LinkedIn is a powerful networking and relationship building tool in today’s fast paced business world. Social media platforms can be intimidating, having their own unique algorithms and requirements.
Here are my tips for optimizing your LinkedIn strategy:
Establish Credibility. On LinkedIn you have a small amount of profile real estate to establish your professional credibility. Being that the profile picture and header image section is the first profile section your connections see, keep these areas impactful. Your header image especially should have consistent branding with a photo/logo that establishes your credibility. For example, if you’ve won a prestigious award in your community, spoken at a well-known conference, or worked with a company find a way to include that in your header image.
Messaging. Utilize LinkedIn’s notifications to build your relationships. When you receive a notification that a connection of yours has been promoted, made a career shift, or is celebrating a work anniversary send a 2-3 sentence message letting them know you’re thinking about them an looking forward to seeing their content.
Engage. As you interact with posts on your feed, those posts along with your comments and likes will show up in the feed of your connections. Set aside 4-5 minutes a day to interact with industry related content, news, or individuals. This helps keep your name at the top of your connection’s feeds and stay up to date on industry news.
Your Network. While it is standard to send follow up emails after you meet someone at a networking event, always connect with them on social media platforms. Their business card won’t jump off your desk when they get a promotion, it is their birthday, or they’ve won a prestigious award. Staying connected on social media helps the relationship to flourish even when you can’t meet for coffee or lunch.
What has been a successful LinkedIn strategy for you or your company?
