LinkedIn has become a primary resource for networking and business connections. Clients and prospects use it as a first resource to vet a potential business partner or colleague. It’s important to continually update and revise your profile to make sure it reflects your experience and expertise. While you can certainly update more frequently, you should at least examine your details annually to assure you are making a lasting, positive impression.
Here are steps to update your LinkedIn profile:
- Headshot – be sure you have a great photo of yourself. People relate much more quickly with faces rather than the grey blob that appears when you setup your account.
- Background photo – Use an image that represents your field, location, or interests. This is your chance to shed some creative insights on you as a person.
- Headline – Do NOT simply list your job title. Add detail about your current role, accomplishments, or expertise.
- Tell your story – Use this opportunity to go further than just listing your experience and skills. Talk about you, how you got where you are, your passions, what intrigues you about what you do. This is a great way to connect with your clients and prospects on a human level. Think of this as your elevator pitch.
- Contact – Let people know how to reach you. Make sure your contact information is current. Add your work phone, email, social handles, firm website, and any other way for your network to connect with you.
- Skills – This is an important part of your LinkedIn profile and helps search engines find you. Highlight your experience and expertise!
- Content – Create and share thought leadership articles and content. This is a great way to generate leads and network connections while setting yourself apart as an industry expert.
- Testimonials – Consider asking colleagues and clients to write a recommendation based on your work together. Take full advantage of the endorsement and recommendations section. Let your network sing your praises!
- Interests – Find and follow groups and people who share your interests or are in your industry. Connecting with people and groups will help expand your network and help you stay current on trends and best practices. This is also a great way to find content to share with your clients and prospects.
- Network and Connect – Make connections that make sense for you and your business goals. Find like-minded individuals, those who may be referral sources, prospects, and thought leaders. Like, comment, share content that is relevant. Stay connected with clients and prospects. Share articles with them that are relevant to their business. This will help keep you top of mind and let them know you understand their business, needs and goals.
