If you’re looking to master LinkedIn to find new clients and generate new revenue for your business you will need to increase your visibility, improve you communications and learn to position yourself more effectively. Here are some tips on how to do that!

Visibility
Not everyone knows you by name. But they do know they type of person they are looking for. There are certain steps you need to take to be found by the people you want to be found by for the things you want to be found for.

Skills and Keywords:
Go to www.LinkedIn.com/skills to find and add the skills (and keywords) that other people are searching for on LinkedIn. You want to move beyond your title to what you do, whom you serve and what makes you different. Keep building this list and then add the appropriate keywords where relevant in your Skills, Experience Title and Description, Summary, Projects, and Interests sections. Adding the right search terms to the right sections will make you more visible.

Endorsements:
Since anyone can say anything about himself or herself in the virtual world, receiving Endorsements can help to credential you on LinkedIn. Make sure to have all skills listed and accept Endorsements as you receive them. Manage Endorsements by deleting any that are not relevant or applicable.

Effective Engagement
While LinkedIn gives us the tools needed for effective engagement, they are often misused or ignored. Minor effort can yield powerful results.

Invitations
When inviting someone to LinkedIn, use the “groups” option when possible. Also customize your greeting (you have 300 characters) to tell people why you want to connect with them. Be proactive. Grow your network before you need them.

Introductions
One of LinkedIn’s most powerful and under-used tools, the Introduction is similar to a warm handshake. Ask the “Introducer” first if they are willing to introduce you. Then click on the “Get Introduced” link (to the right of “Send InMail”) and thank the Introducer, give them an “out” and then tell the “Introducee” why you want to be connected on LinkedIn.

Messages
Messages are a great way to communicate since they tend to get past spam filters. DO NOT use messages to send company promotions. Consider them a peer-to-peer communication channel.

Group Messages
You can easily send a message and engage with other members through your groups. Same rules apply as above.

InMail
LinkedIn’s version of a FedEx – you must pay for these. Your last result when you can’t reach the person you are looking for.

Representing Yourself
LinkedIn allows you to create a unique and powerful representation of yourself. Following these few steps ensures that you’ll look your best!

Profile Etiquette
Create your profile first in a Word document to catch spelling errors, manage formatting and add special characters (like bullets). Make sure your profile is focused on benefit to the reader, what you offer, your USP. Don’t be afraid to add testimonials, recommendations and awards you’ve received.

Customize your URL
Change your LinkedIn URL to read “LinkedIn.com/in/YourName” by clicking on the edit link to the right of your existing URL and then following LinkedIn’s steps to customize the link in edit mode.

Volunteer Section
LinkedIn has a new Volunteer Experience & Causes section that allows you to add information on how you like to donate your time and talent – by joining a nonprofit or by skills-based volunteering (pro
bono consulting). If you would like to donate your time and sit on a board, then you must add this section to your profile.

Contact Me Section
Make sure you make it easy for Board (and LinkedIn) members to contact you by adding your pertinent information to the Contact section at the bottom of your profile

*******************

Be sure to join us for our October 1 #SpeakerChat featuring Viveka Von Rosen