Online Communities | Komail Mithani

Dec

10 Ways to Optimize your Linkedin Profile

Image representing LinkedIn as depicted in Cru...

Image via CrunchBase

Linkedin has grown into one of the premier social networks for professionals eager to connect with new clients, business partners or any other reason to connect and reach-out to someone in their industry. Reportedly, the social network has over 85 million users and is adding a member every second. Many use the network specifically to build and sustain a network of people that they do business with or would like to do business with in the future. A very distinctive feature and selling point that makes the network so popular and unique from others. I’ve personally been using the service, for the past three years, to stay in touch with past employers, classmates and bloggers I’ve reached out to. Here are some basic enhancements I picked up in order to get the most out of my Linkedin profile and make it more appealing for those wanting to connect and reach out to me.

1. Add a picture.

Simply, people want to know who they are dealing with. Adding a professional picture allows those trying to connect with you to put a face to a name.

2. Put your name is ALL CAPS.

This was a tip I picked up from Kodak CMO, Jeffrey Hayzlett. Putting your name in all caps distinguishes you from an overwhelming list of connections. Also, your name will pop out and grab attention.

3. Connect your Twitter account.

Adding your Twitter account is a simple way to get more followers on Twitter and let users see the kinds of information you talk about and share. Like I mentioned earlier, people like to know who they are dealing with and what they are about.

4. Get two Recommendations.

Think of recommendations as your mini “references available upon request.” This section lets past employers spotlight your work and gives them the opportunity to genuinely write about tangibles you possess outside your profile. You’ve worked hard and I can bet any boss would be happy to write you a recommendation for the work you accomplished, so don’t hesitate to ask.

5. Update your work history.

Keep all pervious work history up to date. Highlight key responsibilities and accomplishments from each work experience. Take some time to read over this section and make sure it’s fluid and concise.

6. Update your “Summary” section.

Make sure to keep this section fresh and current to your goals and professional endeavors. If you think about it, the “Summary” section should highlight key accomplishments, current status and tell a little about you. Most people only read this section and skim the rest of your profile, so keep it updated and current. Think of it as a short bio or about me.

7. Be able to be contacted.

Make it easy for those interested in reaching you, to do just that, contact you. We’ve joined Linkedin for professional reasons, now make it easy and simple for future connections to get a hold of you. I realize on the upper right hand corner of your profile says “Contact [Your Name],” but try to post updated emails. Some users may be relecutant to contact you via Linkedin, so be open and make it simple for them to reach you.

8. Join groups you are interested in.

Joining specific groups that interest you and pertain to your industry show that you’re active on Linkedin and are geniunely interested in sharing and learning from others. Also, joining these groups will put a badge on your profile page so that others may see what your interests and specialities are.

9. Add applications.

Use the Linkedin applications feature to connect your blog, slideshare, enable a polling feature and other applications they provide. Connecting other aspects of your professional social map that couldn’t be highlighted in the text section of your profile, will allow you to show off your expertise.

10. Link to your company website.

I’m surprised by so many profiles on Linkedin that neglect, in my opinion, the most valuable asset on the page. Make sure you link your company website and any other digital properties you own, which you believe will give the person visiting your page reason to check out. Additionally, this simple change allows more exposure to your company or employer and has some SEO value too.

Any effective suggestions or recommendations you’ve implemented on your Linkedin profile?

Feel free to add me as a connection.

HOW TO: Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile (mashable.com)
LinkedIn Reveals the 10 Most Overused Job-Hunter Buzzwords (mashable.com)
How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile (e1evation.com)

Nov

Facebook blocks content, so why aren’t you upset?

In the past couple of days, news broke that Facebook decided to block/ban any content from Lamebook.com because of their “improper attempt to build a brand that trades off Facebook’s popularity and fame.” Even filing a trademark infringement lawsuit against Lamebook. I can understand Facebook’s concern about protecting their brand and identity, however I’m disheartened by their quick and careless move to completely ban any user from sharing, posting or even liking anything linked to Lambook.com. Even going as far as to completely delete their fan page.

I’m even more concerned and surprised that many of my peers either don’t care about this story or simply don’t know about it. Well, I’m personally here to tell you that this is a HUGE deal for anyone that cares about freely sharing what is important to them and to whomever they please on the social network juggarnot. We all are aware of how large Facebook has become and its partical application on business and our personal lives, which has had a huge impact in the way our generation talks, connects, shares and spends our time. Facebook warrants their actions on Lamebook’s desire to piggy back off their name, but if you think about it, any social consumer knows the difference between Facebook and a satire. In my opinion, Facebook simply didn’t just ban a satirical website because of “trademark infringement,” they blocked the right for YOU to share and discuss content you enjoy and this should worry you because:

Social Media is about sharing and openly discussing about topics that are important to you.
Facebook has shown it now has the ability to block you from discussing controversial topics and sharing relevant information with close friends.
For those interested in Facebook Mail, you may want to think about how restrictions like this can cause you to become frustrated with the service.
As a millennial, you grew-up with the freedom of expressing yourself no matter who or what was watching and you always made sure you stuck behind a cause you were emotionally attached to.
As a business owner or avid user, you rely on Facebook to share, network and keep-in-touch with people that are important to you. Also, you use Facebook as a way to generate traffic and awareness to your site. What will happen if your ability to do this is banned?

So what happens next?

Recently and kuddos go out to the PR team at Facebook for responding quickly, their CTO Bret Taylor released this statement.

In addition, a “Save Lamebook” fan page has been created that is holding just over 700 likes. Maybe this isn’t a big deal to you or maybe you don’t realize what Facebook enables you to do. Nonetheless, I strongly urge you to take sometime and think about what Facebook did and express your concerns. This may not be as important as privacy, however, Facebook is starting to show their censorship, which resembles that of Fox (extreme, I know, but you get the picture).

So what are your thoughts? Do you even care Facebook did this or are you worried they may take the same action to your fan page or even personal profile in the future?