Over the last two years I’ve written often about the tips and strategies to more effectively utilize LinkedIn. It’s just as important to consider the mistakes that people make on LinkedIn that will affect their success. Many of these mistakes are often errors of omission. Today I’m going to discuss seven mistakes and then I’m going to show you how you can correct them.
Let's get started.
1. Bad Photo Choice
One of the first things most people do when they visit a profile is look at the photo. Its natural to want to see the person behind the profile. People connect to people and a photo helps improve your visitors perception.
One of the worst mistakes is to not include a photo. What does it say about you as a business professional if you don’t understand the importance of the profile photo?
Another mistake I see is that someone decides to include the family in their photo. That’s fine on Facebook but on a professionally based network it misses the point. Add to this photos with effects or simply unclear. If someone can’t see your face or recognize you there is a problem.
Finally avoid including a logo or product shot. The same advice goes for cartoon photos. Its a professional site. You’re a professional. Your photo should support your brand.
The Fix
Spend $25 $75 to $200 with a local photographer and get a professional quality headshot. If you choose to take your own photo make sure you have proper lighting. (note: Teryl Jackson a friend, connection and photographer in Atlanta would like to clarify that a good headshot will run from $75 to $200 and is well worth it.)
2. Lack of Detailing Your Profile
Your profile isn’t meant to replace your resume but it should tell your visitors who you are. There are some key areas that not only allow you to tell your story but provide an opportunity to add keywords naturally into your profile.
The first opportunity is your summary. I like to start my profile off with my elevator speech. This short sentence has been refined to capture attention when presented in face to face networking. There’s no reason it shouldn’t work the same on your profile. The rest of your summary should answer the questions of “Who you are”, “How you help people”, and “How they can help you”.
One area of missed opportunity is failing to add in your previous employment. First people want to know the path you travelled from college to your current position. Not including this introduces questions into your profile visitors perception. There’s also the lost opportunity to include keywords into your job descriptions.
There are also some other areas to add information to such as specialties (great place for keywords), Interests, Awards, and don’t forget to include your phone number and your personal contact information (phone number and address if relevant).
You never know how someone will find you
The Fix
Include as many previous employers that are relevant to your development as a business professional. It’s OK to skip that college job delivering Pizzas. Also be sure that when you write the job descriptions to write them from the perspective of how that job contributed to making you better at what you do today.
3. Ignoring Applications
When you look at the number of applications on Facebook (1,000’s) verses the number on LinkedIn (13) you might think that applications just aren’t that important. That would be a bad analysis. While few in number, the applications available are a key to sharing what it is that you do with your fellow LinkedIn members. They provide the opportunity to take your profile from two dimensional to three dimensional.
The basic LinkedIn profile is simply a lot of text. Sure you can tell people all of the relevant information about yourself, but I always recall my freshman English teacher imploring me to “Show, don’t tell”. Applications give you the opportunity to show what it is that you do.
Applications give you the ability to post a PowerPoint or Keynote presentation (Slideshare or Google Presentations), add a video (Slideshare or Google Presentations), feed in your blog (WordPress and BlogLink), add PDF files or Word documents (Boxnet), announce and RSVP Events, conduct Polls, share the books you’re reading (Amazon), and the just released Twitter application.
Just about any way you want to communicate a message or information on LinkedIn is available. Your profile visitors can engage with your profile in print, video, even audio (add your podcast to a PowerPoint or Keynote presentation.
The FIx
Start going through your resources to see what information will help you show others what it is that you do and how you can help them. If you don’t have a blog WordPress makes it simple to create one. It’s simple to create a presentation to share, just be sure to make it interesting by including more than just bullet points. Load up those brochures, white papers, and one-pagers.
Finally, add a video to your profile. If you don’t have the tools to record yourself in a professional manner (think lighting and sound), go to http://www.jingproject.com and download this free software. It will allow you to record a 5 minute screen capture as a video. The hardest part is figuring out what to record.
4. Not Securing Recommendations
When I visit at a profile one of the first things I look for is recommendations. There’s no reason why anyone shouldn’t be able to build up to 10 recommendations if they’re good at what they do.
The reason most people fail to get any recommendations is that they sit back and wait for someone to take the initiative. You have to remember that only 24% of the people on LinkedIn are regular users (spend at least 5 hours a week interacting), so the majority of your connections are still trying to figure it out.
These irregular users probably haven’t thought about recommending someone else because they’re still trying to understand LinkedIn.
The Fix
Get proactive about generating recommendations. Whenever I start working with a new prospect one of the first things that I do is connect to them. Then once I’ve finished serving them, or moved to a point where I’m delivering results, I send them a recommendation request.
I keep the request simple and reference the work I did for them and then state “I’m using LinkedIn to build my online brand. If you feel the work that I did on your behalf exceeded your expectations I would appreciate your taking a moment to write a brief recommendation”.
There are some people that feel that you should not do this, but based on the response, and the recommendations, I’ve received from clients I don’t see a downside to sending the request.
I prefer client recommendations but if your position doesn’t involve clients then you’ll have to impress your fellow coworkers and business colleagues.
5. Fail to Join Enough Relevant Groups
There was a time on LinkedIn when you could belong to as many groups as you would like. These days there is a imposed limit of 50 groups, yet many people have not yet joined any groups. Failing to do so severely limits your LinkedIn reach.
Currently I have 4,500 direct connections on LinkedIn so at any moment I could reach 4,500 people. In the 50 groups that I belong to there are over 1.3 million people. These are people that I can communicate directly to or through using discussion posts and news articles.
