Social Map | 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)

Dec

My social map and tips to create yours

As more and more technology start-ups begin developing around the sphere of social media, we as social consumers tend to get overwhelmed with all they offer. Many of us get carried away and begin to lose track of which social network, social sharing or social media tool we signed up for. In fact, many don’t realize how these companies are adding to our digital footprint. This is the main reason why I developed my first “social map.” A social map, which is simply a overview of all the digital communities or companies I participate in, is a fantastic look at your digital footprint on the Internet. From the example below, you can see that I divide my map into five categories: networking, consuming, creating, communicating and organizing. You should also note that some platforms I use may fit in more than one category, however, I choose one specific category for each platform based on how I approach them. For example, the popular user review community, Blippy, is in the “creating” category because I only use it to write reviews on recent purchases. However, some people may only use Blippy for primarily reading other reviews and recommendations, which would go under the “consuming” category.

Developing a social map can be very beneficial for both your personal brand and your company’s brand because it allows you to view each and every tool you use. Also, it is a helpful visual tool for a social media strategist explaining to their boss or client exactly how current strategies are currently being implemented and on which networks or tools they are engaged in. Furthermore, it’s refreshing to see where your social map is and where you would like it to be in the upcoming year.

For those thinking about creating their first social map, here are some tips to get you started:

Start out by writing all the communities and tools you use on a piece of paper. Call me old-fashion, but I always like to first create a list of everything on a sheet of paper and then start building my map.
Use a mind mapping tool to help you with the layout. I recommend using Xmind, which is a free mind mapping tool you can download. I wouldn’t worry about purchasing the Pro pack from them because all you need are the basic features to create a map similar to mine.
Look at other examples from experts and social media strategists. I actually spent a lot of time on the Lifestream Blog particularly their informative How-To Social Map blog post.
Choose four to five categories. Having too many may make your map difficult to understand and comprehend.
Keep revisiting your social map and updating it to fit your company or personal brand’s current strategy. I would also recommend sharing your map with your blog visitors and especially your employees and social media department.