Contact Sales
While speaking at an Alumni event at my Alma mater last Fall, I asked this question in each of the three sessions I spoke in: “How many of you have a LinkedIn profile?” The response was staggering. Less than 5% of the 125 students had a profile and some even asked what LinkedIn was. Being a millennial myself, I wrongfully assumed that younger generations would be present on all of the same social media outlets as my peers and I are. I ended my portion of the talk encouraging these bright students to have a friend take their photo (since they were all dressed up for the Alumni Event) and create a LinkedIn profile, that day.
I have been a huge advocate of LinkedIn— why? Because I have put the time and effort in to cultivating my profile and I have seen the results of it. Job recruiters have approached me, I’ve had interviews and job offers and I have made professional connections with individuals that I value having in my network.
Since you’re reading my post, you too have a LinkedIn profile, so let’s make sure you’re getting the most out of it. Have you ever “Googled” your own name? If not, then you should. When your name is your brand—you want to make sure potential clients can easily find you. I decided to conduct my own study and in a random sample of 100 lawyers’ profiles, 83% of the time their LinkedIn profile shows up in the top five results on Google. This is showing: 1. The importance of having a LinkedIn profile and 2. Just how important it is to try to have your profile show up in the top five search results (so those searching your name, see your professional profile).
If you can have a hand in controlling what information is out there about you on the internet, why wouldn’t you? You can market yourself to your potential clients and to your network.
My suggestions:
- Ensure your profile is set to public. This will allow others to look for you and Google will be able to pull content from your profile, to make your LinkedIn profile show up in the top search results.
- Customize your URL. You want to make sure your profile is that much more unique.
- Engage with others. Reach out to old contacts, search for new ones, ask for recommendations, and give recommendations. All of this content will make you and your profile more respected.
- Have a professional headshot and have it be the right size. LinkedIn isn’t the platform for selfies or “your best social photo.” People will see your photo and instantly make a judgment on you. I wish it weren’t true, but it is. Making sure the size is large enough that when others click on your photo, they can see who you are. It’s all part of tailoring your profile to be flawlessly polished and professional.
- Be active! Make sure your information; content, and contact information is up to date. LinkedIn is your professional calling card and resume.
Sounds like common sense— but take some time to cultivate your profile and make sure it is translating well to potential clients as well as to your connections. So save your name, your brand- by having a thorough profile and this will help to ensure you are showing up in the top five searches on Google!