Mashable's latest #BizChats Twitter chat discussed the best ways to optimize your LinkedIn profile.
[seealso slug="increase-linkedin-views"]
Over the course of an hour, @MashBusiness covered an array of questions, ranging from how to increase your chances of getting a response when sending LinkedIn InMail, to how LinkedIn groups can play a crucial role in professional development and networking.
Several influencers shared their expertise, including: Lori Ruff, chief branding officer of ALPFA, Inc. & social media strategist; Melonie Dodaro, international #1 bestselling author of The LinkedIn Code & LinkedIn expert; Nathan Kievman, world renowned LinkedIn expert & strategist; Neal Schaffer, social media keynote speaker & social business consultant; Steven Burda, social media guru & the most connected person on LinkedIn; and Viveka von Rosen, author of LinkedIn Marketing: An Hour a Day, LinkedIn expert speaker & trainer.
Check out highlights from our chat in the Storify, below:
[View the story "#BizChats: How to nurture your LinkedIn profile" on Storify]#BizChats: How to nurture your LinkedIn profileMashable hosted a Twitter chat to discuss how to take advantage of all of LinkedIn's feature for your personal and professional development.Storified by Mashable· Wed, Aug 26 2015 21:24:34
When LinkedIn first debuted in 2003, not many professionals realized how powerful of a social networking tool it would become. Fastforward 12 years later, it's hard to remember a time without it. LinkedIn has changed the way people conduct business with each other, find jobs, share and receive news updates and blog.
With all these wonderful features at the tip of your fingers, it's a mystery as to why so many professionals don't utilize these tools more. Part of the problem may be the fact that they're investing more time in other miscellaneous social networks than LinkedIn, but its power should not be underestimated. LinkedIn is here to stay.
@mashbusiness and several loan experts participated in a #BizChats Twitter chat to discuss how people can make the most of their LinkedIn profile. Welcome to #BizChats! Today we're discussing how to harness the power of LinkedIn.Mashable BusinessA warm welcome to our LinkedIn experts: @loriruff, @meloniedodaro, @nathankievman, @NealSchaffer, @sburda, @LinkedInExpert! #BizChatsMashable Business#BizChats tip: Be sure to number your answers according to the question you're answering. (ie., Q1.-->A1., Q2. --> A2., Q3. --> A3.)Mashable BusinessQuestion 1:Q1. Why is LinkedIn such an important tool for building your brand? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA1 #LinkedIn for build-branding: Compared to other networks, LinkedIn gives you the most ways to brand yourself on ur profile. #BizChatsNeal SchafferQ1: Since Linkedin has about 400,000,000 professionals, this is WORLD's platform for professionals of all walks of life. #BizChats #Linkedin● Steven Burda, MBAA1: In today's world, being on Linkedin is a must, it boils down to V+C=P. Visibility + Credibility = Profitability. Stand out! #BizChats● Steven Burda, MBAA1. LinkedIn is the ultimate relationship building platform. Not to mention 1 out 3 professionals is a member. #BizChatsMelonie DodaroQ1 While @LinkedIn is for career, to market & sell; it works best if you network first, esp in an #H2H mindset. #BizChatsLori Ruff@mashbusiness Q1; It keeps me plugged in to my contacts and that can and is huge! #BizChatsSarah YoungA1 #LinkedIn for build-branding: LI = largest social network for professionals. Period. Best place 2 b seen and sought after. #BizChatsNeal SchafferA1b: LinkedIn lets you not only visually brand your business, but interact with prospects/clients #BizChatsViveka von RosenA1d: Not to mention the GREAT opportunity to do some content marketing with LinkedIn Publisher #BizChatsViveka von Rosen@mashbusiness Q1 A1 LinkedIn is your professional image to the world, it’s your digital handshake, your 8sec elevator pitch online #BizChatsNathan Kievman@mashbusiness Q1 A2 Leveraging your #LinkedIn Profile, you can massively increase your credibility and authority, get more Biz #BizChatsNathan KievmanA1) LinkedIn is a gr8 networking tool to reach