7 more things to avoid on LinkedIn

My Top10 mistakes people make on LinkedIn blog post was my most popular ever, so I thought it was time to share a few more things people do to shoot themselves in the foot on LinkedIn.

1. Keeping your connections private. The whole point of LinkedIn is to share resources and grow individual networks, so how can that happen if your hoard your contacts? When people can see them, they have the opportunity to identify people they know and send invitations. They may also see someone who can fulfill a particular need they have and ask you to make an introduction. Generally, people who make their connections private are regarded by the LinkedIn community as takers rather than givers. Is that how you want to be perceived.


2. Not updating your status. This is one of the best ways to remain top of mind for all your connections when they check their home pages. LinkedIn deems status updates to be so important that they display at the top of each user's home page. Now this is not Twitter. This valuable real estate shouldn't be used to announce that you're cleaning your office. Use this space to market yourself by constantly educating and reminding your connections about your specialties, and try to update it daily.


3. Not including your maiden name. Ladies, this is a no-brainer. You weren't born when you got married. Lisa Jones had high school and college friends. She probably also had a job or two before becoming Lisa Wilson, so why would she not want to be found by people in her past who may be in a position to hire her? It doesn't matter if it's been 25 years since you were Lisa Jones, your LinkedIn (ad Facebook) persona should be Lisa Jones Wilson to present the broadest potential to be found.


4. Not utilizing groups. Group discussion boards are a tremendous resource to gain information, advice, and help. They can also be used to showcase your expertise in a non-boastful way by helping others. Look for alumni, professional trade, special interest, and local area groups. You will find an instant connection and common ground with other members. If you can't find exactly what you're looking for, or you identify a need, start your own group. I started 3 of them myself, and I have the benefit of moderating, messaging members through email, and having my profile viewed by most people when they request joining my groups.


5. Spamming groups. You know how great your product or service is, but this is not the place to toot your own horn so blatantly. In fact, most people in your groups don't give a hoot about your sales pitch that advertises something they're not looking for. So when you post a sales pitch, it just makes you look pushy and unappealing.


6. Not integrating other social media feeds. If you have a blog and a Twitter feed, link them to LinkedIn. What better way to have people discover how interesting your blog is than to have them see the feed on your LinkedIn profile? They're already interested in you if they're reading your bio, so the more information you can share with them, the easier it will be for them to feel connected with you and want to do business with you.


7. Ignoring LinkedIn completely. LinkedIn is not a case of build it and they will come. Sure, some people will find you, but you should also be actively mining your own personal network. In addition, LinkedIn makes it easy to keep tabs on what your connections are up to. Did one of your former co-workers recently get a promotion that puts her in a position to hire contractors? Does someone you serve on a charitable board with possess a special skill that your company needs? If you put up a profile and neglect it from then on, the joke is on you, as opportunities pass you by and go to competitors who recognize the power of the network.

by: Christine Pilch
Christine@GrowMyCo.com
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