Groups are also a great place to engage in conversations and cultivate new relationships. The key is to find as many groups as possible that are relevant to your business.
The FIx
Go to the groups directory and search for relevant groups. These might be groups that are alumni, industry, location, networking, topical, etc. Be sure to think about the groups your prospects would belong to and join these. Then you simply need to start engaging fellow group members through discussions and news articles.
6. Overlooking Answers
One of the keys in social media/networking is to seek out opportunities to share or provide value to others. LinkedIn Answers is the perfect vehicle to do so. Each day thousands of new questions are asked by fellow members looking for help. You simply need to find the questions that surround your industry or specialty and share your knowledge.
There are several benefits to answering questions. First you’re building good will with the person who asked the question and potentially everyone else that reads your answer. Second you have the opportunity to demonstrate your expertise.
Your answers are also Linked to your profile which is then viewable by profile visitors. Let’s say you’re a health insurance broker that only sells in Georgia but you answer a question from someone in Louisiana. The person that asked the question will never be your client but at least you were able to help someone (Good Karma). But since your answer is Linked to your profile, anyone in your local area can see your answer and it can impact their perception of you.
The Fix
Go to LinkedIn Answers and search for questions related to what you do for a living. Then start answering questions. Be sure to include a link back to your site or blog in your answer. I find that when I answer a question traffic to my blog increases.
Most categories also have a RSS feed. You can set up a RSS reader that will display the latest questions asked in the category. Using the Google RSS reader I simply check for new questions every morning and answer away.
Just be sure to provide quality answers. Everything you do or say on LinkedIn either adds to or subtracts from your brand.
7. Selling Directly
I’m sure that on LinkedIn someone is having success posting direct sales messages or sending messages to their connections. That being said you are more likely to do harm to your brand over time. People are not looking to be sold to directly on LinkedIn.
That doesn’t mean that there are no opportunities to sell using LinkedIn, its just that you’ll find more success communicating your messages indirectly. The one exception is with the status. It will be interesting to see if this changes with the new Twitter integration.
The Fix
Take advantage of the opportunities to communicate your message indirectly. One simple way to do this is to change your title to a tagline. My title might be “Blogger” but “Helping folks use LinkedIn more effectively with tips and strategies at the Social Media Sonar blog”. The title tells people what I am, the tag line tells them how I can help them. Plus that tag line is visible in a mini profile when I answer questions, post discussions, or add news articles.
Starting conversation using the discussion boards is a great way to interact with fellow group members. Adding news articles allows you to share value through the content. Over time people will get to know you. If they like your content they’ll begin to like you...and check out your profile. Share value consistently over time and people will begin to develop trust.
We discussed Answers above and its another communication opportunity. These are only some of the options available to communicate indirectly. you can also use your applications including polls and events.
Wrap Up
Many of the mistakes I’ve detailed are simply errors of omission. They can be corrected by simply taking some extra time to build your content. Your first goal on LinkedIn is to get people to visit your profile. Then once they’re at your profile page you want to ensure that they understand what it is that you do and how you can help them.
The worst thing that can happen is that they leave your profile with questions and move on to the next profile.
What are some mistakes I missed?
Sean Nelson is the author of the Social Media Sonar blog and has written three LinkedIn eBooks including one of the first books detailing how to strategically use LinkedIn to grow your business. "LinkedIn MArketing Secret Formula". He is a Partner inSONARconnects.
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Posted by: Shiraz Khan | October 04, 2010 at 12:17 PM
i reading your blog today It was very interesting and informative.
Posted by: LOGO DESIGN | September 07, 2010 at 06:33 AM
Your profile isn’t meant to replace your resume but it should tell your visitors who you are. There are some key areas that not only allow you to tell your story but provide an opportunity to add keywords naturally into your profile.
Posted by: error fix | August 25, 2010 at 01:43 PM
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Posted by: Chris Cooper | August 11, 2010 at 06:47 AM
Thank you for reminding my how important it is to stay on top of LinkedIn.hank you so much for this valuable information! I always look forward to your posts!
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Posted by: aiden smith | August 04, 2010 at 02:28 PM
Great advice. I truly believe LinkedIn profiles are huge. Everyone looks at them to check you out.
Getting recommendations is huge and shows Social Proof.
Well put. Thanks for sharing.
Hughesnet Broadband
Posted by: bob shoemaker | July 06, 2010 at 10:46 AM
Nice your most of the points are correct.Your observations are really good.
Posted by: Emma Jones | June 18, 2010 at 05:18 PM
You mentioned really important 7 points to care about and it's important to describe all in a proper manner.
Posted by: Business Logo | June 03, 2010 at 09:17 AM
LinkedIn is one of the most popular professional network. It's a platform where you'll find professionals only and it's helpful to promote your business.
Posted by: Company Logo Design | June 03, 2010 at 09:15 AM
Oh that's a great post i have made an account to Linkedin and i'm new to it.
Posted by: Logo Design | February 08, 2010 at 07:46 AM
Enormous post-- you make so many points that simply make knowledge for me. Thanks for this informative post.
Posted by: Network Marketing training Books | January 30, 2010 at 12:11 AM
Great job as usual - I have not met anyone who uses LinkedIn as effectively and explains it as thoroughly as you.
Posted by: buy propecia | January 29, 2010 at 03:34 PM
I think allowing your profile to go dormant, i.e. not updating your status line for 3 or more months is a mistake. Keeping it fresh is very important.