professionals, engage in relevant conversations & create new valuable connections. #bizchatsLiliana GH@mashbusiness A1 it's a professional way to show your viewpoint to connections & future employers.Melissa LessardA1: LinkedIn is the only major SM site where the focus is business networking. Accessing that audience is key to building a brand. #bizchatsKristen CobbQuestion 2: Q2. What’s the best way to optimize your LinkedIn profile? #BizChatsMashable BusinessQ2 First-person, conversational @LinkedIn Summary. You don’t speak 3rd person. Write like you talk. It resonates best. #BizChatsLori RuffA2. Use the keywords your ideal clients will use to find someone who does what you do. #BizChatsMelonie DodaroA2: Take the time to connect and recommend the people you worked for or with and make sure they truly feel "part of your network" #BizChats● Steven Burda, MBAA2 LinkedIn profile advice: First think of your profile as a _dynamic inbound marketing tool_ NOT a static resume! #BizChatsNeal SchafferA2 #LinkedIn profile advice: Here’s some targeted advice for you LinkedIn photo: http://t.co/kcIu55sOWU #BizChatsNeal Schaffer@mashbusiness A2: Hire a LinkedIn Expert to work with you on your Profile… let them pull the best out of you! #BizchatsNathan KievmanA2a: Make use of all the features-Hero images, media uploads and various content sections #BizChatsViveka von RosenA2b: Focus on your ideal client. WIIFT? Your content should help slave their point of pain. #BizChatsViveka von RosenA2c: You need to tell people what you do of course, but more importantly, how you can help them #BizChatsViveka von RosenQ2: Make sure your profile has a picture and is 100% complete. You should also make sure you proof read your text, etc. #BizChats #Linkedin● Steven Burda, MBAA2: Speak to your market – looking for a job, act like you don’t need it, - prospecting, speak to their needs & challenges #BizchatsNathan Kievman@mashbusiness A2. Building connections w/ professionals. And please, never use the generic LinkedIn invite message. Be creative! #BizChatsTracey Edouard A2. Is to have an eye catching headline that INSTANTLY displays your value proposition to your industry. #BizChatsDayvon GoddardQuestion 3:Q3. What are the biggest mistakes people make when creating a LinkedIn profile? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA3: Most people start "actively" using Linkedin when they NEED it. It takes time. So think: "Dig your well before you're thirsty." #BizChats● Steven Burda, MBAA3: Only using #LinkedIn as an online résumé, rather than as a way to engage with other industry professionals. #BizChats #socialmediaKimberly Trimble@mashbusiness A3. Believing LinkedIn is an online resume resource, rather than a great #Networking tool #BizChatsBeatriz AlmeidaA3. Writing their profile like a resume or CV rather than making it client focused. #BizChatsMelonie DodaroA3: Over-selling yourself by making your profile one big resumé #BizChatsGabrielle Yocum@mashbusiness A3) Poor grammar/misspelled words and unprofessional profile picture #BizChatsJessica DingA3: Not updating your profile and engaging with others. You have to give people a reason to follow and engage with you. #BizChatsKristen CobbA3 #LinkedIn Profile Mistakes: Not spending time on professional headline or summary to build authority, trust & credibility.#BizChatsNathan KievmanA3 LinkedIn profile mistake: 4 many it’s not having the mindset that ur LinkedIn profile = ur professional home page on the web. #BizChatsNeal SchafferA3 Another critical LinkedIn profile mistake: Not having any recommendations means you have zero social proof. #BizChatsNeal SchafferA3a: Not completing their profile at all – or barely at all. Its your online brand. Take pride! #BizChatsViveka von RosenA3d: BIG rule breaker #1 – having more than one personal profile (you can have more than 1 Company Page) #BizChatsViveka von RosenQ3 Writing your profile like a resume is passé. You’re there to build lasting relationships, not transactional. #BizChats @mashbusinessLori Ruff@mashbusiness A3. Thinking they can use their beach selfie as a profile photo. If you want to play the part you need to LOOK it! #BizChatsTracey Edouard A3: Biggest #LinkedIn profile mistakes? Not having a profile photo and not proofreading. #BizChats https://t.co/f8tGWMNJtdArtisan Talent A3: Your LinkedIn profile is your chance to toot your own horn. Not filling it in all the way is just doing yourself a disservice. #BizChatsG&A PartnersQuestion 4:Q4. What is your favorite feature of LinkedIn and why? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA4: My favorite feature is "Introductions" and ability to see HOW you are connected to someone -- always appreciate knowing this. #BizChats● Steven Burda, MBAA4. Advanced Search lets you become really targeted in your ability to search for your ideal clients. #BizChatsMelonie DodaroQ4 @LinkedIn groups--find like-minded, engaged people. Connect around a common interest and the rest is easy. #BizChatsLori RuffA4 My favorite #LinkedIn feature, and the most valuable to most professionals, is the Advanced People Search. #BizChatsNeal SchafferA4a: Right now its LinkedIn Publisher, but I like their CRM system and Tagging too. #BizChatsViveka von Rosen@mashbusiness A4 I love Pulse. I feel like I get all the important headlines I need to catch up on. #BizChatsMelissa LessardQ4 #BizChats publisher and page analytics, would love if they expanded it too. More info is always helpful.Scott OntiverozA4: Another #Linkedin feature: be "current" in today's professional world; be updated on your network & you're found instantly. #BizChats● Steven Burda, MBAA4b: The LinkedIn Jobs search is fantastic. The fact that you can see where you rank among applicants definitely doesn't hurt. #BizChatsG&A PartnersA4: #LinkedIn groups. There is a staggering amount of knowledge shared. #BizChatsKimberly Trimble@mashbusiness A4: I like the ability to post content to SlideShare to my profile as opportunity to show some dimensional content #BizChatsBeth BoydA4: Following business leaders & companies. It's a great way to get relevant content & inspiration for your own posts. #BizChatsKristen Cobb@mashbusiness #LinkedIn #BizChats A4: Best part of LinkedIn hands down, the database and users! Rich, real, and relevant!Nathan Kievman@mashbusiness A4) Who's viewed your profile because it's interesting to see what type of people your profile appealed to #BizChatsJessica DingQuestion 5:Q5. How can you utilize LinkedIn’s long form blogging tool for success? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA5a: Published Posts not only make your profile nicer looking, they increase your visibility and SME #BizChatsViveka von RosenA5. By utilizing groups. Create great content and share that content with RELEVANT groups. This helps for building credibility #BizChatsDayvon GoddardQ5 Best use of @LinkedInPulse for those who blog is to redistribute content with a relevant “originally posted” link. #BizChatsLori RuffA5. Publisher has amazing reach. You can reshare existing blog posts to a much larger audience. #BizChatsMelonie DodaroA5. It can reach your 2 & 3 level connections or farther, especially if it is picked up by @LinkedInPulse. #BizChatsMelonie DodaroA5 LinkedIn blogging platform is best well-kept secret that #LinkedIn has – allowing you to broadcast 2 world of LI professionals. #BizChatsNeal SchafferA5: Publish relevant and interesting posts (Linkedin Pulse), & you will have the ability to be seen, twitted, shared & re-blogged. #BizChats● Steven Burda, MBAA5: @LinkedInPulse is a great way to share content for a new audience that wouldn't necessarily know to visit your site #BizChatsPaysavvyA5: Blogging allows professionals to build their reputations as experts, which will help with everything from new jobs to clients. #BizChatsKimberly TrimbleA5/2 #BizChats Linkedin doesn't have to connect with prospects but other interest groups. Adjust your messages accordinglyEve KoivulaA5 I have seen people with a few hundred connections get hundreds of thousands of views on their #LinkedIn blog posts. #BizChatsNeal Schaffer@mashbusiness A5) Share your professional expertise while maintaining your POV #BizChatsJessica Ding@mashbusiness A5. You can utilize LinkedIn's long form blogging tools to create influence & to build a knowledge-based community. #BizChatsAyesha