Is your LinkedIn profile working for you, with you? Or is it just lying there, closing its eyes and thinking of England?
Many of my colleagues have espoused the virtues of LinkedIn and its ability to create business leads. Others, however, have expressed dismay that their profile seems to be not much more than an online version of their résumé.
So what’s the difference? Why does LinkedIn work so effectively for some and not for others?
Jeff Haden has a theory. In a very good blog post entitled “How to Create a LinkedIn Profile That Really Connects” (killer headline there, Jeff), Haden relays 6 steps for transforming your LinkedIn summary into a business-building tool. They are:
1. Think of your summary as an elevator pitch.
2. Think first person.
3. Write it yourself.
4. Think keywords.
5. Stick to two to three paragraphs.
6. Keep revising and updating it.
Now, just to be clear, Haden’s post is by no means comprehensive. But his six tips are a decent starting point for anyone looking to optimize the $24.95 monthly investment.
Have a look at the post; it’s good stuff. Oh, and don’t forget to review the Reader Comments below his post. They contain some additional tips and links from recruiters.
Speaking of which: Do you have your own advice for turbocharging a LinkedIn profile page? Dish, peoples, dish! Your comments are welcome.
