LinkedIn is an ideal platform for professional networking. It facilitates new business connections, and can help drive both business and professional development. It’s also a great recruitment tool.
Are you using its full potential? Like any social network, your LinkedIn profile will only be as good as the effort you put in.
Here are seven ways you can improve your profile:
- Add a professional photo (or at least a professional-looking photo)
LinkedIn is a professional networking space and you need to look the part. A potential business contact won’t take you seriously if your photo is from your last resort holiday holding a coconut cocktail. - Use your headline space wisely
This is where you need to put your thinking cap on – what words would you expect others to type into the search function to find you? Make sure those words are in your headline. If you need some inspiration, try Google AdWords Keyword Tool. - Complete your profile
Sounds obvious, but make sure your profile is up-to-date with all of your experience and skills filled in. You don’t want to miss an opportunity because your profile isn’t complete. Remember to be honest – your colleagues are also on LinkedIn, it’s very easy to see when the truth is being stretched. - Network, network, network
Connect with colleagues, suppliers, former managers, even classmates. Ask any appropriate connections for a recommendation and recommend or endorse your connections’ skills where relevant. - Follow companies you are interested in
You might like to do business with them, you may want to work there one day, or you may just like the way they operate. Use LinkedIn as an opportunity to show your interests and improve your business knowledge. - Join groups
Join any relevant industry-related groups. Participate in conversations and use it as a chance to show your expertise to people from your industry. You never know who you might be impressing. Take the opportunity to learn from others in your field too. - Remember LinkedIn is a social network
Be active, and show your enthusiasm and hard-working ethic to potential new business opportunities. Update your status with relevant and professional content and show the effort you are putting in to maintain your profile. Connect with like-minded people working in your industry and broaden your networks.
What do you consider a must-have for LinkedIn networking? Post your tips below:
