LinkedIn Fundamentals - Is your profile the best it can be?

This lecture introduces you to the course as well as show you how I read a LinkedIn profile.

When you get a LinkedIn account, you have a unique LinkedIn URL ... however, it has all kinds of jibberish with numbers and letters.

Customize it! For example, mine is www.LinkedIn.com/in/DianeDarling

If you can't get your name, there are other options. Such as adding your profession or location.

This is the first thing people see with your photo.

Spend time to be sure this is clear and inviting for the person looking at your profile.

This is an often-overlooked way to really make your profile shine.

You'll learn how to add an image - it can be mountains, lakes, or something specific to you.

This is one of the most important aspects of your LinkedIn profile. People see the first few lines - make it the best.

Be compelling without being a brag. Let people know how you help them.

Be sure your contact info is there as well.

This is where you let people know what you've accomplished and how it can help them.

It's good to showcase your education, however, it can age you. Even though it's illegal, some companies do discriminate.

Here's a way to add your education and take off the year of graduation.

This is not the best place to put time or energy in my opinion. But it's good to know what this section does.

This is different from recommendations or testimonials. Other people add a skill such as Excel or Painting to your profile. It's not always relevant.

Take a look at the SHORT video and decide for yourself.

This is one of the more important parts of LinkedIn. It's like your resume or CV. I suggest you update this a few times a year to keep it fresh and current.

EXAMPLE:  Each "EXPERIENCE" is a job - such as an accountant. If you get promoted to a partner, you'll want to update it.

You can use LinkedIn as a blog and write articles. This is a more advanced part of LinkedIn however I wanted to show you the advantages of how this might be helpful for you.

Start by giving recommendations and thank others for how they've helped you. This will start the process.

When someone compliments your work, ask if they'd be willing to write a recommendation for you.

The video explains the best ways to navigate this on LinkedIn

This section is another overlooked area where you can showcase ways you help the world be a better place. Also if you're involved with professional associations in your industry, add that info here as well.