LinkedIn Mistakes NOT to make...[/caption]LinkedIn is a great way to make business connections, but the truth is that most freelancers are using it completely wrong. Some of the mistakes are made and by simply switching up your approach to Linkedin, you’ll be able to get much more out of it. Today I am going to outline 10 mistakes people make on Linkedin. I hope that by reading these mistakes, you’ll be able to fix any mistakes you’re currently making and build a better Linkedin profile.
Auto updating with your Twitter statuses
One of the biggest mistakes I see people making is having their Twitter statuses auto insert into their Linkedin accounts “update” section. This is a big no-no because it shows a couple things right away. First, you’re showing that you don’t care enough about Linkedin to go and update it yourself (even using TweetDeck or another app allows you to update it properly). Second, it is streaming your constant flow of ReTweets and info you might not want to share with potential business connections on Linkedin.
Not linking to your business websites
This seems like a no-brainer, right? When you set up your profile, you’d think that most people would add their business URL in, blog URL, etc. However, I’ve noticed that a lot of people miss out on this opportunity to share other links with their Linkedin profile viewers. When you leave a blog comment, you generally add your URL in, right? Well, it’s the same way here – make sure you’re utilizing Linkedin and getting all of the links in you possibly can.
Leaving your profile information blank
So, you started your profile but never found the time to get around to it? Well, what do you think that’s going to show potential connections when they view your profile. If you can’t take 5-10 minutes to properly set up your profile, how do you expect the viewer of your profile to take you serious enough to hire you?
Not uploading your resume
Here’s one that I am personally not following but I know I need to be. Adding a resume to your Linkedin profile should be one of the first things you do because it gives people the opportunity to download it and have it on file at ease. They don’t need to contact you to request it – it’s right there.
Your recommendations section is blank
Here’s one that you can look at as a way to showcase testimonials for your business. Do you know clients who are on Linkedin? Why not ask them to give you a recommendation? This way, potential clients viewing your page will see it and it will give you a much better light to shine in, in their eyes.
Set it and forget it
Putting your Linkedin profile together and not utilizing it on a regular basis is counter productive. If your page looks like you are never there, people will assume that you’re not around on a regular basis in your business as well. Be there, be present and be active. You don’t have to spend 10 hours a day on the site, but add a couple status updates throughout the day and it’ll keep you “active” in peoples eyes.
Only connecting with people in your industry
I’ve said this a lot of times before but I think it needs to be said again. Connecting with people who do the same job as you is great for building relationships in your industry with people who might be able to help promote you or give you advice on specific things, but if you’re trying to build a business, you need to connect with people who will HIRE you. If you design blogs, connect with bloggers more than other blog designers, etc.
Connecting with EVERYONE at once
With everything, Linkedin needs to be cultivated properly. Going in and massively adding 100-200 people isn’t the way to go about it. Organically build and grow, adding those who you truly talk to. It’s not Twitter, you don’t need to follow everyone just because they’re in the same niche as you. Connect with people you know and build those relationships further.
Not branding your sub headline
Not sure what your sub headline is? It’s the spot under your name, which usually displays your position and company information (ie: Decisive Marketing Executive Who Drives Company Growth Through Creative & Innovative Marketing Strategies.@tommylandz). However, this is the first thing people see after your name so you need to make sure it pops and brands you properly. You can edit it by going to “EDIT PROFILE” and clicking “EDIT” next to your name, which will allow you to change the line under your name.
Not connecting with me on Linkedin
Just like the other articles in this series, we need to connect
I love everyone who reads and enjoys this blog and want to connect with you in any way possible, including our Linkedin profiles. You can view my LinkedIn profile at http://www.linkedin.com/in/tommylandz. Go ahead and connect with me or you can leave a comment here with your linkedin profile URL and we can all connect with each other
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