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Sean
Great job,it does make .I like the detail in which you answer the questions.
Regards
Hein
Posted by: Hein Koegelenberg | January 12, 2010 at 04:03 PM
So nice and good posting. i liked it. keep going. :)
http://www.webroyalty.com
Posted by: Nick Matyas | January 12, 2010 at 01:47 PM
Hi. Its a great article, particularly the fixes. This has motivated me to work on my Li brand !
Thanks and keep at it!
Posted by: Sunita | January 11, 2010 at 06:39 AM
Thanks Sean,
In the rare cases I read advice like this, it is often just "okay" at best. Your thoughts are solid and a good incentive to pay attention.
Andy
Posted by: Andy | January 08, 2010 at 05:33 PM
Hey Sean,
Thats very useful info... Thanks!
Looking forward for such more articles..
Regards,
Priya
Posted by: Priya | January 08, 2010 at 12:37 AM
Sorry, but the level of sycophancy is making me cringe... in fact I can't get past it to objectively consider the points originally made.
That said, I do have two thoughts:
Photos - should be linked to who you are which hopefully is inherent in what you do. I am tired of seeing cheesy, side-parting hairstyles on men and enormous shoulder-padded women with expensive hair! This image does not scream 'professional' to everyone and certainly not in every culture. It actually says 'you have no imagination and are likely to be way too conservative for me to want to build a relationship with you'.
Groups - I access this blog through a Linked-in group which I used to find very useful. It now has around a gazillion members and so it is little more than wallpaper; impossible to get to the valid content. It is also very US-centric. This isn't at all bad but it is awfully assumptive sometimes. As above, we don't all have the same definition of business, you know...
Posted by: Kevin Baughen | January 07, 2010 at 01:46 PM
Sean, good insight. I will print out the steps when I get home tonight. I have been with LI for a little while now and have found myself browsing and scanning more so than actively and consistently participating in many of the discussions. I guess you could say I have been cherry picking. It's not that the desire hasn't been there, it's just that my time utilization has been developing useful, valuable content for everyone before the introduction of my specific enterprise. Thanks again for your expertise.
PS: If you would like to take a peak preview of a work in progress, you can pop over to my blog. It's fairly new. Remember a work in progress with the time I have.
Dave Lewis
Meet You at The Top
Posted by: Dave Lewis | January 07, 2010 at 11:21 AM
Very helpful advice. Thanks for sharing. I'll be sure to share it with my online networks. Not to be picky, but as a long-time editor and publisher, double spaces after periods are no longer used. It leaves unsightly "rivers" in the text. I learned from hearing the complaints of DTP designers and publishers who have to take them out for you before flowing the text into their software programs. I bet we took typing 101 the same year in high school.
Posted by: Cindy Mullins | January 07, 2010 at 02:20 AM
Kirk,
I agree and disagree with you. I'm a big proponent of Client recommendations. If a client recommends you it is a huge credibility builder.
I'm not as big of a fan of colleague or business partner recommendations. But some people do not work directly with client's so that is their only option.
Sean
Posted by: Sean Nelson | January 06, 2010 at 03:45 PM
Gary,
Thanks for the comments on the "glamor photo". Business head shots are a safe way to go and they typically give you a close up of the person's face. That can be important.
The more important point is that the photo is just a reflection of how you want to present yourself. I like to see who I'm dealing with. Others may not care.
As long as the photo doesn't stand out as a negative. Products shots, logo's, and non-business photo's are more acceptable on sites other than LinkedIn.
Just my thoughts. Thanks for adding some additional points for people to consider.
Sean
Posted by: Sean Nelson | January 06, 2010 at 03:42 PM
Thanks for the comments everyone. I've been busy actually making a living so just getting back. Your comments and thoughts are appreciated.
Posted by: Se | January 06, 2010 at 03:34 PM
I will pile on with the praise - overall, good advice.
I'm going to raise a question about the true worth of Recommendations, in point #4 though. Because it's known that recommendations are "lobbied for" and provided by friends and friendly former colleagues, I question their utility. I mean, obviously the statements are going to be positive -- like a "To Whom It May Concern" letter of recommendation or statements given by the job references you include in your resume.
As a measure of one's LinkedIn savvy at "working the system," showing that you got people to write notes about you, perhaps there is some value.
And to be totally transparent: I don't have any recommendations on my LinkedIn profile because of my opinion in this area. I haven't asked anyone to do it, although I'm sure they would all be stellar (right?)
Posted by: Kirk Laughlin | January 06, 2010 at 03:03 PM
Hi Sean,
Thank you for sharing some beneficial tips for self branding in the new year. I'm sure with some managable effort these points could achieve ones longer term objectives leveraging LinkedIn.
All the best toward health and prosperity in 2010!
Posted by: Matt Marsden | January 06, 2010 at 12:03 PM
Thanks Sean for another wonderful post the topic of LinkedIn and social media tips. You always bring fantastic content to your posts and community blogs.
"The 7 Worst LinkedIn Mistakes and their fixes" is an perfect example of your work. You have bestowed direct and simple answers to fix problems that I am sure I might have. Thanks for an easy and informative read.
