The "Four C's" for Tapping the Power of LinkedIn

LinkedIn Works if You "Work It"

I've written a number of blog articles on how to effectively "work" LinkedIn for networking, business development and career management purposes.  Some of the more popular LinkedIn article topics include the following:

• Reorder the Sections on Your LinkedIn Profile

• How to Embed Video in Your LinkedIn Profile

• 10 Tips for Effectively Using Your LinkedIn "Status Update"

• The LinkedIn Daily Workplan

• Effectively Using LinkedIn's Group Feature

All of the above articles offer excellent tips for making LinkedIn "work" for you.  I've also identified "The Four C's" for really tapping the power of LinkedIn, all of which are summarized below.

The Four C's for Tapping the Power of LinkedIn

LinkedIn WILL work for you, but you've absolutely GOT to be active and consistent.  Remember the following "5 C's of Tapping the Power of LinkedIn":

• Compelling Profile - Ensure your profile is 100% complete and presents a compelling presentation "to the world."  Your Summary section should clearly communicate your key areas of specialty and HOW you add value.  Other elements that make a profile compelling: A clear byline/tagline under your name that identifies what you do (NOT where you do it), Recommendations (target at least 10), Slideshare presentations consistent with your brand, Groups consistent with your brand, etc.

• Connections - The more the better - At some point you finally reach a critical mass where things start to "happen" for you (assuming you're following all four of the C's).  For some people that's 200, for others its 300 or more.  My personal LinkedIn philosophy is to accept any "open" invitation.  The larger my network, the more people I can directly communicate with.  Use whatever strategy that works for you in terms of your network size, but continue building your network on an ongoing basis.  Invite in every person you meet or talk to.

• Communication - Communicate, communicate, communicate.  GIVE first.  Share great content, news and articles consistent with your brand.  Participate in discussions. Ask questions, answer questions.  Use the "Network Status Update" feature often as a tool for sharing information.  The size of your network is valuable ONLY IF you're communicating with that network on an ongoing basis.

• Consistency - Stay active on an ongoing basis.  Do a little something every day -- 10 or 15 minutes, or at least several times a week.  Consistent, frequent communication and activity keeps you "on the radar" screen of your network contacts.

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Andy Robinson, Executive Career Coach
Co-host, Career Success Radio Show
A leading authority on career success; 15-year executive coaching veteran
Contact: [email protected], 239-285-5575

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Comments

[Andy Robinson]

Thanks for your comments Dara. Best of luck to you as you continue to build on your LinkedIn activity. LinkedIn WILL work for you if you "work" it.

Andy Robinson