Completing Your Linkedin Profile
Current position and Past Experiences
Review your resume to help complete this section of your profile. Here’s a tip for you. Most resumes look backwards about what the person did in the past or their past experiences. Your connections are more concerned about what you can do for them now or in the future. Always show what you can do for your customers, the benefits they may achieve by being connected with you and your business. Like a good resume, time frames should be included if they add to your credibility. Make sure to write short 2-3 sentence paragraphs so that it can easily be read on the computer monitor.
Educational Experience
It’s been my experience that educational backgrounds have less credibility than in the past. The exception may be job that calls for educational credentials like “you need a PHD”. If your educational background is a strong suit, use it. I’m proud that I received a degree from Notre Dame University. Because of its national reputation and the fraternity of Notre Dame Alumni, several people have joined my Linkedin connections.
Your educational background may also be another contact for someone who went to the same school or a former classmate.
Specialties in Your Industry of Expertise
This is the place to share your skills and knowledge that can benefit others. If you have certifications, place them here. What will give you the most credibility with another person if they were standing before you? Don’t be too modest. If you don’t toot your horn, who is going to? You will have another opportunity in the Recommendations section of the profile to include statements from what other think about your business or work.
Your Interests
Here you can include some of your personal interests. What do you like to do when you are not doing business? What are some of your hobbies? Many times people will spark with “this part of you” as the reason for becoming a connection. Just as someone interviewing you for a job might ask, “What do you like to do when you are not working?” They are trying to get an idea about the whole person.
Groups and Associations
List here the groups or associations you belong to outside of any Linkedin groups. These could be clubs. This may also be a place to insert volunteer work if that is appropriate for you. These could be online groups in other social networking programs. When you join a specific Linkedin group, it is automatically added to your profile.
Honors and Awards
If you have received any honors or awards, list them here. How often have you been in offices or businesses where awards dot the walls? These awards are further evidence of your credibility. Do they help give a better picture of you? If they don’t, don’t use them.
To be continued, your comments are welcomed…
Al Hanzal
Tags: Linked In and Websites