Mastering Your LinkedIn Profile

Are you familiar with that famous line "all the world's a stage" from Shakespeare's famous play "As You Like It?"

That line has held many interpretations over the years, but never has it had more significance than in the social media world we live in today. We are truly ALL on stage via our social media accounts for all the world to see, and how you show up in those spaces can have a significant impact on your brand, business, and career.

Companies have become rather sophisticated and determined at scouring social-media accounts to learn as much as humanly possible about you. So rest assured, what happens in Vegas, no longer stays there. In fact, studies have shown that as much as 30% of professionals lose out on promotions and other job opportunities because of their social media content.

LinkedIn is the largest online professional network globally, with over 500 million members worldwide representing every possible industry and Fortune 500 company. In other words, it's the place to be if you're in business or doing business....period. So you must construct a profile in that space that accurately and authentically represents your digital brand.

Now, for my older Midlife Career Rebels, you may think your safe because you don't have a social media presence other than your inactive or outdated LinkedIn profile. But remember, the world's a stage, and if you don't have an active, or at least updated, LinkedIn profile, it speaks as loudly about you as if you did. What it does is leave room for interpretation, and you don't want others to guess or read into who you are. Instead, you want others to get a clear message about who you are and what you're about that was designed by you!

My clients get a full Digital Brand Audit, which allows me to take a peek into their social media and make recommended changes and updates. As a result, they've increased their connections, engagements, relevance, and interviews. It really works.

If you haven't taken a look at your LinkedIn profile in a while, here are a few tips to help make it more appealing and on-brand. I will focus on the first 3 areas (the most important areas) of your profile.

1. Get a Great Profile Photo - Try to avoid selfies or images with very busy backgrounds. Instead, go for a high-quality branded photo with a solid background. The key is to make sure people can see your eyes and get a sense of your personality.
2. Have a Compelling Headline - LinkedIn is primarily a search engine, so you want to make sure you're using searchable terms in your headline. Instead of using your title, which may or may not be a searchable word or term, speak to your role, your industry, and the unique value you bring through your work. If you're changing industries or re-entering the workforce, this will be key.
3. Write a Powerful Summary - This is where having a professional narrative comes in handy. This will keep you from using buzzwords and phrases like, "I'm an effective communicator," because, let's face it....what does that really mean anyway? Instead, in that short amount of space, you'll want to showcase who you are and what you bring to the table.

There you have it. Once you get the first third of your profile together, the rest will be much easier to update.