In this final piece in the series, I share with you ways to differentiate your profile and maximize your hard work – repurposing it and getting others to see it!
Be Opinionated
People are most interested in those who have a point of view. If you try to please everyone, you usually appeal to none. Be clear about your beliefs or position on topics related to your thought-leadership. Integrate your point of view (POV) into your summary and experience where appropriate. Join groups where you can share your point of view as related to your area of expertise. Comment on others’ postings, sharing your own particular spin on the topic.
Embed articles into your profile and provide links to content that supports your POV. Use your activity update to point to blogs and other media that reinforce your position.
Be Disorganized
Make your profile stand out. Many people don’t know this, but LinkedIn provides you the option of reordering the content in your profile. For example, if you have written the seminal whitepaper in your area of thought-leadership, you can give it more prominence by moving the publications section higher in your profile. Conversely, if you don’t have many endorsements yet, you can move that section lower on the page so readers aren’t turned off by the lack of external validation. Once you begin receiving endorsements for your top ten skills, you can reorganize the content.
Reordering your content enables you to emphasize what’s important and focus on the strengths of your experience while making your profile stand out from the myriad others who do what you do. Because you can do this as often as you would like, you can make LinkedIn a living bio, regularly reordering content as appropriate.
Be Square
Because your LinkedIn profile is one of the most comprehensive career marketing tools you have, you want to direct people to it so they can learn more about you. Think inside the box! Create a QR code that links to your profile. You can use free tools likeQReatebuzz.com to generate your QR code.
Android phones come with QR code readers and there are dozens of free reader apps for iPhones, meaning virtually anyone can scan your QR code and be directed to your LinkedIn profile.
The next time you’re at a networking function, have people you meet scan your QR code and connect with you through your LinkedIn profile. You can also use your QR code on business cards, your resume, stationary, thank you letters and in your email signature. There are companies that specialize in creating QR code wristbands, T-shirts, and much more. Be QReative! The possibilities are endless.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.