Stepsto Creating a

Profitable

Profile

@stephsammons

LinkedIn provides an incredible opportunityto build YOUR personal influence.

But building your influence is a process.It doesn’t happen overnight, it accumulates over time.

And it all starts with your LinkedIn profile.

LinkedIn says that members who have a complete profile are forty times more likely to receive opportunities.

The top level of profile completion is “All-Star.”

If your profile isn’t All-Star status, you will

want to get it there.

The way you achieveAll-Star status is simple:complete your profile.

Here are 10 steps you can take to get started on developing a profitable LinkedIn profile.

Put Your BestFace Forward

1Your profile picture

should be a current, professional, and

friendly headshot.

It’s all about putting your best face forward for that potential client or customer you have yet to meet!

Hire a professional photographer.

Work with affordable photographers. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does need to be professional.

Craft a Compelling Headline Statement

2Your headline

statement can serve as an important

client-attraction tool.

Optimize your LinkedIn headline statement by describing what you are known for (or what you do) and whom you serve.

Consider adding a personal tidbit if you

have the room.

When you include a personal tidbit in your headline statement, you become more personable.

Use Keywords in Your Profile Where They Count

3Keywords can help

you get found in LinkedIn searches.

Always choose keywords that your clients and customers would use to describe you. Stay away from industry jargon.

Consider 3 sections of your profile for

keywords:

your headline your LinkedIn summary your current and past work experience

Customize Your LinkedIn Profile URL

4If possible, you will

want to use your full name for your

profile URL.

Grab your name on LinkedIn so your profile URL matchesyour personal brand.

If you change your LinkedIn profile URL…

Make sure you update this link anywhere else it might be listed online! The old link will no longer work once it’s updated.

Customize Your Profile Website Link Descriptions

5LinkedIn gives you three customizable

links for your profile.

If someone views your profile and becomes interested in learning more about you, they may click on the link to your website.

How to customize these link descriptions:

Use a short few words to describe the web links such as the name of your company or blog, or even a special offer you have.

Craft a Compelling LinkedIn Summary

6Your LinkedIn summary

is the centerpiece of your profile.

Sharing your core message in your LinkedIn profile summary is vital. But just as important is sharing your story and purpose.

Write it in the first person.

Write it as if you are speaking directly to the viewer. This is how you make a personal connection.

How to Showcase Your Work Experience

7For a "complete" profile,

you need at least one current position and two

past positions listed.

The goal is to highlight work experience that tells the story of how you got to where you are today.

Showcase your most important & relevant work.

You can add and showcase related rich media for each position you’ve held, such as videos and presentations.

List Your Educational Background to Expand Your Network

8Listing your educational background on LinkedIn

opens up a connection opportunity.

Leveraging alumni search on LinkedIn is a great way to grow your network with highly relevant connections.

You can send personalized invitations to connect because

of your alumni relationship.

Personalize your invitation by mentioning your common school and/or common connections.

Collect and Showcase Your Endorsements

9Social proof can be very powerful in establishing

your credibility.

Social proof can be very powerful in establishing your credibility. Endorsements are a visual display of your competency in your top skills.

Earn endorsements by endorsing your 1st-degree

connections liberally.

It takes no time at all to go through and endorse a few of your connections daily.

Make a Human Connection through Rich Media Content

10Rich media can bring

your profile to life!

Use it to demonstrateyour expertise more effectively.

LinkedIn’s supported providers:

Videos: YouTube or Vimeo Slide presentations: SlideShare Podcast episodes: SoundCloud

Start building your LinkedIn presence

before you desperately need it!

Ready for an effective, strategicapproach to leveraging

?

Grab your FREE TIP SHEET:

9 Quick Tips to Boost Your LinkedIn Influence

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9 Quick Tips to Boost Your LinkedIn Influence