This is just another article letting you know what an important resource LinkedIn is, but in talking with many of my clients, there are still many more who should be joining the LinkedIn family. So this is for you!
I could’ve entitled this post “5 Reasons…” or “10 Reasons….” (or more), but these three reasons should be enough to convince you to set up camp on LinkedIn and add it to your bag of online personal branding tools.
Reason #1: Your Living and Breathing Resumé
I know this might seem painfully obvious, but if you think it’s just an online location to list your resumé items then you’re not getting the full impact of how well this can work for you.
This is a place where you can dynamically present all aspects of who you are and what you bring to the table. With applications you can add videos, your blog, your portfolio.
Constantly update your information with current projects as well as what you’ll have to offer employers or clients in the future. Write your copy so that it’s engaging. Really try to draw your readers in and let them know how cool you are and how cool it would be to work with you.
You can also get recommendations from other LinkedIn members to add to your profile. Get as many of these as you possibly can. (Don’t forget to give some too!)
Reason #2: Getting a Better Idea of Who You Are Hiring
Okay, another reason that probably seems painfully obvious. But, just as in reason #1, if you’re thinking you’ll just be going through dry profile after dry profile then you will be pleasantly surprised.
Sure, you’ll see your share of boring profiles of people who just don’t get how to really use LinkedIn. But you’ll also find people who DO get it. You’ll get a much broader view of what a prospective employee has to offer. You’ll easily be able to separate those who do love and are excited about what they do from those who just need a job. (or that’s how their profile can read)
How are these people engaging with others on LinkedIn? How are they participating and contributing to conversations, answering questions. All this can give you a much better picture of what this person could do for you.
Reason #3: A Growing Number of Powerful Resources
For me, I’ve saved the best for last. LinkedIn gives you a community of people involved in all aspects of business. There are a lot of great experts, and even just helpful people on LinkedIn and you can probably get the answer or a number of good solutions for any problem you’re having.
LinkedIn Groups are awesome! Check out the Groups on LinkedIn. If you’re my clients who are using WordPress, definitely join the WordPress group on LinkedIn. There you’ll find people who love to share information about the software and all things related to WordPress. Looking for a plugin that will help you do something on your website? Ask the group. It can save you a lot of time in searching for the right plugin, and you’ll be hearing from people who have hands-on experience.
LinkedIn Answers is great too. Ask Questions. Get Answers. Give Answers. That’s the flip side. If a potential employer is looking through your information on LinkedIn, they’ll be able to see how involved you are on relevant topics. They’ll see how helpful and knowledgeable you are. No static resumé is going to do that for you.
Okay, That’s That.
Are you on LinkedIn already? No? Then get over there as soon as possible and dive in.
Yes? Then are you taking advantage of all that LinkedIn offers you in helping you dynamically develop your personal-professional (sounds like an oxymoron doesn’t it?) online brand? Use the apps to include exciting things in your profile. Video, blogs, portfolio, etc…)
What are some of your favorite features of LinkedIn?
