How I Accidentally Became One The Top 1% Viewed LinkedIn Profiles

How I Accidentally Became One The Top 1% Viewed LinkedIn Profiles

1. Make sure you have a professional profile picture

Don’t confuse other social media with LinkedIn by making the mistake of using a picture from your vacation, wedding or family Christmas card. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and if someone looks at your picture and the first thoughts are “What the heck were they thinking?” you have lost the battle. With today’s technology there is no reason why you can’t have a good, professional picture of yourself posted… and “selfies” don’t count as professional.

2. Keep your profile professional and focused

Personal information should not be put on LinkedIn for professional and safety reasons. Never, ever include your date of birth –with that and your name I can find you or steal your identity. But also don’t include information about your kids, your pets, or interests or hobbies that would give a potential employer the wrong impression about you. Keep your personal opinions, beliefs, and politics off the profile.

3. Don’t connect with everyone that reaches out to you (and visa versa)

As I stated I have over 1,100 connections, but I turn down many invitations to connect and do not reach out to connect that much anymore. Try to keep your connections relevant to your profession; if you want to connect with friends, family, or old high school or college buddies, use Facebook. Having 50 relevant connections is better than having 5,000 on LinkedIn; it is not a popularity contest.

4. Don’t join 100 groups – it looks desperate

Definitely join groups, but if you are going to join them, be active in them and limit yourself to no more than 20. And again, be careful which groups you do join because people will judge you by your group affiliations.

5. Be professional and polite

When someone invites you to connect take time to look at their profile and, whether you accept or decline, always send them a follow up message immediately, either thanking them for reaching out and how it is your pleasure to connect or why you turned down their invitation. It is a nice touch and shows class.

Lastly, LinkedIn is something you have to commit time to maintain.