LinkedIn has basically revolutionized the online presence for business networking for professionals.  LinkedIn (History of LinkedIn – LinkedIn – Our Story) began in 2003 in a slightly cumbersome fashion in its onset but has emerged a well- constructed online aid for professionals in all lines of work who are networking, career hunting, or even looking to increase their knowledge of prospecting targets.  As of 2013, there were over 300 million LinkedIn users worldwide. If you are searching for the next position it could turn out to be almost indispensible.

Your LinkedIn Profile – Your Chance to Tell Your Story!

Today we will focus on your LinkedIn profile as an important portrait of you with all of your relevant information.  The most important aspect of this is that you have an opportunity to properly construct your profile.  This is fitting as this is your story and “you are the expert on yourself.”  No one can tell your story like you can!  If you are a sales professional, you need to exploit this online tool.

This profile underpins your online persona, so you need to really think over how you are going to construct it.

Do You Have an Existing Profile?

If you have an existing profile, you may want to refine it.  I have some quick tips that can help you.

Before you start revising your profile, you will note a button on the right hand side of the on the profile screen which will allow you to “broadcast” changes to your profile to those you are connected with.  I suggest that you toggle this switch to “NO” – “Do not publish an update to my network about my profile changes”. The reasoning here is that you are probably going to do these refinements and changes to your profile over the course of a couple or even a few sessions.  This will allow you to avoid sending numerous notifications to your network about things that many of them already know, and gives you a chance to complete and even modify your work without notifying friends of every change you make.  When you finish, if it is your preference, you can elect to have your profile changes made known to your contacts in real time.

Take time to review and modify your profile and keep it up to date.  Here is why:

• You are searchable- Potential employers can access your LinkedIn profile at any time.
• Electronic application – Many organizations allow you to apply for positions utilizing your LinkedIn profile.
• Added benefits – You can get the equivalent of a “short-link” code allowing you to send a link to your LinkedIn profile that you can embed on your electronic resume.

Don’t Have A LinkedIn Profile?

Whether you are an optimistic college senior or an accomplished professional you should consider taking this first step.

In my discussion above regarding refining an existing profile I suggested, “turning off” the update button.  I would suggest the same action when it comes to constructing your profile, as you may be building it over several sessions.  I don’t think that you necessarily want potential contacts and employer to see your profile in every phase of construction.

The ability to use this profile for job inquiries and increased visibility are big benefits.  I think of it as the job hunt tool of a lifetime! Before you begin your LinkedIn profile, you will want to do make sure that you have a copy of your resume handy as the profile simulates, and essentially turns into an electronic resume foyou.

Remember that your resume is something that you can share when you have an interest.  Your LinkedIn profile is viewable by LinkedIn users without permission.

With that in mind, you will want the profile to be cogently thought-out and without the “chaff” of insignificant short-term jobs.

Suggestion! – When you complete an actual application it is important that you detail all of your positions and the correct dates. If you do not have an actual application it is your responsibility to advise your hiring manager or HR person of the total sum of your positions by having a separate, all position inclusive, resume copy that details all positions you have worked.  This one is not used to garner prospective employer interest, but use this one to detail what you have been in your career.  This item is a necessity only when you actually need it.

The electronic view of you that your LinkedIn profile represents should generate interest by showing the scope of your experiences and the depth of your positions.  It should be concise and mistake free.

LinkedIn – Short link (Public Profile URL)

When using electronic mail (email) you have the ability to include a LinkedIn link to your profile.  If you are corresponding with potential employers regarding job opportunities, or networking with other professionals for whatever reason, you can include your electronic resume in the form of your profile by attaching this link.

At the profile page under the profile section is “Your Public Profile URL” which will allow you to edit, copy, and use this URL or “short link”.  In this section you also have the ability to create an HTML public profile badge that you can use in any HTML based web site, email, or other publication.
The use of a public profile URL is up to you, but it can be useful.

Remember These Points

You might want to give these profile suggestions some consideration:

If you currently have a profile refine it and keep it up to date.

• If you are newly constructing a profile, congratulations.  Do it well and realize it makes you searchable on the Internet by those who are LinkedIn as well.
• Avoid numerous updates being sent out as you refine or construct by turning off the automatic updates at least temporarily.
• Consider using the Public Profile URL as a way to send your information to others who are LinkedIn.

I will have more coming to you about maximizing your LinkedIn usage.  If you have any comments, please feel free to direct them to me at Michael.Parker@BlackSalesJournal.com.