DON’T DO THIS!

5 SHOCKING LINKEDIN MISTAKES

YOU NEED TO AVOID

People working in dealerships, vehicle manufacturers and automotive distributors all around the world use LinkedIn, as do architects, facility managers and builders …

In fact there’s now over 100 million professionals on LinkedIn and growing.

9.1 million India

2.1 million Australia

2 million China 1.

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There are endless reasons for using LinkedIn more proactively …   •  Attract the proper public exposure to help potential clients find you. •  Manage your reputation in a credible,

professional manner. •  Find relevant information and experts when you need them. •  Uncover information to help when evaluating or negotiating a deal. •  Discover new companies to partner and work with. •  Learn, share and broaden your horizons.

but your profile cannot actively network for you.

but your profile cannot actively network for you.

so let’s make this happen!

Think of LinkedIn as the corporate cocktail party and everyone you know (and want to get to know) is there,

Think of LinkedIn as the corporate cocktail party and everyone you know (and want to get to know) is there, There are lots of ways of achieving your networking goals on LinkedIn, and definitely more than one methodology.   Ultimately one of my favourite ways to learn is from other people’s mistakes.   So here are … !!

5 SHOCKING LINKEDIN MISTAKES YOU

NEED TO AVOID

MISTAKE #1

BEING A WALL-

FLOWER

Wallflowers don’t get invited to dance. Being social is the key to being discovered. Active participation will draw others to you.

Here’s an example of the most active discussion in the Auto OEM Network Group presently

Search for groups that interest you in the Groups directory & Groups search

Ask questions from thousands of professionals

Browse questions and answers in categories of interest

Find the Answers section under the “More” Tab at the home page

MISTAKE #2

BORING PROFILE

Anonymous accounts are pointless. It’s like hiding at the back of the crowd. No one will see your potential.

Have an avatar A photo of you, head and shoulder only, keep the background simple. Use the Sewells logo if your prefer.

What first impression do you make?

It’s normal to be Googled before meeting someone professionally for the first time, so your LinkedIn profile may be what they see first.

Stay top of mind within your network with regular updates.

Create a great persona.

The best profiles are rich with relevant information. They’re like a candid conversation about yourself.

MISTAKE #3

NETWORK TOO SMALL

Build your network.

•  Look at LinkedIn’s suggestions of others you may know •  Find the people you were educated with and share alumni's •  Look at company pages for former colleagues and clients •  Connect with the people you meet at events

Import your email contacts

but remember, the people with most friends don’t always win.

true value will come from adding people to your network that you’ve met or have an online relationship with.

a reference from someone you respect is recommended, but choose wisely – gravitas rather than peer popularity.

MISTAKE #4

No integration with other platforms

Add your LinkedIn URL to your email signature

Link your professional twitter account to your profile

Don’t forget to claim your vanity URL. Then, add it to your professional Twitter profile, your business card and on company proposals and public documents.

MISTAKE #5

NoT USING

REGULARLY

You got mail!

Regularly check your inbox for updates and invitations.

It is acceptable to exchange InMail before accepting an invitation.

You do not have to accept every invitation that you receive.

3 QUICK TIPS!

You can also showcase your upcoming events

1. A little bit of application goes a long way! Add up to 6 LinkedIn profile apps to share what’s happening in your career. Use the SlideShare app to showcase presentations and videos, and the Reading List by Amazon

3 QUICK TIPS! 2. Add your skills!

Find skills under the ‘More’ tab

Search skills & see who are the leading professionals and companies in that market (according to LinekdIn)

3 QUICK TIPS! 3. Stay on top of industry trends and news with LinkedIn today

A daily digest of the most talked about news in the Automotive industry

RECAP:

MISTAKES TO AVOID

BEING A WALL-FLOWER

BORING PROFILE

NO INTEGRATION

NETWORK TO SMALL

IRREGULAR USE

I PROMISE TO NEVER MAKE THESE MISTAKES ON

LINKEDIN EVER AGAIN

(you sign here)

Questions? I like emails.

Dimitri Kotov

dkotov@worldmark.com.au

Disclaimer:

The person in is this photo is not me.

Connect with me on LinkedIn at http://au.linkedin.com/in/dimitrikotov