Do we even remember what to talk about at an industry networking event, such as a mixer during a convention? Think back to 2019 and earlier, before virtual became an industry descriptor.
Sarcasm aside, I miss them! But they’ll be back.
Those conversations are typically a combination of personal interests and business—a careful balance between your professional and your casual persona. If you’re like me, my subject matter with a group of my tennis buddies is different from my business conversations.
Much the same way, your content and representation on Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat are different from what you share on your LinkedIn profile and/or postings.
However, during these times, a lot of conversations are taking place on the Web. Now more than ever, our social media presence has risen to be a critical factor while conducting business, and it’s more important to consider when developing and upholding an image.
When considering your “digital footprint,” it bears being reminded: “Once you place something on the internet, it is there forever.” Employers, recruiters, and prospective employers find information about you while performing their due diligence, or, in some cases, when they’re just being curious.
Of course, there are always exceptions. You know them, those people who are always 100 percent professional, in control, perfectly manicured, and never in a photo wearing flip flops. Read next month’s story, The Power of Letting Go!, to learn how to loosen the reins on your social media presence—just kidding! Though, I do wonder if those people secretly cut loose sometimes.
As for LinkedIn, think of the platform, and your strategy, as an important industry mixer. With the rise in virtual trade shows and an emphasis on social distancing, online interaction is here to stay. That being said, you may seek to err on the side of caution and conservatism in order to maintain your professional image. LinkedIn provides us the opportunity to show our business side and a bit of one’s personality, too. It is not, however, a digital resume, and it is not going to sell you to an employer or a customer. And it is not Facebook or another “social” site. It is a self-introduction. If you’re looking for a job, a great LinkedIn profile provides enough information to be found and then compels the reader to want to learn more.
LinkedIn has a plethora of resources and how-to’s* to best optimize its platform, including how to market your profile. You can find some great tips on LinkedIn and on other sites. Here are some tips that I think will help you maximize your digital presence...
1. Choose the right assets
“A picture is worth a thousand words,” as they say, especially when your profile picture is the first thing people see when they open up your LinkedIn page. So, no fun Facebook photos or selfies here! Make sure the picture is recent and looks like you, your face takes up a majority of the frame, wear what you would normally wear to work, and smile! Remember to also customize your background photo. As it is the second visual element at the top of your profile page, be smart here! Steer away from political, religious, controversial, or offensive images that could possibly turn people away.
2. Get creative with your headline and summary
Take liberty with your headline and summary and convey to visitors who you really are. Use the headline field to go more in-depth about your role, why you do what you do, or what inspires you to work in this industry. Then, dive into the summary! Take this opportunity to step carefully into the personal introduction zone and share something about yourself. This is your most personal piece of content marketing—and it’s worth the effort.
3. List your relevant skills
Having a handy list of relevant skills is one of the quickest and most effective ways to market yourself on LinkedIn. It helps flush out and support your headline and summary and provides a platform for others to endorse you. Listing your skills will also boost your marketability and visibility in search results.
4. Exchange endorsements
Endorsements support skills and credibility, both for you and for your network. Identify connections or colleagues that you genuinely feel deserve an endorsement from you on particular skills, and that will often lead to them returning the favor.
5. Build business relationships
Be sure to make full use of the business-media feed by sharing articles and other brand content. It helps add an extra dimension to your own profile, and spotlighting your business to others is an added bonus.
LinkedIn is not meant to sell you, but it can market you and your personal brand. No matter what your position and/or desired end result, developing and nurturing your personal brand is important.
Need professional help with your LinkedIn profile? JoeProResumes.com can craft a new LinkedIn profile for you.
I’d like to connect with you on LinkedIn. Here is my profile address: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexlawrence1/
My email address: [email protected]
We all need to be conscious of the image we make on others and how we want to be perceived. Impressions are made whether by design or by happenstance. We suggest by design!
*Source: https://business.linkedin.com/en-uk/marketing-solutions/blog/posts/conte... 
