LinkedIn Is

LinkedIn Is

LinkedIn Strategies December 10, 2021

LinkedIn Is

LinkedIn Is

​At first glance, LinkedIn.com seems a little more complicated than some other social media networks. But, in reality it's simple. LinkedIn.com provides a straight forward way for individuals and business owners to hire, market and sell in an innovative and new way. It's a step up from Facebook in that it's a site for professionals. You will find a different quality of posts on LinkedIn. Overall, the content on LinkedIn has a more professional tone and is a little more conservative than other social media platforms. Once you become more familiar with what LinkedIn is , it is more than likely that you will also see it as an excellent platform to cultivate professional relations and business connections. You may just need to practice and learn how to use LinkedIn.
 
As a newbie, you want to get started using this tool fast, so here is the lowdown on using LinkedIn.com.

Use a Free Account

At least at first, there is no need to upgrade your account to a paid LinkedIn.com account. The free version provides more than you'll need until you become accustomed to and use all the features the free version has. With a free account you can:
 

• Create a Professional Profile
• Build a Network of Connections or Contacts
• Join Other People's Networks
• Participate in & Create Groups
• Search for Companies, Jobs & People
• Send Messages & Get Answers
• Make Comments on Posts
• Use Various Applications
• Set Up Personalized Searches

 
The paid or Premium version has all those features plus, you can send emails to people who you don't know. In addition, you get priority customer service, more search results, and more. Plus, you get access to other users’ full name in their profile.
 
You can upgrade at any time, so until you are accustomed to the vast features of the free account there is no reason to get a Premium account from the start. Joining is quick and easy. Go to the Home Page and look for the Sign-Up window to register. Fill this out using your full real name and the email address you use most. Be cautious about using your work email unless you own the business.

Set Up Your Profile

The system will guide you through the steps to complete much of your profile. Keep in mind that in most cases you can go back and edit later, but why not fill it out as accurately as possible now? This will eliminate the need to edit later. You should fill everything out as completely and as honestly as possible in a professional manner.
 
Currently there are several parts to your profile:
 

• Your Name – This should, of course, be your real name that you use in business. Don't try to be clever and use a fake name. This is your online professional identity and you must be yourself.
• Your Headline – This will appear under your name, and should describe what you do, not where you work. Think in terms of using keywords and keyword phrases separated by the pipe symbol instead of a sentence or phrase.
• Your Photograph – This should be a photo of your face without a distracting background. People want to see the real you that includes your eyes, nose, and mouth. This is not the time to put the photo of you downing giant margaritas, this is the time to demonstrate your most professional image.
• The ABOUT section – The “ABOUT” section of your LinkedIn profile is a vital part of your LinkedIn presence. You have 2,000 characters to give readers a brief snapshot of who you are. (LinkedIn is currently rolling out an expanded character count for the About section — all users will have 2,600 characters when it’s fully rolled out). When looking at the LinkedIn profile on a desktop computer, first 2-3 sentences of the profile will be visible with a “see more” link. When someone is using the LinkedIn app on a mobile phone or device, only the first six words of your About section will appear. So, the first 2-3 sentences need to instantly entice your prospects to read the rest of your profile.
• Your Work History / Experience – Include every aspect of your work history that relates to your goals with your LinkedIn.com account. For instance, if you used to be a Bookkeeper 20 years ago and you have had a career change since that time, then you may want to keep your audience more focused on the present and no so much on what is not relevant to you anymore. It’s ok to list that experience; however, not with too much detail.
• Extras – You'll notice on LinkedIn.com that within the profile are some extra little spots that you can add information to such as videos, images, and documents. You can add these later if you're not ready.
• Education – This is self-explanatory. We must use this section to include our education and any certificates or additional professional development that adds value to our profession.

 
There are other important parts in your profile like the Recommendations or Endorsements sections. But to start, let’s just focus on the above. This is only to get you started.

It's Important to Participate

​Now that you have your profile up, it's time to make some connections. Start with people with whom you've worked at any of the jobs you've listed in work history, and any fellow students at the schools you've attended.  Connect to them, and ask for recommendations right away. Send them personalized requests though, don't send them in bulk as it helps to remind the individual what you did with and / or for them in the former position to get a more targeted recommendation.
 
Next, join a few targeted groups consisting of your target audience. Your target audience is dependent upon your goals for using LinkedIn.com. If you're using it to expand your business you will need to join groups that consist of potential buyers. If you are using it to network to help you move up in your career you want to join groups that have potential colleagues. Once you join the groups, participate in the groups to get the full benefit.

​As you get accustomed to using LinkedIn.com you'll find more ways in which it can expand your reach and increase your connections. Keep going, and it will pay off.

SOURCE: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/LinkedIn-Is

About the Author

Mandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes.
Feel free to connect with Mandy Fard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandyfard/
Please follow Market-Connections Resume Services on LinkedIn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/market-connections-resume-services.com