Give Yourself the Gift of an Updated LinkedIn Profile
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowNow is the perfect time to give yourself the gift of an updated LinkedIn profile. Whether you are using the platform to network, build your personal brand, research companies or develop a strong digital footprint, you want to make sure it’s updated, relevant and most reflective of your personal brand.
Don’t be a Scrooge when it comes to spending time on LinkedIn. Take some time to make a few small improvements to help distinguish yourself from the half a billion other LinkedIn users working hard to stand out.
Whether you’ve been Naughty or Nice when it comes to updating your LinkedIN, ‘Tis the Season to spruce things ups:
Make simple updates: Spend five minutes to scroll through your profile to make sure everything from your picture to your skills are current, professional and exceptional. This includes updating your profile picture, adding a background, adding new skills and highlighting accomplishments.
Ask for recommendations: Take the time to ask for a written recommendation from a supervisor, client or a business colleague. Written recommendations add a level of credibility. Take an extra minute to be strategic in your request and ask for recommendations that support your skill sets in your industry and role—or a future role that you want to grow into.
Create a customized URL: Take advantage of the opportunity to distinguish your page from all of the other LinkedIn users out there with a customized URL. It’s as simple as viewing your profile and editing the public profile and URL. (FYI: it will be an address that looks like linkedin.com/in/yourname).
Nurture your network: Take 10 minutes to browse your connections, groups and pages. Delete old ones that may no longer be useful and search for others that are more interesting and helpful to you in your role today.
Update routinely: Set reminders for yourself to update content, post regular posts and articles, refresh your photo, update skills and modify your networks. The most important thing is to stay active, engaged and relevant.
Now that you’ve done what you can to make sure that All is Bright, keep it up. Managing your LinkedIn profile doesn’t have to be intimidating or cumbersome. It just takes a little bit of time and dedication. A few of these simple tips will pay off with rewards sweeter than the cookies you made for Santa.
Kelly Young is the director of public relations for Caldwell VanRiper, a full-service agency headquartered in Indianapolis.