Thanks David Kirkland
www.davidkirkland.ca
Posted by: David Kirkland | January 06, 2010 at 08:59 AM
This was very valuable information. Greatly appreciated. Thanks! Karin
Posted by: Karin Gryder | January 05, 2010 at 02:18 PM
What stood out for me--ignoring apps, relevant groups and overlooking answers--seems to be rather time consuming to maintain and participate. But, the pay off in the end could be worth it. I think we should pick our groups wisely and set a manageable limit. Don't be compelled to answer...make sure whatever you contribute is going to further rather than stagnate the discussion.
Posted by: Thelma Walker | January 04, 2010 at 10:25 PM
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I found it very informative and was able to identify areas that can be improved. I am afraid that I broke your first rule with what some might consider a "goofy" or "playful" photo. I hesitated to post it on a professional networking site as I felt it may be out of place. After a little consideration, I decided to go ahead with it because 1.) I felt it was "real". Not a staged head shot, but something that gave a viewer an idea of who I am. 2.) I feel that it is not out of place for what I do for a living. After all, if you can't have fun making cookies for a living then you have more to worry about than profile pictures :)
With that said, I will give strong consideration to changing it. Thanks again for the great article.
Posted by: Peter | January 04, 2010 at 04:39 PM
Very informative details here Sean. I enjoyed the tips on having a strong photo and adding applications to our LI page. I will use these tips for my work in promoting our webinar events.
Thank you.
Marc
www.mathworks.com/webinars
Posted by: Marc | January 04, 2010 at 01:52 PM
Nice, focused article. Thanks, it helps set goals for the New Year.
Posted by: Tim Rose | January 04, 2010 at 11:03 AM
This article was perfect. I have been on LinkedIn for a while but haven't vetured into the groups & ther areas until just recently. There is a lot to be found here. Loved the different ideas you pointed out and will be implementing these in my profile as well as for some new clients I have picked up recently. Thanks! It gives me a great start to the new year!
Posted by: Mark Crosby | January 03, 2010 at 06:11 PM
Hi Sean
Thanks for the advice. You have really made me feel more focussed. Regards
Posted by: Angela Burman | January 02, 2010 at 05:49 PM
I agree with all this points, but frankly, what has become so prevalent now is this need for a "glamor shot." Americans are so celebrity-obsessed, yes, your picture should look good, but frankly, I find some of these set-up "celeb" shots often amusing. Just look at some of those seminar conference sites... where the backroom, tech geek guy now has a glamor photo. Everyone isn't 20-something. Everyone isn't a celebrity. I know we all want to think we are, but we aren't. My feeling is if someone puts their dog up or logo, they're saying, "hey, I really do know what I'm talking about" and I'm not trying to just sell my looks...but, unfortunately, as this article points out clearly, that is exactly how you are judged first.
Posted by: Gary James | January 01, 2010 at 01:07 PM
great beneficial artcle thanks
Posted by: zeina | January 01, 2010 at 02:33 AM
I'm adding this one to my delicious account. GREAT, easy to follow, practical advice that I will share with clients who consult me on social media.
Posted by: Kris Schindler | December 31, 2009 at 03:14 PM
Sean,
You have really got me thinking on how I can improve my networking and brand on LinkedIn, much of which is easy to do with more time and thought. Thank you so much for making it all clear to rectify.
Wishing you a Happy and prosperous New Year
Trisha
Posted by: Trisha Mentzel | December 31, 2009 at 01:06 PM
Sean, thank you very much for all this as it is so helpful to all of us.
Best Wishes and if I can ever help you, let me know.
Have a great New Year and a very successful 2010.
Marie Cruickshank (in snowy Scotland!)
Posted by: Marie Cruickshank | December 31, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Excellent, and very much appreciated, Sean-- thank you.
Cheers from the drawing board in snowy New Hampshuh!
Mark
Posted by: Mark Armstrong | December 31, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Wow, I see myself in a few of those categories. Guess I'd better spend a little time getting to know LinkedIn a bit better and get "fixed."
Thank you!
Posted by: Kendra Ziler | December 31, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Great article and discussion as well.
Posted by: Jeff | December 31, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Sean,
I think you've done a great job of outlining some very easy ways to improve the use of LinkedIn. Nicely done.
Jack
Posted by: Jack Perez | December 31, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Great article! I tweeted it several times.
http://www.twitter.com/camerontoth
Posted by: Cameron Toth | December 31, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Great Article! I tweeted it! Thanks!
Posted by: Lori Gertz | December 25, 2009 at 07:01 PM
Hi Sean, Thank you for your comments. I guess I was taking Linkedin too seriously and need to lighten up.
regards
Alfred
Posted by: alfred | December 21, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Alfred,
How you use LinkedIn and the tools that provide value will depend to some degree on who you are. Are you self employed, in sales, or a w2 worker in a department? It comes back to what is it that you want LinkedIn to help you do.
I'll address each of your points.
"I have joined some groups in my field. They turn out to be either really dead or lots of head hunters. Don't see any added value to my brand."
-There are good groups and not so good groups. The value is in the conversations you can engage in, the informations shared (news articles), and being able to meet others with a common interest. If you're not getting value from groups then you're in the wrong groups. You also need to bring some value to the table as well.
"Video? Bad idea. Very few people can do it effectively. Those that can don't need Linkedin."
-I definitely disagree here. You can record a video of decent quality with a minimal investment. You can also create videos using a screen capture program. You're only limited by your creativity.
I know many people on LinkedIn who can effectively create videos. They may not need LinkedIn but they understand what it adds to their toolbox.
"How would a mid level manager in a corporation use the applications? All the examples you cited are covered by business confidentiality."
