LinkedIn for Dummies

Over that last couple weeks I have been reading the book called "Social Media Marketing: Workbook" by Jason McDonald. I am now on the fourth chapter. This is chapter is all about LinkedIn. Now, this is going to sound horrible but I have never had a LinkedIn profile until recently. I have no idea how LinkedIn works at all. So I am dedicating this whole post to doing a "LinkedIn for Dummies" using the book to guide me. These are things that the average LinkedIn person would know but I am just figuring out. So if you need A LOT of help like me then keep reading.

LinkedIn is a site for business network. This is different from your average social media site. Let explore how LinkedIn works and what we need to to do to make our profile successful.

First, sign up for LinkedIn as a personal profile (if you haven't already). Then, identify keywords that have to do with your career field or current job. After that you need you optimize your profile in a way that will make it easy for people or business to find you.

When you first make a profile you need to edit the information about you. There are many obvious things to fill out like your name, education, and current position. Then there is section that says "summary" this is where you are going to write your skills and experience. If you are not looking for a job then do not write this like you are looking for a job. This should be easy to read and clear on your intention of being on LinkedIn. Write this like you explaining how exactly you do your job. Then there is section for "media". This is where you share PROFESSIONAL documents, SlideShares, and YouTube videos. After that there is section for "experience". This is where you put your current job and past jobs. If you company is on LinkedIn then a logo will appear. Do not over do this section. Next section is "accomplishments". This is where you put any languages you speak and certificate. After that section is "education". Jason says not be shy here. Put all your academic achievements and extra-curricular activities. Next section is "interests". This is where all the groups and companies you follow will show up. If you want to then after that you can add a section. This is if you want to "beef" up your profile you can put skills, honors, patents, and publications.

If you would like any further instruction on how to optimize your profile then you can go to http://jmlinks.com/16r