Your LinkedIn profile is the very first thing people are going to see when they reach out to you via a business profile like Linkedin. It is where, in a limited amount of words, you can make an excellent or mediocre impression. The sum of your experience, contacts, picture and a few other facts about yourself will be all that strangers will have to rely on, to form an opinion of you. And while this is not ideal, and certainly unconventional compared to how business was years ago, there are many advantages to meeting people professionally in this way. Here we intend to outline a few ways in which you can make the most of your LinkedIn profile.
1. Express Your Area of Expertise
Here, we are talking about going from general to very specific. Show what you are good at and make an effort to stand out from the thousands of other profiles related to the industry you are currently in. The more precise your specialty, the more valuable you will be to those searching for contacts and employees like you.
2. Use Resources other than Text
Including something to spice it up, as you would say, can make the experience of reading profile after profile less mind-numbing. What I mean by this is that text is boring. We are turning more and more to video, images, and links. And, there is no reason not to include one or two of these throughout your profile. Those who are reading your profile will both enjoy it and thank you for breaking the monotony.
3. Make Your Profile Interesting and Engaging
People often mistakenly treat their LinkedIn profile as a place to post their resume. Trust me when I say; that is a huge mistake. People who are searching profiles want to get a sense of who you are, what you value, and how they can experience richness by entering a business relationship with you. After all, if they do enjoy your profile, the next step is setting up a call or interview, but this will only happen if you set the right groundwork.
4. Remember to Sell Yourself
Some of us might brag as much as others, but when it comes to your LinkedIn profile page, it is nothing like Facebook or other social media. Those are where it is more about moments, and your interests, or what you think is funny. On LinkedIn, people are interested in finding out how your skills, connections, and experience can benefit them. It sounds a bit harsh, but it’s the truth. It is the place to show off your skills, your strong points, and market what you can bring to the table in a professional environment.
Conclusion
Like any other piece of reading material, you want to communicate your message to the audience. Creating an exciting story throughout your profile is what will create an action, which is what you want. As a final thought, as with any other social media account, being active and responsive is key. After all, it is still a social network. Remember to add value through reposting good content and sharing the things your connections post; as this will also help tell the story of who you are, and what you value.
