Reminder: Update Your LinkedIn Profile Each Quarter

Originally posted at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/reminder-update-your-linkedin-profile-once-per-meller-zawacki-?trk=mp-reader-card

Chance are you have goals. Personal goals. Professional goals. If you schedule your goals, you have a greater chance of keeping on track, right? 

Same concept applies to your LinkedIn profile. 

I know you're busy (I am, too), so I'll keep this post brief.

LinkedIn tip: review your LinkedIn profile once per quarter to ensure your skillset and achievements are up-to-date. Spend just 15 minutes reviewing your profile. Chances are, you will find something that could be updated. 

Take this a step further, and set yourself a calendar reminder at the beginning of each quarter. You deserve to make this time for yourself. After all, your LinkedIn activities may help support you in your profession, which in turn will support your company, make your boss happy, etc. etc. 

BONUS for you overachievers*: Look at other with your current or targeted job title for inspiration. See what they say about themselves. Your competition sees their profiles, so should you. Use the "Advanced" search feature to search for these individuals.

*If you are reading this blog, you are an overachiever. 

Was this blog helpful? Let's connect. www.linkedin.com/in/brendameller 

LinkedIn Changes...Again (the LinkedIn "Connected" App is being retired)

Originally posted at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/who-moved-my-cheese-linkedin-changesagain-brenda-meller-zawacki- 

Have you noticed some of the LinkedIn features you have been using for years have changed? No, you're not crazy and yes you are doing just fine on LinkedIn. They have evolved the platform based on usage patterns and in some aspects to adjust to their business model. 

Hey - if you're like me, you have the basic (free) version of LinkedIn.Losing some features is the price you pay. If you upgrade, rumor has it that you get some additional perks, one of which being you can continue to request introductions to contacts, which us common folk (aka, those using the basic (free) version of LinkedIn) no longer have. 

Here is a post from a user facing the issue of "Requesting an Introduction", and the community response: http://community.linkedin.com/questions/373458/introductions-is-not-functioning-since-the-new-mes.html 

In addition, I received an email yesterday from LinkedIn stating they are planning to retire the LinkedIn Connected App on March 21. 

Boo! This was a slick app that helped me stay in touch with my connections. They have indicated you can see all these updates (job changes, etc.) in the "My Network" tab of the LinkedIn app. But, it's not the same. 

Ah, well. In this case, as is in many cases of LinkedIn changes, I've learned to roll with the changes. After all, there is no need to get upset when someone moves your cheese. It's their cheese. And they will move it again. Instead, I'll focus on the many positive features of LinkedIn that are helping me, and I'll continually be open to updates as they are rolled out on LinkedIn. 

Become More Tech Savvy Using LinkedIn

Writing this blog in response to an inquiry I received from a network connection who has a friend seeking to make a career change. Originally posted at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/gain-savvy-using-linkedin-brenda-meller-zawacki-

If you know me, I’m a huge advocate of LinkedIn for career and professional networking. Back in 2008, I used LinkedIn exclusively when I was making a career change. At the time, I was gainfully employed, working full time, with a family, and had no time to spend hours and hours using Monster or HotJobs to look for a new opportunity. Plus, you all recall that 2008 was THE WORST time to consider making a career change if your job was not in jeopardy. My competition was the hundreds and thousands of marketing professionals who had been laid off and could dedicate 40-50+ hours a week searching for a job.

Now? I use LinkedIn more as a working professional than I ever did as a job seeker. Through the years, I have discovered the ever-growing power of social media.

Social Media Karma

I’m a big believer in karma. Social media has been very good to me, so I believe in paying in forward by helping other people. Yes, I sometimes charge for LinkedIn training sessions, but those are few and far between. I mainly deliver LinkedIn training via webinars or in live sessions to non-profit or job seeker groups because I enjoy helping others. I’ve seen many people put these learnings into place which have resulted in career changes, new professional connections, and confidence in their LinkedIn abilities. But it's not because of what I teach them: I see it as unleashing what was there all along.

Want to Become Mech Savvy on Using LinkedIn?

I would highly encourage you to watch this free WebEx recording, which is an overview of how to use LinkedIn. It was delivered by Tracy Morgan of Walsh College Career Services and me this past February. You can find the link on this page: http://www.walshcollege.edu/pastwebseries

Also, here is a link to the presentation slides if you'd like to print them off to follow along as you watch the webinar. http://www.slideshare.net/bmeller/how-to-maximize-your-use-of-linkedin-58538044

Was this post helpful? 
CLICK TO SHARE. (See? You can pay it forward, too.)

