Once barely more than an online résumé site, LinkedIn has become a robust tool for professionals looking to build their personal brands at the confluence of social media and the business world. Now with more than half a billion profiles, LinkedIn’s user base rivals Twitter’s and Snapchat’s in the United States.
Whether you’re looking to grow your network, become an influencer, or learn more from top thought leaders, LinkedIn can help. So log in and follow these tips to build your brand.
1. Be Generous
Everyone loves a pat on the back, so help a colleague out by showing some love. Endorse skills on a colleague’s profile, give a friend a recommendation, comment on posts, share job leads, and congratulate an old classmate on a new position or work anniversaries. Give generously, and soon you will receive.
2. Be Heard
Don’t just say you’re an expert, show it! Make your voice stand out by giving your take on current trends and issues, posting updates on your latest projects, and sharing stories and insights. LinkedIn has a variety of options to do so, including adding updates from your profile or using the LinkedIn Publishing platform to share more in-depth ideas.
3. Be Consistent
Food in the back of the fridge grows mold and is forgotten. Stay top of mind on LinkedIn by consistently participating with whatever time you might have. Whether it’s a quick comment on a post or a longer essay with your thoughts on leadership, strive to touch base a few times a week. Don’t let your personal brand become moldy bread.
4. Be Connected
Do what the site’s name says: link in! Maintain valuable relationships with people you already know by dropping them a line now and then. But don’t hesitate to also take the plunge and send a personalized message to someone you don’t know but look up to. A short note with a dose of humility and kindness could lead to a new friend or mentor.
5. Be Yourself
There’s only one you, so if you want to stand out from the crowd, be yourself. Whether it’s a personal description on your profile that shows your personality or your thoughts on the hottest new topics (bitcoin, anyone?), sharing your unique authenticity and experiences will draw others’ attention and make you more memorable.
6. Be a Groupie
Want to keep up those relationships you had on campus or at a previous employer? Join a few LinkedIn groups. Different from company or university pages, these groups enable members to have conversations, post and find jobs, and stay in-the-know. Speak up often, and you’ll build credibility with a like-minded audience.
7. Be a Proud Alum
Want to network, rep BYU Marriott, and become more visible to recruiters in one easy step? Simply list the school as your alma mater on the education section of your personal profile. You’ll be automatically included in the searchable database on the official BYU Marriott university page where you and others can go to see other BYU Marriott alumni.
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Article Written by Jordan Christiansen
