Five quick tips for using LinkedIn..

As many of you know, I enjoy using LinkedIn and have met many great people through it. On a daily basis I come across many profiles and am amazed at times when I read some of them. I have to admit, when I first started using LinkedIn, I just copied and pasted my resume, but over time, learned that it should be web friendly. So, since then I have updated it.  My profile isn’t perfect, but I wanted to give you some tips that will help you with yours.

Here are my five quick tips:

1. Write a good summary of your experiences. Many people do this and it really stands out from other profiles.  Highlight some major points in your career, ie. “Implemented a new system that saved my company X amount of money over x amount of years.” Not sure how to do this, ask a friend to help you. It will really pay off!

2. Like I said before, I copied and pasted my resume when I first started using LinkedIn. Over time, my LinkedIn profile evolved into something much different. Think of your LinkedIn profile more like an online portfolio. This will help you in setting the difference. Also, having a “web friendly” LinkedIn profile will help you be found by companies looking for somebody with your skills.

3. Recommendations! Recommend a few of the people you know and they will in turn recommend. Many profiles I come across do not have any recommendations. If you’re looking for a job or more clients, having a few recommendations will help and make you stand out from your competition.

4. Groups! What more can I say! This is the real power of LinkedIN. This is where you’ll meet new contacts, find tons of helpful information and help people find you by posting and answering questions. Many of my connections and friends always ask me how I have so many contacts and my #1 answer, is because of the groups. This is an awesome place to meet new people and I feel it’s still not utilized as best as it can be.

5. Use your full name! Many times I have seen something like “Doug M” instead of the persons full name. This wouldn’t help you if somebody meets you at a networking event or a potential employer is searching on your name. Use your full name, so people can find you.

I’ve been using LinkedIN for a few years now, and I am amazed by how much more I use it everyday and how much it has helped me network. Many of my friends who are either looking for employment or looking to expand their network for their businesses always ask me for tips, so I wanted to write a posting about using LinkedIn. I hope you find this information helpful.
Here are two books that I really enjoyed reading a few months ago. If you’re new to LinkedIn, read this book first – “I’m on LinkedIn Now What” by Jason Alba. Order the book now and you can read it over the holiday weekend. It’s a great book and it really helped me to utilize the power of LinkedIn.  The second book I recommend is, “How to really use LinkedIn” by Jan Vermeiren. This book is for both newbie’s and people that have been using LinkedIN for years. It will really help you.

Have you found a job using LinkedIN? I’d love to hear your feedback and any pointers that you have on using LinkedIN for either finding a new job or meeting new people.

Tagged as: Linked tips, LinkedIn