Being known as the "professional's" social media, LinkedIn seeks to connect you to people you don't know. Your profile is meant to be a place where you can brag about yourself. Put up your experiences, jobs, education, even skills where others can endorse you. LinkedIn has effectively created a platform where you are meant to show off while simultaneously not seeming arrogant.
The catch?
Everyone makes it about them. The problem is that so many people us
e it as a self-marketing platform and have not given it the social aspect that it is meant for. This is how you can stand out on a site where you've already bragged about yourself.
This platform is not about competition. Just because you like, comment, compliment, or encourage someone else doesn't mean that you've given up an opportunity. The idea is to get others to connect you with those that they already know. A great way for them to generate interest in you is for you to show interest in them. Join groups that you're interested in, and find ways to genuinely participate with others.
Yes, you might be all about saving the whales, so you join the Environmental Empathy Engagement Group. Great! If all you post are ways to save the whales, you're stagnant and you aren't helping the group. Look for what others might be interested in and post something for them. This doesn't mean research something for them that they might not need, this means already knowing them and posting something you come across that might help them. Make it genuine, not manipulative.
As you follow the first two steps, others will begin to comment and participate with your posts. This isn't because you picked the perfect post for "Mr. Bossofmynextjob." It's because you've helped create an environment where others look outside themselves and are participating. When this happens, start the 1 on 1 conversations. This is where people get to know the person behind the resume. A person can look great on paper, but that doesn't mean that you're a good fit for their company. Get that personal interaction so when they introduce you, they can honestly say that you are a "friend, acquaintance, collegue, etc."
These connections and friendships are no different than real connections. For those beginning to network, City of Influence by Jared and Sarah Stewart is a must read.
Being LinkedIn is more than just having a digital connection with the individual, it's actually connecting with the individual. Focus on that, and your network will first grow larger, then stronger, then larger again.
The catch?
Everyone makes it about them. The problem is that so many people us
e it as a self-marketing platform and have not given it the social aspect that it is meant for. This is how you can stand out on a site where you've already bragged about yourself.
Like and Comment on Others' Posts
This platform is not about competition. Just because you like, comment, compliment, or encourage someone else doesn't mean that you've given up an opportunity. The idea is to get others to connect you with those that they already know. A great way for them to generate interest in you is for you to show interest in them. Join groups that you're interested in, and find ways to genuinely participate with others.
Post Something to Help a Group
Yes, you might be all about saving the whales, so you join the Environmental Empathy Engagement Group. Great! If all you post are ways to save the whales, you're stagnant and you aren't helping the group. Look for what others might be interested in and post something for them. This doesn't mean research something for them that they might not need, this means already knowing them and posting something you come across that might help them. Make it genuine, not manipulative.
Go From Group to 1 on 1
These connections and friendships are no different than real connections. For those beginning to network, City of Influence by Jared and Sarah Stewart is a must read.
Being LinkedIn is more than just having a digital connection with the individual, it's actually connecting with the individual. Focus on that, and your network will first grow larger, then stronger, then larger again.
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