Maximizing Your LinkedIn Profile

You may have a LinkedIn account, adding new information periodically, and utilizing this technology to make new connections. Or, you may have started a profile way back when, and by now have forgotten your username and password. You're not alone. However, your LinkedIn profile represents you, and your brand. If a potential client looks up your profile, and it hasn't been updated in two years, it doesn't reflect well on you.

5 Tips to Maximizing Your LinkedIn Profile:

• Make sure your profile is current. (Photo, Summary, Experience, Education, Volunteering, et cetera.) Make sure your work history reflects the skills you've gained over the years, and highlights your accomplishments.
  
  
• Make connections. Depending on your philosophy (and business criteria), you might connect with everyone or be selective. This is your choice.
  
  
• Share updates. Sharing news or updates that are relevant to your followers is important, but the sharing should also reflect your personal brand.
  
  
• Join groups. There are many groups on LinkedIn that may be in your industry or adjacent industries. Choose wisely. Otherwise, you'll be inundated with more information than you could digest.
  
  
• Provide contact information. List the e-mail address and phone number at which you'd like to be contacted. Also, personalize your LinkedIn URL—it's easy to do.

By filling in all sections of your LinkedIn profile, you're more apt to be seen and be found. Many people ask, "Do I really need to update my profile, or even have one?" You don't need to do anything you don't want to do, of course. But first, a cautionary tale: In this age of being connected 24/7/365, why wouldn't you want a professional link out in the world? You never know if someone out there is looking for someone who's a perfect fit to a need they may have. That perfect fit may be you. And without some sort of digital, professional link to you available, you may miss a lot of opportunities.

Written by Deidra J. McClelland, president of The Skye Group.