AmbreenA5: LinkedIn Pulse is not just a great way to share content, but also find and engage with existing conversations and influencers #BizChatsPaysavvy@mashbusiness A5. Depending on business niche, you can use LinkedIn's blogging tool to become influential in your target market. #BizChatsNeueMarketingA5: Linkedin's long form publishing platform helps us track content effectively and accurately & evaluate content performance #BizChatsGabrielle YocumA5b: it also let's you compare your posts to see which ones outperformed others. It'll help plan your editorial calendar! #BizChatsGabrielle YocumQuestion 6:Q6. How can you increase your chances of getting a response when sending LinkedIn InMail? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA6: If you must send an InMail, DO NOT SELL! Be short, clear, concise, & try to mention people or affiliations u have in common. #BizChatsNeal SchafferA6. Do your research. Personalize your message. Get right to the point. #BizChatsMelonie DodaroA6 First of all, there was a study done that found there were better responses done through connection request than thru InMail. #BizChatsNeal SchafferA6a: RESEARCH YOUR TARGET – don’t spew out a one size fits all template. #BizChatsViveka von RosenA6b: Reference something about them in the Subject line of the InMail. #BizChatsViveka von RosenA6: Be specific & concise & direct in your InMail as to WHY or HOW there will be mutual synergies. Leave your phone and email too. #BizChats● Steven Burda, MBAA6: Prior to sending #LInkedin InMail, learn more about person or his/her company/organization & communicate this to your target. #BizChats● Steven Burda, MBAQ6 Use groups and mutual connections to tighten network. Mention people in common early to elicit reply. #BizChats @mashbusinessLori Ruff@mashbusiness A6 #BizChats Inmail on #LinkedIn - Speak executive language - talk in terms of time, money & risk as it pertains to them!Nathan Kievman@mashbusiness A6. Always make InMails personal and relevant! No one likes generic messages that don't pertain to them or their biz #BizChatsBeatriz AlmeidaA6: Don't just sell! Give value back. Create a reason for them to engage. #BizChatsKristen CobbA6. Be authentic. You don't want to come off as a used car salesman hunting for a lead. #BizChats https://t.co/NLnz1klD9jShan SdotCurls™@mashbusiness A6b: Be brief, be relevant and add value. Don't sell/push/ask #socialsellingisnotselling #bizchatsANDY FOOTEA6: If you are running a #marketing campaign, avoid jargon and fluff language. Make sure to provide value. #BizChatsKimberly TrimbleA6: Be personal and genuine, not salesy or spammy. Be concise, clear and always proofread! #BizChatsPaysavvyQuestion 7:Q7. How can LinkedIn groups play a part in professional development and networking? #BizChatsMashable BusinessQ7 @LinkedIn groups allow like-minded people to engage around common interests, enhances meaningful exchange. #BizChatsLori RuffA7. Join 40 or more groups that your ideal clients belong to and provide value - aka network. #BizChatsMelonie DodaroA7b: LinkedIn group discussions allow you to position yourself as a thought leader. #BizChatsViveka von RosenA7. Join up to 5 groups in your industry to stay current & establish your name in your industry. #BizChatsMelonie Dodaro@mashbusiness A7 it's a great way to show off your knowledge & interact with others. #BizChatsMelissa LessardA7: Groups give the you the chance to collaborate with people with same or similar interest, professions, and subjects & meet too! #BizChats● Steven Burda, MBAA7: You will surely stay current in your field/industry and then you can take the group (online) to in-person (meeting) event. #BizChats● Steven Burda, MBAA7 Problem is many #LinkedIn Groups = link-spam farms. Find those that have lots of actual discussions from a variety of voices. #BizChatsNeal SchafferA7 You can join up to 50 #LinkedIn Groups. Try joining as many as you feel are quality and relevant to your objective to join! #BizChatsNeal SchafferA7: LinkedIn groups can show you what's relevant in your industry and what kind of conversations people are having in that space #BizChatsPaysavvy@mashbusiness A7. LinkedIn groups are a great place to pass along open job positions and conduct crucial e-networking events. #BizChatsTracey Edouard @mashbusiness A7) LinkedIn carries the conversation offline to make REAL relationships for REAL profit, collaborations to events #BizChatsThierry AugustinA7. You see how you measure up in your field & make instant connections that could lead to opportunities.