See part one here
My previous article introduced you to my first five tips for improving your LinkedIn profile. If you've followed and applied these, you're well on your way – but there's still more to do.
Here are the final five top tips to improve your LinkedIn profile:
6. Create a Professional Introduction
On LinkedIn, you'll often only get one chance to introduce yourself. Potential clients only see a small headline and your name when they make a search, so you need to make sure this is relevant and effective.
By default, your headline will be your last job title. As a networking introduction – which is what your headline should be treated as – this is not very helpful.
As an example, this is mine: ‘Straight talking advice for Consultants and Coaches to help them Attract Clients and Win More Business.' Rather than simply detailing my last position, my headline is designed to tell people exactly what I can do for them.
Click on the ‘Edit my Profile' option and update yours today.
7. Use Relevant Discussion Groups to Network – But Be Cautious
Using groups can be a great way to find out the latest news and advice from people in sectors or areas you are interested in. It's more than possible to meet clients and generate business in this way, but be careful.
I've found it's easy to fall into the trap of simply chatting away, rather than networking or doing anything of actual use.
One key tip is to look at the group statistics. You want to look out for groups with lots of comments, rather than lots of discussions. This suggests members are actively engaging with each other.
8. Think Carefully About Your Status Updates
Status updates should be viewed as a way to gently push your activity and achievements to your connections. These updates will be displayed on contacts' home pages, and possibly in round-up emails LinkedIn distributes.
It's a far less intrusive way of updating contacts than email, so make sure you keep your network up-to-date on your activity.
As an example of how this can work, I recently wrote a short status about some courses I'd run on marketing for consultants. An old colleague of mine got in touch as a direct result of the update.
The status can also be used to promote your Blog, but post with restraint. Too many updates will only irritate contacts.
9. Pay Attention to Other People's Updates
Spotting a status update that is relevant to your line of work gives you an ideal excuse to get back in touch.
Not every contact needs to be business related. Simply sustaining contact with a connection will mean you remain on their radar.
10. Understand the Value of LinkedIn –
But Don't Overdo It
Don't waste too much time fussing over your profile. Follow these tips, and make it appealing to clients, but don't use it to procrastinate.
Wasting time chatting and making hundreds of minor tweaks will not bring any new business in, so make sure you stay focussed on your objectives.
Using LinkedIn effectively will help you to create a network of individuals who would recommend your work, and give you the opportunity to use your contacts to gain introductions to possible clients.
I'll be writing more about how to do this soon.