BY MARC W. HALPERT
For 2015, resolve to present yourself the best you can, to give back the best you can and to demonstrate why you do what you do. This is all possible on LinkedIn, but you have to work it and make it work for you. Some tips:
Improve your entire LinkedIn profile to tell why you do what you do and how you do what you do. Overcome the fear of talking about yourself; rather, show your value proposition.
- Marc W. Halpert
Make warm, personalized LinkedIn connection requests. Remind the addressee where you met and tell how you can help them. Just like in real life: Engage the person, rather than making a hit-and-run request. Never send a boilerplate introduction.
Consider updating your headshot. Resolve to work with a professional photographer to make yourself look as good as the brand you represent. Your photo follows you all over LinkedIn, so make it show you as approachable and vibrant.
Add video and slide presentations to your LinkedIn personal profile. Think of it like a TV ad for your brand.
Use key word strategies ”“ get found in searches to get the best from LinkedIn. It”™s a search engine. Be found by allowing others to easily find you via search terms in your headline, summary and experience sections.
Beef up your LinkedIn company profile page to make it show off your products/services. Encourage followers on your company profile page and give them something to follow you for, such as news.
Use showcase pages on the company profile page to call extra attention to products, services and events you want to strategically highlight. Think of this as a free spot for advertising.
Connect your blog, about.me, website and Twitter to your LinkedIn personal and company profiles to make you accessible to multiple audiences.
Expand the volunteer and causes section on your personal profile; show how you give back to your community as part of your professional identity. Signal if you want to serve on a board or supply pro bono services in your area of expertise.
Take advantage of long-form posts and grow your following with intelligent observations and perceptions everyone can relate to and learn from.
“Like,” comment or share others”™ news and congratulate others on work anniversaries.
Cull your list of LinkedIn connections, removing connections from those you do not have an affinity for or those you connected with so long ago that you don”™t recall who they are or what they do.
Re-evaluate the list of LinkedIn groups you belong to and participate actively in the ones that make the most sense.
Marc W. Halpert (linkedin.com/in/marchalpert) is based in Fairfield. His company, Connect2Collaborate, spreads his LinkedIn and networking message. He trains nonprofits, corporations, small businesses and professional practices, and coaches individuals. Call 203-373-0875 or email marchalpert@gmail.com.
