You Have To Do These 3 Things On LinkedIn Right Away

Recently, I was a part of a video conference on Using LinkedIn for Business and was asked this question. "What are the three things I need to do right away to improve my results on LinkedIn?

This was not the first time I've been asked this question. As a matter of fact, it happens more times than not - in one form or another - on a regular basis. It's a good question.

So, here's my response:

1. Optimize your profile

Take some time to write down the key phrases someone would use to search for you on LinkedIn. Make that your keyword list. Then add these phrases to your Headline, Summary, Experience and Contact information.

I consult with executives and sales teams and this is the first thing we work on to improve their presence on LinkedIn. Try it. I can promise you your "Who's Viewed Your Profile" results will increase significantly.

2. Join at least 10 groups where your prospects/customers/hiring managers live

Notice I didn't say where your colleagues live.

One of the easiest traps we fall into as LinkedIn users - and in social media in general - is the comfort of hanging out online with our peers and friends.

LinkedIn is about business, and making business connections. One everyone's LinkedIn profile you can scroll down to the bottom and find which groups they have joined.

Looking to connect with a key executive at a company? Go to their profile, find their groups and join one or two. Then introduce yourself to the group as a whole (and in essence to that prospect).

Do this in the form of a discussion post, letting the group know you just joined, that you welcome invitations from group members and you're looking forward to being part of the group's discussions.

3. Post meaningful, non-sales content

If you want to increase your visibility on LinkedIn the best way is to provide content to the LinkedIn community.

This is easier than it sounds.

Use the Status Bar to post and update on a new marketing trend, or a news story in your industry.

Share a posting from a LinkedIn Influencer or a Pulse article. This recent post from Craig Newmark is a great start: https://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140520112608-5062-if-i-were-22-nerds-hack-your-career

The point is you want to become a resource, and possibly a recognized thought leader.

If you follow these three easy steps, your visibility will increase, your interaction with key prospects can improve, and you'll start to realize the true power of the LinkedIn platform.

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Chuck Hester is the Chief Communications Officer for Big Think Innovation, a business architect consultancy that helps companies plan, grow and build their futures. He is also a LinkedIn trainer and speaker, helping businesses get the most out of LinkedIn, while teaching them how to communicate effectively. Contact him directly at chuck@bigthinkresults.com.

Need help with LinkedIn? Feel free to message Chuck and ask about one-on-one and group LinkedIn Executive Training.