-The examples I provided were ones I have used or seen used. You need to focus more on what can be done rather than getting bogged down with what can't be done. You can use Google presentation for the video, You can use Amazon to share what books you read and recommend. You could write a blog and integrate it. There's the new Twitter application.
"Recommendations: Yes, just started myself. Gives your profile more dimensions. Downside, seen a lot of hyperbole and flowery langauge on some recommendations. You need to focus the recommendation. Sometimes very tough, see Applications above."
-There are good recommendations and not so good ones. You can control who you seek recommendations from to focus on the quality.
---I would recommend that you start by focusing on the positives and not the negatives. If you're attitude is always negative whose going to want to connect and interact.
Sean
Posted by: Sean Nelson | December 20, 2009 at 11:25 PM
Hi,
I have joined some groups in my field. They turn out to be either really dead or lots of head hunters. Don't see any added value to my brand.
Video? Bad idea. Very few people can do it effectively. Those that can don't need Linkedin.
How would a mid level manager in a corporation use the applications? All the examples you cited are covered by business confidentiality.
Recommendations: Yes, just started myself. Gives your profile more dimensions. Downside, seen a lot of hyperbole and flowery langauge on some recommendations. You need to focus the recommendation. Sometimes very tough, see Applications above.
Posted by: Alfred | December 20, 2009 at 12:42 PM
Accurate and relevant as always, Sean. Keep up the good work!
- Bob
Posted by: Bob Tankesley | December 17, 2009 at 04:23 AM
The final comment round up and its a short one.
Dan thanks for reading and commenting. And thanks for reading the Social Media sonar blog.
Brian thanks for the comment.
Sean
Posted by: Sean Nelson | December 12, 2009 at 11:09 PM
Sean,
Thanks so much for the detail and especially the "fixes."
I've been reading your stuff and you always serve up filet! This post was just one example.
Thanks again.
Dan Scott
Posted by: Dan Scott | December 12, 2009 at 04:16 AM
It has been already said, but I thought this was really helpful, especially the 'fixes' you included.
Posted by: Brian Meeks | December 10, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Time for a comment round up. I’ve been spending time responding on the newer post and just getting back to this one.
Kerry glad the tips helped. Thanks for the comments.
Jan at times its hard to know where to get started on LinkedIn. There are three key areas I think people should focus on:
Optimizing their profile
Extending their reach
Leveraging the tools.
Work on these three areas and you’re on your way.
Eefke you should be able to make it happen using your offline skills. Make it work.
Vicki you have to take that first step. It gets easier.
Andrew thanks for the comments. Now I just need to take some tips from you on growing my Twitter network.
Sarah take’em one at a time.
Dee thanks for sharing the post. Sharing value isn’t limited to what you create. Its just as good to share what your find.
Simon thanks for the comment.
Have a great night everyone. Thanks for joining the conversation.
Posted by: Sean Nelson | December 09, 2009 at 10:52 PM
Another effective tool for maximising Linkedin.
Posted by: Simon Hamer | December 09, 2009 at 07:09 AM
I thought this was an excellent article and have forwarded it to my collegues!
I am quite new at LinkedIn so to me the article was worth it's weight in gold!
Thank you
Dee
Posted by: Dee Jansen | December 09, 2009 at 05:36 AM
Thank you and I will be using some of these tips in my own Profile.
Posted by: Sarah Hope | December 08, 2009 at 02:10 PM
Well thought out post and simply/easy to apply for most anyone and several veterans might also take heed as well. Thanks for sharing a little piece o brilliance Sean.
Andrew
http://AndrewWindham.com
Posted by: Andrew | December 07, 2009 at 05:33 PM
Thank you for all these wonderful tips. As a newcomer to all these social medias, I am usually afraid to give much information. It's true, if you want people to trust you, you have to be honest and trust others.
Vickie
Posted by: Vickie Kandasamy | December 07, 2009 at 09:08 AM
Sean, Thank you. A good trigger to check my profile and moves! Personal branding for some one like me who's involved at Brand Design matters is very important.
Regards, Eefke
Posted by: Eefke | December 07, 2009 at 06:02 AM
Excellent article/advice, Sean! It is interesting that only 24% of LinkedIn members actively participate. Thanks for pointing out that it is obvious that everything you do or say on this site either adds or subtracts from your branding and credibility. People are looking for help, although most of the time they do not know what type of help they are seeking!
Posted by: Jan Kuyper Erland | December 06, 2009 at 09:01 PM
Thanks Sean, good tips. Really helpful for a linkedin newby!
Best wishes
Posted by: Kerry | December 06, 2009 at 05:21 PM
Another comment roundup.
Darlene I'll check out your blog once I can scroll through the list. Thanks for the comment.
Mary L. thanks.
Mary B. optimizing your profile is an ongoing task. I try to look at it at least monthly. Plus good to keep tabs on new apps.
MikeY thanks for adding to great tips. Being courteous will help build your online credibility. As a research tool LinkedIn is priceless. Great example of how you took a contact and turned it into several potential prospects. That's making LinkedIn work for you.
Will thanks. Connection strategies are the topic of the second post for this competition. You can view it at http://bit.ly/blogoff2b. I personally am ok connecting with those I do not know, but that's because doing so supports my overall strategy. Sound like your thoughts about connecting support your overall strategy. That's what's important. Take a 2nd look at the blog post...I corrected the mistake of not including my contact info. I wasn't sure to what extent we were allowed to add info other than the post. (I'm ok with others posting what I've written but just need to ensure that there is a link to my blog. Shoot me an email and we can discuss further.)
