Social Media Platforms

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Discussion:

Paul,

You're so right. Many individuals still don't understand how to use such tools. They think using them equates to building a profile and simply having a presence so you are correct. Some basic guidelines to help you with LinkedIn are as follows:

1. Build a 100% complete profile and create a vanity URL for your profile. To create a vanity URL, instructions are in my blog post: http://bit.ly/u7iH0k
2. Use a professional-looking head shot photo consistent across all social media platforms you use (This is brand consistency)
3. Optimize key words in your profile that align with target industry/job since profiles become searchable by recruiters. Optimized key words lead to increased likelihood of being found by your target audience.
4. Use the three listed URLs LinkedIn allows to link to other online collateral that can persuade an employer to be interested. This may be your personal blog, an online portfolio, an online infographic resume, your VisualCV profile, etc.
5. Request meaningful endorsements for past positions - At least 2 endorsements for each past position is a good goal for students.
6. Use the LinkedIn Apps to differentiate and optimize your profile - Many people ignore the apps LinkedIn offers which can be found in the top navigation bar under the tab "More." Specifically, the WordPress app is great to insert a personal WordPress blog into one's profile and Slide Share is a great app to incorporate a relevant PowerPoint or video presentation (or even a video resume). Box.net is great for including files in your profile that might be samples of work to share as a LinkedIn portfolio or even a PDF version of one's resume.
7. Identify relevant targeted groups to join and engage in discussion
8. Etiquette rules - Always be professional, polite, helpful, courteous, and thoughtful. Show your expertise when appropriate in answering questions and providing your own insight and thank others for their contributions
9. Leverage LinkedIn Answers to take advantage of the expertise of others on LinkedIn by getting answers to your questions. Other professionals on LinkedIn offer their insight using this app. Moreover, answer questions to demonstrate your expertise in a topic and build connections.
10. Once you have a complete profile, include your LinkedIn Vanity URL on printed marketing collateral such as a business card and of course, the resume. Consider a QR Code on a business card that allows someone with a smart phone to go directly to your LinkedIn profile.

These are some basic suggestions I want to share since you have brought up the topic of LinkedIn specifically and I believe others can benefit from the listed tips. Thank you for bringing up the topic and feel free to take advantage of the forums to post questions to the group.

I encourage interaction with me but also with other forum members. This is, of course, at your own discretion but I believe it maximizes learning.

Take care!

Robert Starks Jr.

Paul, You're so right. Many individuals still don't understand how to use such tools. They think using them equates to building a profile and simply having a presence so you are correct. Some basic guidelines to help you with LinkedIn are as follows: 1. Build a 100% complete profile and create a vanity URL for your profile. To create a vanity URL, instructions are in my blog post: http://bit.ly/u7iH0k 2. Use a professional-looking head shot photo consistent across all social media platforms you use (This is brand consistency) 3. Optimize key words in your profile that align with target industry/job since profiles become searchable by recruiters. Optimized key words lead to increased likelihood of being found by your target audience. 4. Use the three listed URLs LinkedIn allows to link to other online collateral that can persuade an employer to be interested. This may be your personal blog, an online portfolio, an online infographic resume, your VisualCV profile, etc. 5. Request meaningful endorsements for past positions - At least 2 endorsements for each past position is a good goal for students. 6. Use the LinkedIn Apps to differentiate and optimize your profile - Many people ignore the apps LinkedIn offers which can be found in the top navigation bar under the tab "More." Specifically, the WordPress app is great to insert a personal WordPress blog into one's profile and Slide Share is a great app to incorporate a relevant PowerPoint or video presentation (or even a video resume). Box.net is great for including files in your profile that might be samples of work to share as a LinkedIn portfolio or even a PDF version of one's resume. 7. Identify relevant targeted groups to join and engage in discussion 8. Etiquette rules - Always be professional, polite, helpful, courteous, and thoughtful. Show your expertise when appropriate in answering questions and providing your own insight and thank others for their contributions 9. Leverage LinkedIn Answers to take advantage of the expertise of others on LinkedIn by getting answers to your questions. Other professionals on LinkedIn offer their insight using this app. Moreover, answer questions to demonstrate your expertise in a topic and build connections. 10. Once you have a complete profile, include your LinkedIn Vanity URL on printed marketing collateral such as a business card and of course, the resume. Consider a QR Code on a business card that allows someone with a smart phone to go directly to your LinkedIn profile. These are some basic suggestions I want to share since you have brought up the topic of LinkedIn specifically and I believe others can benefit from the listed tips. Thank you for bringing up the topic and feel free to take advantage of the forums to post questions to the group. I encourage interaction with me but also with other forum members. This is, of course, at your own discretion but I believe it maximizes learning. Take care! Robert Starks Jr.