Long Form Posts on Linkedin

Do you have access to long-form posts on LinkedIn yet? I noticed this featured added to my LinkedIn profile in early 2014, and the feature is continuing to gain popularity.

Here's what I've found out, per https://help.linkedin.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/47445/ft/eng:

• LinkedIn started rolling this out in May. They stated it's going to a small group first, but that everyone will eventually have the ability for long posts.

• Once upon a time, you had to apply for early access. Now, everyone can use this feature. https://help.linkedin.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/47683/ft/eng

• Long posts are not the same as the LinkedIn Influencer posts. So don't get excited like me when you see the feature.

• If you have access to long-form posts, you are awesome. Well, LinkedIn didn't say this part exactly, but I came to that conclusion. Because I think you're pretty special. I'm sure eventually they will update their explanation of long-form post and publicly announce that all LinkedIn members using this feature are awesome.

Do you have the long form post? Are you awesome? Comment here and let me know.

Originally posted at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/article/20140520002301-8368819-published-by-your-name-longformpost-on-linkedin/edit?trk=pulse-art-edit_btn

Shhh.... Hiding Profile Updates

Q: I would like to update my Linked In profile. However, I am "Linked" to some of my present co-workers. How can I update my profile without my co-workers receiving the message that (name) has updated her profile? 

A: Excellent question. There are definitely times when you may wish to turn off the broadcast feature on LinkedIn. This is the feature that posts an update on your LinkedIn timeline (and thus shares with your first level connections in the homepage feed) when you have updated your photo. And then your job title. And then your summary statement. And then your education. Etc. Etc. All may be signs that you are either completing an incomplete profile, or getting ready to make a career move. And therefore, you may wish to be a bit more subtle on those profile updates. 

Here's how you hide your profile updates from being broadcast to your network. 

1. Go to "Privacy and Settings" (hover over the box by your avatar photo in the upper right hand side of your LinkedIn homepage to get to "Privacy and Settings")

2. In the "Profile" tab, click the link to modify "Turn on/off your activity broadcasts"

3. Uncheck the box that reads "Let people know when you change your profile, make recommendations, or follow companies"

Even LinkedIn know's what's up. Here's what it reads below that box:
Note: You may want to turn this option off if you're looking for a job and don't want your present employer to see that you're updating your profile.

Was this blog helpful? Click to share. Although, my guess is you might NOT want to share this one. (WINK WINK) Don't worry, I won't tell. 

Getting Started on LinkedIn for the Graduating High School Student

Q: I am working with my oldest daughter on getting her LinkedIn profile going. I want her to understand that having a decent network of trusted people can pay off nicely later on when needed. 

It is a bit difficult since she her life experiences are still developing and a lot of the people she deals with (bosses at her job as a lifeguard, college advisors, band mates, etc) have fairly private LinkedIn profiles requiring "InMail" to connect. 

Have you addressed this in your social networking adventures? Do you have any other suggestions I can pass on to her? 

Joining LinkedIn? It's as easy as PIE.
~ Brenda Meller
(Note: this is NOT my LinkedIn profile photo)

A: Excellent question! First of all, kudos to you if you are a parent reading this and who is interested in helping your high school child to get started on LinkedIn. Double-kudos to you if your child has either expressed an interest in learning about LinkedIn, or if they're willing to take advice from you! (hey - I remember what it was like to be 17!)

I've been thinking about this request since I received it in my LinkedIn inbox and several tips come to mind right away. If you are a high school student getting ready to graduate and considering LinkedIn, here is the advice I would offer:

1. Make sure your parent or guardian knows you are setting up an account on LinkedIn. Together, read "LinkedIn for Parents and Educators" which offers tips for minors. http://help.linkedin.com/app/safety/answers/detail/a_id/38599 

2. Set up a profile, keeping in mind that LinkedIn is a purely professional network. Do not add your birthdate. Do not add any personal information that would not be relevant to include on a resume or job application. 

3. Keep it professional, from head to toe. That means use a professional looking headshot on your profile. Head and shoulders only. Not a glamour shot. Senior photo might be OK as long as you're not posing outdoors or with a football uniform. Or with your pet. (Do kids still pose with their pets?)

4. Celebrate any educational or community service achievements in your profile.

5. When describing work experience, avoid a job description. If you worked at a restaurant in high school (like I did), skip the description of what a waitress is and how you took orders and bussed tables. Instead, focus on the fact that you learned customer service and marketing skills. 