Ashwin thanks. And I agree that everyone who adds a comment furthers the conversation.
Keith your perspective is always appreciated.
That's it for now. thanks for the comments and be sure to check out the second post "Are You a LION, Turtle, HoundDog, or Alley Cat? What's Your LinkedIn Strategy?" located at http://bit.ly/blogoff2b.
Sean
Posted by: Sean Nelson | December 06, 2009 at 03:21 PM
Sean,
As always, you are the master at keeping it plain,simple and understandable from the novice at LinkedIn to those of us that have been reading your blog for several months now and books and incorporate much of what you have written into their LinkedIn approach and strategy.
Thanks for all that you do and keep up the great work!
Keith Warrick
Posted by: Keith Warrick | December 06, 2009 at 11:09 AM
HI Sean,
Thanks for the information you shared...its good one. I will start fixing the things you have mentioned here.
Thanks to all who have given comments as it add values to Sean as well as to the information he added.
Posted by: Ashwin | December 06, 2009 at 07:11 AM
Sean
Another BIG mistake? Accepting invitations from people you have never met. I send this to people I don't know.
----------------------------------------
Thank you for your kind invitation to your network. Online or offline, networking is simply building relationships -the 3 key steps being 1. Know 2. Like 3. Trust. From your invitation it seems we haven't yet met but if I have this wrong please tell me.
If we haven't met I am afraid I am unable to accept your invitation and this is a protocol I follow without exception.
When you become part of my network I want to be able to help, recommend and introduce all my level 1 contacts to anyone when asked. I know you will appreciate this would be difficult if we haven't actually met. I do hope you will understand my thinking here. You may think I am silly but this is an inflexible principle I have decided to adopt when using LinkedIn.
Kintish Business Networking Skills Group
Why not consider joining this group as we plan to send you lots of free information including big discounts on training courses and products.
We plan to be running free web seminars and teleclasses on Linkedin and 'ordinary' networking so keep a look out for details.
www.linkedintraining.co.uk
Please check out our exciting site.
I am collecting LinkedIn success tales for this website to encourage others to join. Please do tell me when you have some and I will link your profile and website to the story on this new site.
Wishing you every success
Best Wishes
Will Kintish
---------------------------------
Sean
i would like to post your tips to my site and my group members but give you credit. Please can I have your full name and LinkedIn public profile URL so I can link each.tip
Posted by: Will Kintish | December 06, 2009 at 04:23 AM
I think I'll mention two mistakes omitted (unless I missed them in all the preceding comments - and then I do apologize).
#1 Not sending thank you messages (i.e. for accepting a contact request). After all, where is the civility at in this day and age? As well as good common networking sense...
#2. Not using LinkedIn as a research tool.
I.E. I had a casual meeting with someone after a presentation last week. We traded a few sentences, immediately "hit it off," and exchanged cards. I followed up with an email to which he responded, asking that we get together for coffee and discuss how we might be of mutual assistance.
Being the SEO freak (http://www.diywebjem.com) I am, I checked out his sites (on his card) ahead of the email and saw a potential client. After I received the reply I decided to check further and look at his LinkedIn profile.
I found we shared a first level contact. And, I had done consulting work for the mutual contact who wrote me, yes, a glowing LinkedIn recommendation! Wow, great coincidence! I also found additional previous businesses not mentioned on his card, and checked them out also since he was still involved in them.
I am now well prepared for our casual business meeting....knowing his professional and business background, as well as some shared interests and hobbies.
Posted by: MikeY | December 06, 2009 at 01:30 AM
Hi, Sean;
Thank you. Great post which reminds me to look closely at the applications and clean up several things. This will make the LinkedIn experience even more useful.
Best,
Mary Beall Adler
Posted by: Mary Beall Adler | December 05, 2009 at 02:09 PM
Great overview, Sean. Very helpful!!
Posted by: Mary Lascelles | December 05, 2009 at 10:54 AM
Okay now I finally found the bottom of this endless stream of comments LOL
Great article Sean, the knowledge I needed to hear and learn, I have made all the mistakes. thanks for sharing and when you find time please make a comment on my posts.
Posted by: Darlene Sabella | December 04, 2009 at 11:56 PM
Well this should be the last comments round up for the day. Drumroll...
Karin thanks for the long comment. I have not used the BlogLink app...use the wordpress one. I’ve maxed out my allowable number of apps so I may have to remove one to play with BlogLink. As far as addresses you do need to be careful if you work out of the home. for phone numbers if its on your business card I would think its fine to be on your profile.
Lars thanks for the comments. I hope that all posts eventually lead to business but I provide the information to help others first. I figure if people like the content on my blog they’ll call me if they ever have a need for my services.
Kristie take it and run with it.
Jay good luck with optimizing your profile. It should be an ongoing process. I review my profile quarterly and will be looking do update my Summary towards the end of this month.
Stephen great tip. As you add connections its important to export your contact list from LinkedIn. That way if something happens to your profile you can quickly restablish your connections. Now I’m going in to export mine.
Anthony great advice. When you ask a question you should be courteous enough to thank those who provided value and to rate either one answer the best or several as good answers. I should have included that in the post.
Reme thanks for the comment. And thanks for passing on the post.
Thanks Jim.
