Are You Lazy with LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is not just meant to be an online resume. It is an opportunity to build your network, and – perhaps more importantly – connect with your network as well. However, many people make the mistake of creating a LinkedIn profile but then let it collect dust by not interacting with people.

This isn’t fair to you or the people who have carefully chosen to connect with you on LinkedIn. To connect with someone means both people can add value to the relationship and help each other. Don’t be lazy by choosing to neglect your network.

One way people sometimes hurt their reputation on LinkedIn is by not taking advantage of their opportunity to share their true value as professionals. This is the essence of LinkedIn: What do you stand for? What is at the core of your purpose as a professional?

LinkedIn is your opportunity to tell the world why it should care about what you have to contribute to your industry.

One way to do this by posting a few links to articles or videos that talk about your passion or a thought-provoking piece that encourages discussion among you and your network.

The keyword here is a few articles. Do not post ordinary articles five times a day just to appear relevant. Make sure the links you post are extraordinary examples of a topic with which you want to be associated.

Why?

Because everything you post is an extension of your personal identity: your brand. You have complete control over your professional identity, so it’s a great idea to be mindful about it.

On LinkedIn, as in “real life,” you can either deliberately develop your identity or it will happen by default. Take the opportunity to share with others what is important to you instead of making them guess.

The world of LinkedIn doesn’t have to be intimidating. It is definitely worth it to invest some time and get more involved. A revamped approach will pay off, especially because your profile is often the first impression prospective employers get of you.

To learn more about the dos and don’ts of networking on LinkedIn, check out this article: http://www.inc.com/kevin-daum/20-critical-dos-and-donts-of-linkedin-networking.html.


By Lily Sherer

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