Author’s note: In the last Presidential election, I analyzed the LinkedIn profiles of the declared candidates from both major parties, one by one (or if needed, multiple at a time) as they announced. My analyses were rolled up and published on February 16, 2016 in an inc.com article.
So far, two candidates for the Democratic nomination have declared: Richard Ojeda, the West Virginia state senator and US Representative John Delaney from Maryland.
My analysis of their LinkedIn profiles:
Richard Ojeda needs to update his profile which currently shows his candidacy for the legislative position he currently fills since 2016; he lacks a banner and a headshot. However, as recently as a month ago he posted a new update to his over 500 connections, and commented, shared and replied to other posts as well. So he has the inclination to use LinkedIn as a method of communication with business constituents but needs to polish his brand and narrative to let us know more about him. I’d suggest a total renovation and if his social media crew uses the Hillary Clinton comments I made in the Inc.com article as a basis, he’s go a long way to beat out the rest of the competition, announced and unannounced (yes I’ve done my homework ahead).
Rep. John Delaney, the most recent announced candidate, is totally absent from LinkedIn. Someone created a “friends of” company page on LinkedIn in 2012 but it’s an information page that points to the campaign website. Ahem, your staff has some work to do.
Donald Trump is still conspicuously absent on LinkedIn.
Two Dems down, how many more to announce to be number 46?
A recent article on CBS News’s site spoke of possibly 26 more. Nothing is ever cast in stone until the Democratic convention in 2020. Only one will make it.
LinkedIn is one important way to communicate the ideas and narrative as a great candidate, as CEO of your campaign.
