Hands On #1; Building your LinkedIn Profile

While the power of LinkedIn lies in the network you build, without a strong profile, you will not get the most out of this powerful tool. Before you start building your network and making connections, make sure your profile is in order and presents you in the best possible light.

As you build your LinkedIn profile, consider what you want it to say about you and the image you wish to portray. A finished LinkedIn profile can serve as an extensive resume complete with references. LinkedIn also provides a number of options allowing you to customize how you utilize your profile.

Let’s begin (click on actual images to see full size w/notes):

1. Enter your basic information on the LinkedIn welcome page.

2. After entering basic information, you can choose how you wish to use LinkedIn. Note the options below:

You can modify these settings at any time

3. You should now see a page offering to import contacts. LinkedIn will allows you to import contacts from any of a number contact management programs. It will then match your contacts against LinkedIn member profiles allowing you to easily send invitations to join your network.

As mentioned earlier, it is suggested that you build your profile before reaching out to contacts. This allows you to finalize your profile before sharing it with the world. The import contacts screen will reside at the top of your LinkedIn home page for future reference.

4. At this point, you are registered with LinkedIn. From here, its a matter of building your profile. Let’s take a look at the elements of a LinkeIn profile below:

5. Once you’ve built your profile, start making connections. LinkedIn provides a number of ways to quickly find contacts:

LinkedIn makes it easy build your network

When you import contacts, LinkedIn will send an invitation to your contacts to join your network. You can personalize the invitation or send out a generic invite.

Once contacts start accepting your invitations, you will quickly see your network grow.

6. From here, it is a matter of refining your profile. If possible, add recommendations from colleagues or have clients add testimonials. You can also join discussion groups on any of a number of topics. These groups can appear on your profile demonstrating your interest in both professional and personal topics.

That should get you started. Feel free to browse Social Marketing 2.0 for more tips and advice using social media for marketing.