Today, you have to say yes to LinkedIn!
One of the first things I do when I meet another professional is to look them up on LinkedIn. I admit, I have different opinions of professionals with LinkedIn profiles… and those without. And let me say that simply having a profile isn’t enough.
I want to see a completed profile that not only provides work experience, but some insight into the person as a professional (e.g. philosophy in business and info on their industry).
Business Owners
I have a new client who came to me this week after being asked, “I looked you up on LinkedIn – Don’t you have a profile?”
My client has a new business and a prestigious University wants to promote his impact on our community. Problem is, they use LinkedIn and he, my client, has no profile!
Obviously, we are working on changing that!
I’ll also share that I have been offered speaking engagements and asked to host workshops/training based on my LinkedIn profile.
So, my question to all you business owners/side hustlers is – DO YOU HAVE A LINKEDIN PROFILE THAT’S WORKING FOR YOU?
Business Professionals
Still not convinced? Let me give you a quick example of how a friend and colleague used LinkedIn to his advantage — while gainfully employed.
My friend worked at a well-known technology firm in the quality assurance department. He was paid well and, on his way, to becoming a vice president. He would always share with me how he was active on LinkedIn and the importance of keeping a pristine profile. This was about eight years ago and honestly, I did not even have a profile at the time. My friend shared with me that he had just received an offer from a competing company for a higher position and more pay.
But he didn’t stop there. He took that offer to his current employer and asked if they would beat it. And they did!
Now, let me pause right here and say I would not recommend staying at a company that was willing to counter an offer, because that implies they were undervaluing you in the first place. But I’ll leave that for a different post. My friend ended up staying with his original company and about three months later, he received a new offer that he accepted with yet a different organization.
The biggest take away for me was my friend did not solicit and was not actively in the job market. He used LinkedIn as a platform by being active and writing articles relevant to his industry and current employer. His profile showed what a knowledgeable and dedicated employee he was.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone recruit you and submit a great job offer — all with minimal effort on your part? All you have to do is maintain a LinkedIn profile.
Until Next Tuesday…
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Laura Bashore is the founder of Anew Resume and Career Services. As a Career Coach, Resume Writer, and LinkedIn Pro she empowers business professionals with the knowledge, tools, and methods to expand their career opportunities.
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If you are interested in learning more about Anew Resume and Career Services and how we can help expand your career opportunities visit us at www.laurab81.sg-host.com or contact us directly at info@laurab81.sg-host.com for a free consultation.