Don’t Be a Voyeur

voyeur keyhole

On Linked IN that is.  Having a completed Profile on Linked IN is great, but if you’re not interacting with your contacts and groups, you’re missing out on a lot of the benefits of being on the site.  Here are 5 actions, which take about 30 minutes per week, that will greatly enhance your online brand:

  1. Connect.   When you meet someone at a party, networking event or meeting, connect with them on Linked IN within 24 hours.  Avoid using the generic invite and write a brief, personal note reminding them of how you met.  Interesting fact:  You can send only 3000 invites total.
  2.  Endorsements.  Make it a habit to endorse others for at least 10 minutes each week.  This helps you to stay connected through positive touch points and may even result in returned endorsements that amp up your own profile.  And be sure to fully complete the “Skills & Expertise” section with buzz words (up to 50 total) in your field so that others can endorse you.  Interesting fact: Some recruiters conduct searches based on the number of endorsements you have for a given skill. 
  3.  Recommendations.   Set a goal to recommend one person in your network each month to positively support and engage with your contacts.  An added bonus is that you may get a recommendation in return.   Interesting fact:  Linked IN allows you to send a recommendation back for edits before posting.  If there are typos or incorrect information, politely request that your Recommender make changes.
  4. Post.  On a weekly basis, select an article, quote, link or something relevant to share.  Build up your brand through posting consistently.  Strive to focus on a topic in your field to brand your expertise.  Also, post to discussion boards on Groups you belong to.  Answer questions based on your expertise or ask your network for their insight on a topic. Interesting fact: There are over 1 million Linked IN Groups, so chance are there are a few in your area of expertise.
  5. Expand.  Search your “2nd” level connections to see who you would like to get to know.  Ask your 1st level contacts for introductions to your 2nd level contacts.  This helps you broaden your network appropriately without the risk of being labeled a spammer.  Interesting fact:  Today, Linked IN gains 1 million new users every 12 days, or 2 new users every second.  Your network is growing right this minute!

Happy networking!

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