Chris thanks for the input. In the next post I’m going to talk about connection strategies which will explain the four that I’ve identified. My personal thought is that I’m OK connecting to those I don’t know. If someone feels I’m worth connecting to then I’m happy to oblige. More about this in the next post.
Amy, you’re welcome.
Viveka I love retweets. Thanks.
That’s it for today. What a great day for comments. Keep posting your thoughts and opinions. My posts are simply commentaries. The post only becomes a conversation if people add their thoughts and opinions.
Sean
Posted by: Sean Nelson | December 04, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Great post Sean - I'll make sure to tweet it for you. Very comprehensive and extremely useful :)
Posted by: Viveka von Rosen | December 04, 2009 at 03:06 PM
Great article with some very insightful and helpful ideas that every LinkedIn member can take advantage of. Thanks for taking the time to share.
Posted by: Amy Vercruysse | December 04, 2009 at 02:56 PM
Great summary Sean! Totally agree with everything you've written...now I have to go update my profile!
One mistake (in my humble opinion) you didn't mention...only connect to people you really know. Perhaps this is obvious to most users, but I've always been under the impression that linkedin is designed to allow people to connect with others in their connection's networks - people they know and trust, and presumably would therefore have no problem putting in touch with one another.
Every once in a while I get requests from people I don't know - usually headhunters - to connect with them. I don't, unless I've dealt directly with them before and know and trust that they are ethical in their business practices.
Agree or disgree?
Regards,
Chris Kastein
Posted by: Chris Kastein | December 04, 2009 at 02:36 PM
HI SEAN, THANKS THIS IS VERY HELPFUL. I WILL USE THE INFO TO IMPROVE MY SITE.
Posted by: JIM BURCHAM | December 04, 2009 at 02:17 PM
Here we go with another comment round up. Hopefully responding like this leaves more of the comments focussed on your thoughts and feedback.
Evelyn and Lori it is a lot of work but not too tough if you take tackle it one tiny step at a time.
Steve thanks for reading since May. I must be saying something good.
Pam glad that you are seeing the light with answers and applications. Both help you build your credibility which is important.
Erik I agree on the selling point. I’m seeing more of this and actually wrote two blogs detailing “A Case of Spam” where someone sent a sales message to me using a fake account. Anyoen looking to listen to a great online radio show Google “The ZeroG Gravity” radio show.
Anita thanks for making this point that I omitted in the post. Seek out recommendations from people you actually kno and that you have provided exceptional service or help. Not a fan of reciprocal recommendations either.
Steve thanks for the comments. Put Answers and applications to work for you.
Carrie thanks for the ongoing blog visits.
Marleen thanks for sharing the love and the link with your networking groups.
Karley thanks for attending the WIN meeting and listening to my spiel. Glad it was an hour that you found value in.
Robin thanks for the long comment. Comments whether they agree or disagree further the conversation. I agree that connections are not about the numbers. My next post will actually address the four connection strategies I have defined. For me every new connection is an opportunity to provide value to, so I want as many as possible. I don’t send out many connection requests but do accept when someone sends me a request. The specific number of connections is irrelevant but I do believe for my strategy more is better. Hopefully the next post will do a better job of explaining why.
Thanks everyone for the comments and look for the next post this weekend.
Sean
Posted by: Sean Nelson | December 04, 2009 at 02:02 PM
Sean, Thank you for a very "on point" summary of how to use linked_in. I'll have to confess being behind on using the applications feature, so I'll have to catch that area up. I'll have to forward a link to your blog to some of my associates. Thank you for the insights.
Best regards,
Reme Pullicar, President
Creative Juices - Inventors' Society
http://www.linkedin.com/in/remepullicar
Posted by: Reme Pullicar | December 04, 2009 at 01:59 PM
Related to LinkedIn Answers would be failing to rate answers and close the question so that the ratings are counted. It is a common courtesy to show those who invest their time giving free and valued advice.
Posted by: Anthony Kirlew | December 04, 2009 at 01:49 PM
Sean,
Thanks! One suggestion that I would add is to not go too far do a data-dump - try to include everything that you have done in your career.
Posted by: Stephen Phillips | December 04, 2009 at 01:45 PM
Great stuff! I plan on revising my profile as a result of this good, sound and easy to understand advice!
Nice job!
Jay Finnigan
Posted by: Jay Finnigan | December 04, 2009 at 01:33 PM
Great post, Sean! Terrific and useful content that can be implemented right away! I look forward to reading more!
Posted by: Kristie Gibson | December 04, 2009 at 01:21 PM
I found the information to be very helpful and quite specific really. Often these kinds of things are just a lead generator, but this has real info that real people can use. I appreciated the free advice, and was guilty of at least one of the 7 mistakes. Thanks Sean
Posted by: Lars | December 04, 2009 at 12:59 PM
LinkedIn now has an application that will pull your blog to your profile page, plus the blogs of others in your network. I tried it yesterday, I have 3 blogs and it picked up two of them (they are all on Blogger) but not the third. I haven't yet figured out why it missed one. Unfortunately, I wanted two of my blogs on LinkedIn but it linked the one I didn't want on and missed the one I did. (2 blogs are based on 'what I do' and 1 is just for fun-mostly travel pics and thoughts). So, I have to figure out how to get the app to work the way I want it to, but this app means that you don't have to use Word Press to have your blog up.
I am in the process of getting a photo that makes sense for my profile and in the meantime I opted not to add one.
I would not advise adding phone numbers or addresses if you (like me) work from a home office. People can email you if they want to contact you. Phone numbers and addresses make you vulnerable to people you don't want to have that information.
