5 Game-changing LinkedIn tips

So you joined LinkedIn because a coworker said it’s a good business networking site (it is). Your boss asked you to set up a LinkedIn group for the company because he thinks it’s a good place to connect with your customers (it is). But are you using LinkedIn to its fullest potential for your business? For yourself?

LinkedIn is tailor-made for professionals and businesses that want to connect with vendors, suppliers and potential employees. Recently, LinkedIn scored a huge goal by poaching Daniel Tunkelang, former tech lead at Google. While we’re sure Daniel will over-deliver very quickly, there’s an awful lot of functionality already live at LinkedIn.

These 5 tips will help you avoid the dreaded business-class-misfit syndrome.

#1 Complete your profile

This might sound like a no-brainer, but you’d be amazed at how many people (who should know better) miss this important step. No one wants to shake a hand that’s limp and not filling out your profile is being that hand. Make yours firm, focused and the kind of handshake others want to connect to.

• Post a picture
• Add your  info (and use your keywords)
• Include your web address so people can learn more about you
• Add widgets for your blog, your events, etc.

And be compelling. Write about yourself with some personality and make it a page people want to read.

#2 Connect with everyone

I’m always amazed when people tell me they only connect with people they’ve met face to face. I understand the importance of building a network of meaningful relationships but I also see the opportunities new acquaintances can bring to my business.

Expanding your network to include a wide variety of people extends your reach and potential influence online – and it builds your personal brand as a thought leader. When you do need a recommendation or an introduction, that growing network may be housing some hidden gems. Lewis Howes, my go-to-guy for LinkedIn smarts, explains why you should connect with everyone on LinkedIn.

#3 Give and Get recommendations

Recommendations on LinkedIn solidify your social cred. Someone with a well-written profile but no recommendations given or received is like wearing the best suit in the closet and forgetting a tie. What you say about yourself is important, but as a potential new connection, I want to know what co-workers and employers say about you. And how you talk about others.

Be honest when asked for a recommendation. If you have nothing positive to say, it’s best to say nothing. After all, that recommendation reflects on you as well.

#4 Be a joiner

Ever notice how some people can walk into a party and immediately own it? And how that same person moves from group to group, holding court for people who know and love them? Chances are that person is a connector and spends a lot of time nurturing relationships and building others up.

Joining groups (and contributing to them) on LinkedIn allows you to touch many more people than if you just talked to those within your circle.

#5 Use the Share Button

Bring LinkedIn to your site or blog and allow your visitors to share your content with their LinkedIn networks. Adding the share button to your site is as easy as choosing from one of three looks and adding the code, available at LinkedIn’s Publisher’s page.

Not sure if sharing your LinkedIn content is a good idea? LinkedIn’s stats might convince you otherwise.

Are you on LinkedIn? Are we connected? If not, send me a connection request and let’s start the conversation. Follow me on Twitter or friend me on Facebook – I’m always on.