Are you one of the 80 million (and rising) who use LinkedIn as your social networking platform? Does it seem like your attempt at LinkedIn is failing due to lack of connections? If you answered “yes” to one or both of these questions, keep reading! The potential of learning as well as displaying your business expertise is very high on LinkedIn. It is like a huge daily conference where you have the opportunity to network.
Like other social media networks, the key to successfully connecting with others is by avoiding small mistakes. Today, we have included small but deadly mistakes in this cheat sheet to help you connect with more business professionals successfully.
5 Small but Deadly LinkedIn Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using the Default Picture or Nothing at All
Three important words to remember “Brand Your Profile” By not putting your a personal picture or logo up, you are risking other contacts not wanting to connect with you. People are more willing to connect with you, when they can put a face to the name.
- Make sure you add a personal picture or business logo
2. Avoid Joining Groups
The main purpose of LinkedIn is to connect with other business professionals or individuals who share the same interest as you. By avoiding groups, you are not going to connect and learn from other’s knowledge.
- Join Groups within LinkedIn
3. Join Every Group Possible
With LinkedIn, the amount of contacts you have under your page does not matter like it does in Facebook or Twitter. Remember, the purpose of LinkedIn is to connect with people who share the same interests, hobbies and business ideas.
- Be selective and choosy when accepting/requesting contacts.
4. Never Updating Profile
The key to keeping your profile up to date is posting a simple sentence or message. This keeps your contacts update to date with what is going on with you.
- Logging in everyday or at least every few days, will help keep your profile up to date and current.
5. Profile Updates Are Unprofessional Statements
Make sure when you update daily, you keep the statements or questions professionally. The audience who uses LinkedIn is mainly business professionals – so respect that.
- LinkedIn Contacts are looking for business like statements, so keep it professional.
Download the LinkedIn Cheat Sheet PDF
Have you had any business success within LinkedIn? Sound off in the comments below and let me know.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Very helpful. I’m just learning much of this now.
One comment though, your headline says “10″ mistakes, I see only 5. Did I miss some? Thanks
George,
Oops, that was a typo. Thanks for the catch! I originally counted the numbers and checks before I formatted them for the post. Thanks again.
Thank you for what information you did provide but quite frankly I am really lost with this site and how to really use it to my advantage. Even though I am on
there I really do not have a clue in how to promote my business to new people,
and I don’t take a huge risk on this site because I recognize that it is a special type of clientele, so I have actually been waiting for people to come out with information how to use it. I will read the cheat sheet but any other help you can suggest in the use of LinkedIn would be really appreciated. Paul
really good LinkedIn points, thanks
@Paul,
It sounds like your getting a little ahead of yourself. If you’re still a little unsure about using the site, try and take a minute before promoting your business to people. LinkedIn is designed to be a professional network. If you jump in and try to promote right away, it’ll just turn a lot of people off.
Get your account set up. Start with these basic steps, and see where you have opportunities to make strong business connections. Explore groups and look for places where you’re business might be the answer to someone’s issues.
I hope this is helpful and I really appreciate your comment
Let me know if I can be of help in any other way.
Thanks for the tips you provide.
I´m new at “LinkedIn” – so I will recognize them for my further Activities.
M.J.