interactiveAmy.com

Does this sound like something you’ve heard me say before?  This time I said it, and was quoted in the paper!

Last week, I was interviewed by Katie Morell for the Business Ledger, a Chicago Suburban newspaper for an article entitled: “You’re on LinkedIn, but are you linked in? Social media experts give advice on the ultimate networking tool” I hope you enjoy the article and that you take away some tips!

I was honored to be featured, and the article even began with one of my favorite”interactiveAmy-isms,” something I share during all of my presentations and client meetings; “There is no such thing as a blind date anymore and there is no such thing as a blind meeting. Before anyone meets you, they research you online. LinkedIn is one of the first things that come up when they search for your name.”   (Side note: Do I put quotes around my own soundbite?! What an exciting question to have, but really – does anyone know the answer?)  Now that we know people are looking for you, let’s talk about how you can prepare your profile in a way that benefits you (for search) and others (so they can learn more about you.)

Digital Footprints – Step Yours Up!

Now more than ever it is important to put your best foot forward when you meet someone, and nowadays you need to put your best “digital footprint” forward.  Your digital footprint is the mark you’ve left on the internet – what does yours say about you?

Have you ever done Google search for your own name? What comes up first is what others will see first.

Is that first  impression you want to make?

For me, it used to be my 5k race time, and that is not what I wanted people to see first.  Unless you run for a living or you are a competitive runner, my 5k race time from years ago is not overly interesting (or fast!) and it is not the first thing I want someone to know about me, I’d prefer they learned about my social media consulting business or my involvement in Social Media Club Chicago.  They might accidentally stumble upon the London-based body builder with whom I share a name, and again – not what I want people to see!

So how did I change that?

I harnessed the power of LinkedIn, oh yeah, I drank their Kool-Aid, and then I shared what I know with others, since having more complete profiles really benefits everybody. Because LinkedIn such a powerful engine, the site naturally ranks highly in search, so use that to your advantage!  LinkedIn is a living and breathing resume so make sure its the best possible reflection of your work experience to date, and where you want to go next – even if you are not actively job seeking.

If you were on a blind date, you’d probably comb your hair and put on a snazzy outfit before leaving the house,

why not do the same on LinkedIn as well!

The more content-rich information you are able to provide in your profile, the more appealing you’ll look to search engines and to future employers/clients/and business partners! How’s that for an incentive to fill out your profile more completely? Having a profile with complete and accurate information also allows someone to get to know more about you, and decide if you are a person they’d like to business with.  Learning about someone in advance of a meeting is a first step in building rapport too, if you find that you’ve attended the same University or know people in common its a great ice-breaker!

I know what you are thinking: “Do I really need to include a picture in my profile?”

YES!

If you have ever had a blind business meeting, you’ll be extra appreciative the next time you see a complete profile with a picture in a future LinkedIn search!  Earlier in my career I sold adverting in the Yellow Pages, and had many first-time meetings with business owners in public places, and I had no idea who I was looking for.  It was much easier when I could say, “I’ll be the one carrying a phone book!”  I can’t say that anymore (thankfully!) but I do come prepared, and I will look you up before we meet.  So be nice to the person you are about to meet for the first time, and please post a picture on your profile!  It really takes away a lot of the anxiety when meeting someone for the first time if you know what the person looks like in advance.

If you have any questions, or if your LinkedIn profile needs revamping, please contact me about how to amplify your online. (See why that’s my tag line?)  Now that I’ve shared my LinkedIn tips with you, please share your LinkedIn success stories and tips with me! And of course, let’s link in!

Related posts:

1. Not Foolin’! InteractiveAmy has a new profile picture!
2. What's in a Name? Personal Branding & The First Year of Marriage