Ten LinkedIn tips you need to know

So, later today, I'm doing a presentation to a Chamber Member on how their sales team can best utilize LinkedIn.  The research reminded me of what a fantastic service LinkedIn can be - if used properly.  I can't tell you how many times I've had someone say, "Yeah, I have a LinkedIn Profile...I just never use it."  Sound familiar?

Here are ten tips to make sure you get the most out of LinkedIn:

1)  Don't self promote:  Okay, okay, if you've ever read anything I've written here, you've seen this before.  That being said, the rule applies, perhaps even more so on LinkedIn, when so many do nothing but self promote.  Don't fall into that trap!


2)  Make it personal:  When you send someone a note about wanting to add them as a Connection, don't use LinkedIn's default "I'd like to add you to my personal network."  Add your own note about when you met them.  Make it personal - it makes you stand out.

3)  Do you know who's viewed your profile?  You can:  On the LinkedIn homepage, you can see who has viewed your profile.  Check it out.  This will give you a good idea of what people you are attracting to your profile.  Not who you want it to be?  Then you need to change your profile to target your audience better.

4)  Check out "People You May Know":  This section, available on the homepage, will tell you people that LinkedIn thinks you know based on your other Connections and groups in which you are a member.  This can be a great resource for building your network.

5)  Give (unsolicited) recommendations:  One of LinkedIn's nicer features is the ability to give recommendations to people.  If you've been on LinkedIn long enough, you've probably been asked for a recommendation.  That being said - start giving them, even if you aren't asked.  Target people with whom you are trying to build a relationship and go for it.  They will notice - and likely appreciate it.

6)  Follow targeted companies:  A relatively newer feature of LinkedIn is the ability to follow companies - that is, get updates from companies when they have a new employee, job opening, change their profile, etc.  If you are targeting a specific company, this is a great way of getting useful information on them.

7)  Audit your profile:  You have to, on a periodic basis, review your entire profile and make sure that its still up to date.  Make sure the info you list is accurate, your skills are the most up to date, etc.  Nothing looks worse than a profile that is out of date!

8)  Tweak your headline:  By default, your headline (the line under your name) will be the job you list as the most current.  That job title may not be descriptive enough for the average user - so change it.  Make it client-focused and as compelling as possible - not just another line on your resume.

9)  Use status updates wisely:  Your status updates can be a great tool.  Don't use them to brag, but use them to discuss information that positions you as an expert or shows your contacts how you can help them.  Remember, again: don't self promote - add value.

10)  Connect - often:  If you want to gain connections and contacts, you have to go get them.  Just like any networking event, you have to use the service to get something out of it.  Respond to people's status updates.  Asks questions in groups.  Answer polls.  Get your name out there, and you will be found.

Those are my tips - what are yours?  Let us know in the comments!
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