Let’s take the social aspect out of social media for a second and make it networking media instead. That precisely is what LinkedIn promises us—a platform for companies and business professionals alike to network outside of mundane emails, awkward cocktail parties and hectic conferences. LinkedIn is the business professionals’ Facebook, where instead of sharing your Likes and Relationship Status, you share up-to-date resumes, work contacts and professional endorsements.
Let’s face it, LinkedIn might not be the most riveting social media platform, but in the work world, it’s an essential tool for learning the ins and outs of companies; from their latest campaign to their latest hire.
So, how can you use your time on LinkedIn wisely? JSA has compiled a list of Best Practices: The LinkedIn Edition
Build Out Your Company LinkedIn Profile.
Ditch the old logos and boilerplates and keep your profile up-to-date. Treat your company page as an all-access snapshot to your business. Showcase your latest projects, upload your latest press releases and add a personalized touch with CEO quotes and blogs.
Give a Voice to Your Products.
LinkedIn’s new product page allows companies to assign members of your organization to different product offerings so prospects know exactly who their contact should be. This saves a lot of time and fewer CC’ed emails.
Take Advantage of Shared Connections.
Like any social media platform, there is a method (and algorithm) to their madness. Sidebars with “shared connections” is likely ignored, but companies should be using that tool to make introductions to potential prospects.
Create Groups.
Company pages are a wonderful overview of your brand, but groups are an effective way to demonstrate thought leadership around a specific area. Groups make it easy for business-to-business companies to locate potential customers. Create a list of keywords specific to your business, and generate interesting content that will spark people to want to further discuss. It’s cool to have a group page, but you must be active and vocal on it.
Encourage Your Employees to Participate.
Allow your employees to promote their companies’ brands, while also promoting their own. Employees should be encouraged to post company blogs on their LinkedIn status updates and join relevant groups. Allow for each individual to be a thought leader and voice for the company.
Know the basics:
- Include a professional headshot
- Include keywords in job position title
- Link to company blog under “Websites”
- Add Twitter handle
- Claim unique URL and then drop it into email signatures
- Write a summary in the first person and think of it as a “greatest hits collection.” Include keywords and add a bit of your own personality.
- Under “Specialties,” include a line listing all skills one on top of the other to make your profile easy to read.
- Make sure to add plenty of skills in the “Skills” section
- Move recommendations closer to the top
Follow these basic tips, and your LinkedIn browsing will be time well spent. Happy networking, everyone!
