Tips for Maximizing LinkedIn

I apologize to any readers for my absence.  I was out of the country two times in the past 2 months and had some consulting contracts that took up my time.   But now I'm back and will try and update this blog as interesting articles come to my attention.  In prior blogs I went into more detail regarding LinkedIn for the more serious user.  LinkedIn to me is more than getting connected.  If you want to make it a useful tool, you can't dally in it but must treat the information shared as important as your resume and cover letter with more marketing opportunity.  Have fun.

One of my favorite blogs is New Grad Life and it applies not only to grads but those in job search

Here are some of the tips mentioned in that blog:

Linkedin Profile
1. Upload a Good Photo
2. Complete Your Entire Profile, Including Prior Jobs
3. Include Email Address In Your Last Name (easier to contact you)
4. Use Keywords Liberally in Your Profile (think of it as an SEO page)
5. Link to Web Sites Using Keywords, not “My Web Site”
6. Link to Your Blog’s RSS Feed
7. Update Your Profile Often (keeps you on your contacts’ news stream), but Not Egregiously
8. Create Status Updates (like Twitter and Facebook)

Linkedin Applications
9. Activate Linkedin Applications that Connect to Your Content - WordPress & Bloglink - SlideShare - Company Buzz (Twitter search)

Linkedin Connections
10. Invite Anyone You Meet in a Business Setting
11. Use Custom Invite Text

12. Find Connections Through Linkedin Search (company search is especially good)
13. Browse Your Connections’ Connections to Find People You Forgot or Missed
14. Invite Your Contacts from Outlook, Gmail, et al

Linkedin Recommendations
15. Liberally Provide and Request Recommendations - Use Custom Request Text
- Provide Guidance to Reviewers on Themes and Keywords You’d Like Included

Linkedin Messages
16. Send Messages to Your Connections About Job Openings, Events
- Breaks Through Clutter of Inbox

Build Your LinkedIn Reputation
17. Set up a Search and Answer Questions in the Linkedin Answers Section
- Search can also be set as an RSS feed
18. Join Groups (only enough so that you can participate in each one)
- Great way to meet new connections through group discussions
19. Consider Creating Your Own Group

Using Linkedin for Business Development
20. Connect with Clients, Former Clients, and Prospects
21. Use Search to Find Appropriate Contacts at Target Companies
22. Use Search to Find Background Information on Personnel at Target Companies