Written By: Brett Berhoff
Welcome to one of the biggest parties on Earth! 364 Million people decided to show up!
Now what?
Let’s cut to the chase and explore 4 Ways to Get Noticed On LinkedIn
You are your photo. Make it a good one.
It is important to keep in mind, that we are still dealing with other human beings on LinkedIn. If you were attending a networking event, you probably wouldn’t wear a mask to hide your face, or stand upside down to get attention, amongst other things. Let’s take a look at a few types of LinkedIn photos that you should steer clear of. Then we will look at what to do.
1. “I’m too cool for a photo” (No Photo)
This person either hasn’t put the time or effort into their LinkedIn profile. They will go un-noticed on LinkedIn. The human factor is gone. We cannot connect to this person. We see a name, and wonder who we may be talking to. Even if the name is recognized, there is a feeling of emptiness that is attached to this name. Bring back the human element by posting a sharp looking photo of yourself.
2. “I’m Upside down, Look at me!”
This gimmick might appear to work, but for most it doesn’t. I have seen photos that are upside down, on their side, etc. This is a tactic that is not taken too seriously, and is somewhat confusing. Unless you are trying to portray your acrobatic abilities, I would stay away from this one.
3. “I can take a pretty good selfie”
Some people actually can take a pretty good selfie. However, many people can’t. Your “selfie” profile photo probably isn’t that good, and you’re losing some of the interest you hope to get. Again, if your company is one of the Selfie Stick Brands, then this might be right for you. If not, ditch it.
Say Yes to the Professional Photo
If you are serious about getting noticed on LinkedIn, hire a photographer. Remember, some amateur photographers could fit the bill. Hiring someone doesn’t always have to be expensive. Find a photography student that is looking to add to their portfolio, or negotiate a deal with a local photographer for a short session.
Take a moment to think about what you want to portray. Is your business conservative, creative, fun, or action packed? Study what others in similar roles have done. Put yourself in the shoes of the person you want looking at your profile. What do you think they are going to think when they first see your photo? First impressions are as important on LinkedIn as they are in real life.
Use Your Manners
Manners go a long way on LinkedIn, as they do in real life. Although LinkedIn is the future of networking, we are stepping back to the times of the written word. If you embrace this fact, and proper etiquette, it will help you in your quest to get noticed and be remembered on LinkedIn.
Connect With Quality
It is important to recognize who you want to connect with on LinkedIn. In most cases, you’ll be more successful focusing on the quality of person you connect with, rather than the quantity. When we are talking about the quality of person, it speaks to how that person relates to you. Is the person in an industry that matters to you? Are they a center of influence in the markets you want to be involved in? Assess who you want to connect with, and make sure they are a quality addition to your network.
Ditch The Pitch
Since LinkedIn is a business networking site, many people have an agenda. They want a job, want to sell you something, or simply build their network to learn from others. It is important to once again, take a step back and create a more human environment. When you make contact with someone, remember to “Ditch the Pitch”. Regardless of how good your pitch is, we are all still human, and naturally want to build a relationship. Thus, why door-to-door salespeople always had it so rough. The successful ones were experts at building relationships, not selling.
There are various strategies to get noticed on LinkedIn. They differ from industry, job type, geographic location and person. What are some strategies that have helped you get noticed on LinkedIn? Also, please share some of the ill-fated strategies you have seen others use that will make you be forgotten, blocked, or banned! Please share in the comments below.
Thank you for reading my blog, I really appreciate it. If you are interested in more from Brett, click HERE!
Originally published to LinkedIn on July 22nd, 2015. View the original post.
About the Author: Brett Berhoff is the leading expert in Brand Energy Infusion™. He works with Corporations and Individuals to bring their brand and lifestyle to the next level. He is a Business Leader, who has proven success in a wide spectrum of industries and markets. Please visit his profile and connect with him on LinkedIn and explore how to unlock your world.
I was Honored to be Featured in the Harvard Business Review. View Below to read my most recent contribution. Thank you, Brett Berhoff
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2 Comments on “4 Ways to Get Noticed on LinkedIn”
Design and Development
November 26, 2015 at 3:38 pmTo get noticed, you should put on a good profile on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a helpful way to pitch your business/expertise. So you better get a new look for your profile. Joking!
Social Marketing Solutions
April 6, 2017 at 7:16 pmHa! I think we should all strive to keep all of our social profiles up to date as first impressions count! Thanks for the comment!