If you’re reading this post- and this blog- then I am going to assume your goal is to expand your brand- whether you are a business, a blogger, or even both. I am going to assume you already have a Facebook Fan Page and Twitter Profile set up (right?). The next question is do you have a LinkedIn Profile?
Before you shake your head and say why do I need one more thing to keep up with, let me explain. While still a social media tool, LinkedIn should really be viewed as your professional profile- your resume online. Your personal corner of LinkedIn gives potential employers a glimpse of your skills. If you are a blogger wanting to work with brands, LinkedIn is the perfect place to showcase your fabulousness. Have you worked with brands in the past? Include it on your profile. Have you not worked with brands as a blogger, but have previous work experience that might help? Highlight that information. Think of it as a professional Facebook Page where you can share all about you- and have potential business partners, brands, clients, etc. all come to you.
To set up your profile:
1. Go to http://www.linkedin.com and fill out the box that says “Join LinkedIn Today”.
2. Follow the prompts. Fill out the information as prompted. If you are using this primarily for blogging, then put yourself as the owner and/or writer of your blog- making the blog title the company. You can have more than one existing job as well after you are set up, so you are not limited to one position only.
3. Import contacts. You can easily import your contacts associated with your email address- instant connections!
4. Import your resume. This is the step that will be a bit different. While you may have an excellent resume as a Teacher, Accountant, or party planner extraordinaire, that may not be the resume you want to include. If you are looking for a job in the field you worked in, then by all means import your existing resume. However, if you are wanting to highlight your blogging work, you will want to add the brand and/or writing work you have done at the top of your profile. (More on social media resumes coming soon!)
5. Write an engaging summary. Think of this section as a cover letter- this is where people get to know you. What do you have to offer? What are your skills? This is your chance to connect, do it well!
6. Network, network, network. Find those connections- genuine connections- and network! One of the best pieces advice I have read about LinkedIn is to “grow your network while you don’t need it”. You never know when the right opportunity might come along, so connect while you can. (Read more here: http://eric-mariacher.blogspot.com/2006/05/my-2-cents-about-online-business.html)
Now you’re ready to get started on LinkedIn! What questions do you have?
About Ashley
I have been contemplating setting up a LinkedIn profile but found myself hesitating. Thank you for this post, I’m now convinced. I look forward to your future posts on social media resumes.
Hi! You mention importing your resume for your blog or your job. What about people who do both? Do people actually network for both their “day job” and their blog on LinkedIn even if they are very different? That’s my situation and why I have avoided LinkedIn. Not sure what to highlight and what to leave out? Would potential employers find my dual presence offputting (i.e., this girl won’t take her career seriously, she wants to make it as a blogger. But I happen to like doing both).
Anyone have this experience?
Thanks,
Beth