#BizChats https://t.co/3SzpOhpAHjShan SdotCurls™Question 8:Q8. What are some final tips you have to leverage your LinkedIn account? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA8a: Eat the elephant one bite at a time – even 15 minutes a day on LinkedIn can vastly improve your business. #BizChatsViveka von Rosen@mashbusiness A8: define your brand before building on your network. Keep it simple & ensure its 100% complete #bizchatsRoshni P. KumarQ8 Don’t miss a day – 5 min each A.M. empowers your networking. Like/Comment on your home stream and in a couple groups. #BizChatsLori RuffA8. Don't just use #LinkedIn when you need it. Nurture it! @mashbusiness #BizChatsBeatriz Almeida#BizChats A8 -more important than anything else: stay active and engaged with your network. congratulate them, ask questions, just be human!Andrew PeronA8 You need to create a Daily Routine as part of a systematic approach to maximizing your LinkedIn presence. #BizChatsNeal Schaffer@mashbusiness A8. Appropriate pictures are worth 1,000 words. Don't be afriad to add them if they compliment your story! #BizChatsTracey Edouard A8: Customize/personalize your profile as much as possible and continue to be active on the platform! :) #BizChatsGabrielle YocumA8. Build up recommendations & have a well-crafted and branded professional summary. Branding is key. #BizChats https://t.co/9Q3nKHgeVIShan SdotCurls™A8: leveraging network by giving more than you can take truly creates lasting value; IOW never eat alone #BizChatsDinesh KulchandraA8: Be consistent, be social, and be yourself. Use LinkedIn to better your personal and professional brand. #bizchatsLisa Wetzel@mashbusiness A8: define your brand before building on your network. Keep it simple & ensure its 100% complete #bizchatsRoshni P. Kumar@mashbusiness A8) love what you do and share your vision! never know who will be willing to invest or partner w a similar passion #bizchatsThierry AugustinA8: Take the time to read the messages you get -- and follow up! Take the time to get to know your network, no matter how often. #BizChats● Steven Burda, MBAA8: Don't forget to be you! Whether you are posting in a group or commenting on a blog, don't forget the human element. #BizChats #socialKimberly Trimble@mashbusiness A8. LinkedIn Tips:
1. Be authentic, be yourself.
2. Highlight Skills/Experience
3. Participate & connect
4. Grow
#BizChatsNeueMarketingClosing Comments: HUGE THANK YOU to .@mashbusiness for inviting me to be on #BizChats . I look forward to participating in future chats!Neal SchafferI give a big THANK YOU to @mashbusiness for inviting me to be on #BizChats. I look forward to participating in future chats too. @sburda● Steven Burda, MBA.@mashbusiness I was sincerely honored by the invitation! Please keep in touch! #BizChatsNeal SchafferIt Rocked! :) https://t.co/NBWm59p8eNLori Ruff@mashbusiness comment: grt chat tday. Even though I am in India, I feel we're all in the same room exchanging views #bizchatsRoshni P. Kumar@NealSchaffer @mashbusiness @loriruff @nathankievman @sburda @LinkedInExpert It was! So much great information & tips during the chat today!Melonie DodaroThank you for having me @mashbusiness! #BizChatsMelonie Dodaro@mashbusiness rocked today. Great work keep up with the connecting engine #BizChats #socbizDinesh Kulchandra@mashbusiness Thanks for an awesome LinkedIn chat, so love your chats, best of all chats on Twitter! Your fans at Ideon #clickideonIdeon@mashbusiness @MelonieDodaro @nathankievman @NealSchaffer @sburda @LinkedInExpert Honored to spend the afternoon with all... too much fun!Lori Ruff@mashbusiness Thank you so much for having me today on #BizChats. I don't use Twitter much, but this was pretty cool! Mostly on #LinkedIn!Nathan Kievman@mashbusiness Thank you for hosting! Can't wait for the next one.Artisan Talent