LinkedIn: Unlock Your Potential on the World’s Largest Business Network

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“It isn't just what you know, and it isn't just who you know. It's actually who you know, who knows you, and what you do for a living.” – Bob Burg

Making connections with collaborators and joint ventures has never been easier — thanks to LinkedIn — the world's largest business network.

LinkedIn is a great starting point for a brand or business because it is very clear what the intentions are of the social media platform — to connect people professionally. The lines for Facebook and Twitter are not as clear as to what your personal and professional image should be. LinkedIn is a powerful tool when it comes to seeking out potential employees, searching for a dream job, and expanding your network. Its abilities far surpass any online job board in all of these areas.

There are ways that you can take this professional platform up a notch and completely unlock your potential:

Optimize Your Profile For Superior Search Results
  • Google seems to favor LinkedIn for people searches — when searching for someone, it is rare that their LinkedIn profile would not be one of the first few websites to show up the the results.
  • Make sure you claim a unique URL for your LinkedIn profile — so instead of www.linkedin.com/profile/view?randomnumbersthatdonthelpyourSEO — it will appear as www.linkedin.com/yourname. To change your URL, go to your edit profile page and scroll to the “Public Profile” section. Click “Edit” next to the URL to choose a new one.
  • Your current position summary should have key phrases in it that will optimize your SEO. Consider this your 30second elevator pitch. You want it to be clear and memorable. Check out the profiles of other Entrepreneurs that you admire for ideas and inspiration.
  • Provide links to your website(s), Facebook fan page, and Twitter. Provide links to your Website(s) and Facebook Fan Page. You can supply up to 3 website links in your profile.  You may need all three for websites; however, you may also choose to include a link to your Facebook fan page. LinkedIn provides a special space for your twitter Username and URL: take advantage of it.
Make Valuable Connections
  • When you visit LinkedIn to update your status, continue to send out friend requests.  LinkedIn has a feature that shows you how closely connected you are to another person.  For example, a close friend of yours will have the number “1” in the top right hand corner while a person you know through a friend of a friend may have a “2” or “3” next to their name. The more people you are connected with, the more prospects you can get in front of.
  • Joining groups and displaying the group badge on your profile is a great way to show that you care about interacting. Joining these groups is not only a good way to stay up to date with news, but is great for making connections with others in your niche, as well.  It is another great way to connect with joint ventures and prospects.
Land That Dream Job/Client
  • LinkedIn is the perfect place to search when you're looking for a new hire. Check out their corporate recruiting page to find and attract the best talent, target the right person for the job, and showcase your company's brand and culture. 
  • When trying to land a dream job, of course make sure that your profile is complete, add connections, network, be as open as possible about yourself and your skills, and seek recommendations from previous employers and coworkers. Showcase why you're the right person for the job!

What other ways have you used LinkedIn to advance your brand and/or business? Have you scored your dream job using the world's larges business network? Let us know with a comment below!

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Harold Gardner
Harold Gardner
11 years ago

Great insight about LI. I see so many folks misusing the platform; then they seem disappointed by their results.

Kim
Kim
Reply to  Harold Gardner
11 years ago

Right? LinkedIn has so much potential but so many set it and forget it.

Kim Garst
Kim Garst
11 years ago

This is a WordPress blog. Is that what you are asking?

Miranda
Miranda
11 years ago

Great points in this article! LinkedIn is so valuable for both job seekers and businesses looking for quality talent. I love that LinkedIn allows individuals to feature published works and projects too. Future employers can really vet these potential employees from one interface.

Kim Garst
Kim Garst
Reply to  Miranda
11 years ago

Absolutely! Thanks for stopping by Miranda!

cristina
cristina
10 years ago

Hello There, I do use LinkedIn because it is a great starting point for a brand or business because it is very clear what the intentions are of the social media platform to connect people professionally.

Kim Garst
Reply to  cristina
10 years ago

I will look forward to the connection, Christina!

Angie
Angie
10 years ago

Kim, thanks for the article! I have a LinkedIn profile but have literally done nothing with it because I’m just not sure it is applicable to my business (I set up a profile when I was doing photography, but I’m not anymore even though my profile still says so!). I am part of a network marketing company, and my niche is moms with kids. I realize of course there are moms with kids on LinkedIn, but they are not there to talk about their kids! 🙂 I’d love to know if you think this platform may be useful to someone with a niche like mine. Thanks! 🙂

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