6. Start inviting people to connect with you using the LinkedIn "invite to connect" tool. Personalize every invitation. Read my blog on this topic:

http://15minutesadayonlinkedin.blogspot.com/2011/02/personalize-your-invites-for-more.html

7. Invite me to connect with you. I will be happy to introduce you to people in the future. I

This is the photo I have
on my LinkedIn Profile.
Notice the difference?
Which one looks more professional?
~ Brenda Meller

make it a practice to only connect with people I know and who personalize their invitations. Or who respond when I ask them, "have we met?" Because of this, I have a powerful, engaged LinkedIn connection list. By reading this blog, I know you're a superstar that I'd like to connect with, too. ps. YOU ROCK. 

8. Look for other high school students on LinkedIn. Review their profiles. You'll quickly learn what to do and what not to do. 

9. Start joining groups of interest to you. Thinking of a career in sports management? There's a group for that. Have a dream college? Join their group and follow their university page. Then, start participating in discussions. 

10. Spend 15 minutes a day on LinkedIn, every day for a month. Then spend at least 15 minutes a day on LinkedIn once a week. Need ideas on what to do during those visits? Read my other blog posts. 

One thing I've learned in the six years I've been on LinkedIn is that I always learn from others. In fact, when I was sitting down to write this post, I asked my Facebook friends, LinkedIn connections, and Twitter followers to share tips for high schoolers getting started on LinkedIn. Here is their advice and their LinkedIn profiles. 

Invite them to connect with you and mention this blog. And tell them "THANKS" for the tip. Us "grown ups" are big on manners and it impresses us when young people appreciate us. 

• "Customize the URL." ~ Christopher G. Johnson, MBA, Internal Auditor at Lear Corporation
• "Get a professional picture taken - not sure if they should use senior pictures?" ~ 

  Laura Rolands, Director of Account Services | Coach
• "It's not about how many contacts you have but the quality of contacts!" ~ 

  Kara (Bundenthal) Caruth, MSF, CFP®, Financial Planner at Snook Housey Advisors
• "

  Join groups and comment in them. Whenever I post in a group I get people looking at my (poorly done) profile. I had 90 people check out my profile last month and I'm not even job-seeking!" ~ Trish Belanger, CPA, CDFA, Accounting/Tax Professional
•  "

  Be sure to add keywords to your profile. And avoid a selfie for your profile pic! Also, the should be adding projects to showcase their abilities." ~ Erin Janda Rawlings,  Writer/Blogger(Mommy on the Spot, Detroit News MichMoms, The Mother Company)~Social Media Strategy Prof - Walsh College
• "

  Ask their profs if they can connect. As with anyone, don't just send a request without identifying the connection." ~ Jennifer Chinn, Marketing, Graphic Design, Print Production and Event Management
• "

  Build your professional network early and maintain a strong brand integrity." ~ Eyad (Ed) Batayeh, M.A., Director, Novi Campus - Walsh College of Business (Founded in 1922, Private/Not-for-Profit)
• "

  When asking someone to join their network, be sure to include a personalized message!" ~ Jessica Knapik, Database Analyst at Walsh College
• "Become connected with everyone you meet!" ~ Sherry Yagiela, MBA, Senior Digital Project Manager at Lowe Campbell Ewald
• "

  Remember it is a professional network. Keep posts appropriate including profile picture. Paste from Word to ensure spelling is accurate." ~ Stephanie M. Zytowski, Human Resource Generalist

Like this blog? Please share. And add any additional tips as comments. 

Anonymous Views of Your LinkedIn Profile

Admit it... you're more that just a bit curious when you notice that there has been an "anonymous" view of your LinkedIn profile.

Executives take note: you may wish to consider changing your settings to prevent LinkedIn users from knowing that you have viewed their profile. This can be particularly helpful if you are in a high profile position such as a VP level or above, company president, or HR manager who does not wish to be contacted by potential candidates whose profiles you have viewed.



An "anonymous" view of your LinkedIn profile.

To adjust your settings, follow these simple steps:

 

1. Hover over your name until the account dropdown appears.

2. Go to "Privacy and Settings" in your LinkedIn account.

3. Click "Select what others see when you view their profile."

4. Change the setting to "You will be totally anonymous."

 

Keep in mind that when you adjust this setting, you will also lose the ability to see who has viewed your profile. A small tradeoff to help protect your privacy as you are viewing profiles on Linkedin.

 

Did you find this blog helpful? Click to share on LinkedIn or your favorite social network.