need to worry about cramming your entire professional life onto one page. This is your time to shine, and to really highlight your skills and personality. This is where you tell people why they should hire you, and what you bring to the table. Whether you're looking for a new job or prospecting clients, this is where that crucial first impression comes from.
Don't feel like you need to remove or eliminate past roles and jobs. Your history is what gives you experience and demonstrates you're not new to the game. Invest the time to complete your profile, and take advantage of every available section. Keywords are important to creating a profile that is easily found for relevant searches, so put some thought into how you would be searched before you start. Include your keywords in your title, your descriptions and summaries as many times as common sense allows.
TIPS & TRICKS TO CAPITALIZE ON LINKEDIN
Infographics are widely popular on LinkedIn. While they are great for any social network, they are particularly great for LinkedIn because this is where you need to establish yourself as an industry expert. Infographics are the ideal way to convert numbers and statistics in a meaningful, engaging and visual manner, that will actually be remembered.
The personal history you can see from simply connecting with someone on LinkedIn is huge. You could never approach someone on Facebook and ask them for their resume, just because you felt curious about their skills and past work. Because of the way LinkedIn works, a person's entire work history will be there. This information is extremely valuable when you're trying to learn abut people and connect with them in a meaningful way. It allows you to really get personal and figure out how you can provide value to that person.
Take full advantage of keywords within your profile. Really think about the keywords you are using, as more and more people are actively using the search functions. You want to include your keywords in as many places as possible, from your title to your various job descriptions. This isn't meant to be spammy, but to ensure people find you when they're looking for you. For example, if you're a social media manager, don't stop there. Include social media marketing, Facebook marketing, Instagram marketing, etc. Recruiters spend many house sifting through the results the find on LinkedIn, so make sure they can find you.
Use LinkedIn to share your content. Whether you post your latest blog through a status update, or publish directly on the platform, this is your chance to position yourself as the knowledgeable, helpful industry expert.
When you ask to connect, make sure you have a good reason. LinkedIn wants to stop people from being spammy or bothering others, so make sure you wear the white hat on this one. Don't aimlessly target and send people generic connection requests. If you're getting denied a lot, you'll get marked. The best way is to do your research, and send a personal message with each connection request. Make sure you're explaining why you're sending the connection request. Perhaps you studied the same thing in University, or live in the same town.
Find LinkedIn Groups that are relevant to your industry. These groups give you access to highly targeted communities, and are a fantastic way to connect with potential customers and like-minded people. Find a few groups and participate in them, to provide value and establish yourself as an expert. These groups are great places to share your content.
Use LinkedIn to research people, competitors and companies. Whether you're looking for press releases or competitive information, LinkedIn has a wealth of knowledge. Another thing you can use the search function for is uncovering any connections with potential targets. A quick search will show if you have a connection in common with someone already in your network, which gives you the opportunity to ask for an introduction, rather than making a cold call.
Use it to market yourself. If someone searches you online, they are going to see your LinkedIn profile. Make sure what they see demonstrates how great you are, what you can offer and what value you bring to the table. This is your online professional representation. A prospective employer, for example, will undoubtably Google you.
Although LinkedIn is one of the most powerful social media networks, it's really under-utilized by most people. Many refer to it as the professional Facebook, and it has come by that name honestly. If you work in the B2B industry, LinkedIn should be a top priority. If you use it properly, it will become a major source of business for you.
Melanie Dodaro, a LinkedIn expert and superstar, has written a book on cracking the code and also provides a whole bunch of free resources to help you up you LinkedIn game. Check out some of her free stuff here.