Posted by: Karin Wills | December 04, 2009 at 12:50 PM
One thing you may want to note is that its not about accumulating the most contacts, its about pulling together ones that matter. If I see someone who has 100 direct contacts who is not in sales or events or something similar, I'm skeptical they really know those folks. I laugh when people post on a message board that they want to boost their connections so please connect with them. A key value of LinkedIn is to see where a contact can truly help you out by introducing you to someone you don't know. If you don't really know someone, or don't have an intention to get to know them better, don't connect.
The other advice you give is all great. This doesn't replace a resume, but it sure should give a complete picture of what you've done since its a place all recruiters and HR people look in determining who to bring in for an interview. Also, don't just ask for recommendations, give them as well. Pay it forward.
Posted by: Robin | December 04, 2009 at 12:11 PM
Sean,
I saw you talk about the WIN luncheon yesterday and really got some good information. I am meeting with members from my BNI group and will pass on the information.
Posted by: Karley | December 04, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Hope you win Sean. This is great information. I just shared it with some of my networking groups.
Marleen G
Posted by: Marleen G | December 04, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Sean,
Thank you so much for this valuable information! I always look forward to your posts!
Sincerely,
Carrie Tegeder
Posted by: Carrie Tegeder | December 04, 2009 at 11:14 AM
Hi Sean,
I'm happy to have found your post which offers such great tips and explanations on how to use LinkedIn in a better way. You have given me a lot more understanding about this platform. I found your insight on how to use LinkedIn Answers very interesting and I will definitely use your tips for Applications. Thanks for being so thorough and I look forward to keeping up with your other topics or subject matter!
Posted by: Reverle Harris | December 04, 2009 at 09:16 AM
On point 4 re: Not Securing Recommendations: please do not ask someone for a recommendation just because you've had coffee with them once, joined the same networking group or they seem smart.
A weak, hollow recommendation screams desperation to a reader. The effect increases if more than one person has a similarly empty recommendation. (Bonus points if they are all created on the same day!!)
Posted by: Anita Hampl | December 03, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Sean, this is more than a blog post, it's practically a seminar :) Really nicely done and thank you for stressing the point about selling on LinkedIn... I've gotten a lot more spam via LinkedIn than I'm used to from people who are not really interested in building a relationship, just looking for a quick sale or to have me participate in some kooky MLM marketing scheme. By now, I'd hoped that people would learn. Great post!
Posted by: Erik Wolf | December 03, 2009 at 08:56 PM
And the applications look like they can really add something extra to my profile, so I'm looking forward to using some of those as well.
Pam
www.pamleinmiller.com
Posted by: Pam Leinmiller | December 03, 2009 at 08:53 PM
I never knew about the LinkedIn Answers and will start taking a look at this area. Maybe there are some I can contribute to and some that I also want the answer to! Thanks for the tips.
To your health!
Posted by: Pam Leinmiller | December 03, 2009 at 08:52 PM
Hi Sean,
Another superb transmission, your blog has been required reading since I first found you back in May and it is the same now every time it appears, it is easily the best LinkedIn blog on the web. No jargon, no unnecessary frills just plain well researched facts and high quality practical solutions, and these ‘7 Worst Mistakes’ is just another example of the same.
Great work, great quality and thanks for the help you have been to me
Steve Windsor
Posted by: Steve Windsor | December 03, 2009 at 06:51 PM
Wow! Thanks for showing us the depth at LinkedIn. I've got a lot of work to do.
Lori Harris
http://HowToMonetizeYou.com
Posted by: Lori Harris | December 03, 2009 at 06:30 PM
Hi Sean,
Great info. I've got work to do!
Thanks for sharing!
Evelyn Jackson
Posted by: Evelyn Jackson | December 03, 2009 at 06:25 PM
Another comment round up. Thanks for taking the time to add a comment.
Sam you are the one and only SAM. I've accepted it.
Orietta, GD, Sarahbeth, and D'Lesa thanks.
Donna glad to see that groups are starting to work for you.
Chad we pretty much are aligned in our thinking.
Keith the hard sell is a path to killing your brand in social media. People need to take advantage of the indirect communication tools available. Provide enough value and people will gravitate to you. As far as answers, answer the question and provide value. Then add a link to your blog or site so those that want to know more can go to your profile or link.
Once again thanks.
Sean
Posted by: Sean Nelson | December 03, 2009 at 06:08 PM
In speaking for myself, the biggest mistake anyone can make is the skewed "hard sell" on a posting, reach out message, or answer. I know I immediately discount anyone who automatically touts their product or service as the end-all solution to every question that they respond to.
If you participate to provide an answer, then don't also try to "hijack" the thread to tout your service/product.
Posted by: Keith Dukes | December 03, 2009 at 03:43 PM
Sean,
Thank you for reminding my how important it is to stay on top of LinkedIn. It is a valuable tool and with your insightful advise my profile will continue to grow.
Great job!
Posted by: D'Lesa Medlin | December 03, 2009 at 03:04 PM
Sean,
Great advice. I truly believe LinkedIn profiles are huge. Everyone looks at them to check you out.
Getting recommendations is huge and shows Social Proof.
Applications are critical to take your profile from 2D to 3D and looked at your profile and you obviously do what you preach.
Groups could be the most important way to exert influence on LinkedIn.
Well put. Thanks for sharing.
Chad
Posted by: Chad Rothschild | December 03, 2009 at 12:46 PM