Many business professionals have LinkedIn profiles, but don’t spend much time cultivating their relationships or raising awareness about their business. LinkedIn provides exceptional opportunities for networking and by making a commitment each month to spend time improving a LinkedIn profile businesses can not only add value, but even create clarity about business objectives for potential customers.

*Complete the profile

If you don’t have time to do it all at once, come back and keep adding to your profile. Be complete in your skills and experience and use keyword-rich phrases in your bio.

*Add Connections

Each time you network, go to trade shows, educational events, business meetings take the time to input your connections into LinkedIn.

*Get Recommendations

Requesting an endorsement on LinkedIn is easy, just make sure you provide specifics in your request and then thank your connection for providing a recommendation. Our Presentation Skills Training client, Sue Gaulke has many Fortune 500 clients, this is a great place to create credibility by sharing with LinkedIn connections.

*Join Groups

Join Groups related to your industry and learn about how your peers are leveraging that information. Participate in discussions and events for the group and learn about the participants and their mission.

*Answer Questions

Participate in the discussions by asking and answering questions. Add value by providing a unique perspective. Use the “Search Answers” drop down to review and decide where you can participate in the conversation and become an expert.

*Create a Group

Do this step last. Do the homework and make sure the group doesn’t already exist and that the proposed group is adding new value. Invite relevant connections to participate and give them good reason to want to join.

Bonus Tip:
Add your LinkedIn profile address to your Signature Line in your emails to raise awareness. Promote your LinkedIn profile when appropriate.

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