Social Networking

Today using Social Media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, you will find that there are million ways to expand your business network, however you may want a more focused business network so as to develop long term professional relationships that can enhance your business growth. LinkedIn was specifically designed for business people to network together and thus is a very useful platform to network with other members of your niche area.

Because it is a business oriented social networking website its primary purpose is to integrate small business networks together. This post looks at a few effective methods to improve your business profile so that you can take full advantage of this very effective social network and market to potential customers as well as enhance your business’ growth potential and if looking for a job how LinkedIn can help get you head hunted.

Be Original

The descriptions you provide in your profile must sound like your own voice. You can freely use words like ‘I’ and express your personal opinions and feelings in a way that markets your best points naturally.This entails thinking of your profile as a stand up conversation with someone you have just met and them asking you ‘tell me about yourself’.

Try to use job descriptive terms or specific words when adding your qualifications. Use ‘doing words’ like dynamic, self starter etc anything that will grab attention but still be believable and truly describe your best professional assets. It may even be useful to use a management glossary here but remember keep it natural in the way you would speak with someone face-to-face.

Your words must reflect your basic abilities like ‘leadership’ and ‘team-work’. At the same time, avoid using clichés and do not repeat the information.

Promote Yourself As The Brand

The idea of you using LinkedIn is to be out there to market yourself, so think in terms of building a brand for yourself called ‘Brand Me’. You can also write a ‘personal tagline’ under your name, which is great as this tagline follows your name in search engine hits. The tagline must be as catchy and as crisp possible. A well written tagline shows your wit and creates a big impression with first time viewers.

Some people just add their designation as tagline which may work if the designation is strongly recognised. The summary section should be filled in with the intent of creating an interest among viewers of your profile. The summary must be meaningful and technical words related to your industry can be used.

You need to do some research to find words describing your skill sets. Recruiters use them as filtering criteria. These types of words can be easily found by doing research on search engines. I do not really understand why but people seem to ignore tips in the same way they do not like reading help files, taking directions or reading instructions. These tips are there to help you get the best from your profile so use them, they appear on the right side of your profile. Do not forget to add a profile photograph to give that finishing touch.

Click on Edit Profile in LinkedIn

Explaining Your Work Experience

Your past work experience always counts on your resume, so it is always advisable to describe each job you have done fairly comprehensively, this lends weight to people seeing you are experienced in your field and quite possibly an expert. Do fill in your proper designation and job responsibilities along with the time lines for these. If there are any gaps in between the employments, do not try to cover them up instead give a brief explanation i.e. took a gap year travelling.

Definitely highlight any achievements while working this is a great place to get recommendations. LinkedIn also provides a feature where you can get ‘Recommendation’ from your colleagues and seniors. The recommendations can prove your credibility and earn you respect in your business networks.

Adding Additional Interests

The section ‘Additional information’ allows you to add your interests, hobbies and future plans. If you have constructive hobbies, then they can be mentioned in such a way that they correlate with your career choices. You can add websites that showcase your abilities or passions. If you write a blog or have any pieces you have written for work that do not break any codes then you can also post its link here. If you’re an award winner recognized by peers, customers or employers, then add yourself some prestige without bragging by listing them here.

Then Choose the Information You Wish To Edit

Promote Your Profile Online

There are lot of forums on various social networks related to your business interests where you can post your comments. This way you can engage other people into a conversation and exchange useful thoughts and at the same time establish your identity. People will be compelled to visit your profile if they like your comments. You can also list up to three websites in the ‘blue box’ on your Profile.

It is better to put the links to web pages or blogs created by you. This is one way of getting backlinks and increasing search engine page rankings. Lastly and very importantly is to find people in your business circles on LinkedIn and add them to your network.

It is a known fact that many top recruiters now filter resumes through LinkedIn profiles and many people have been headhunted in this way. This new way of business networking through LinkedIn is indeed beneficial for business and it is therefore important to make full use of it.