How does your LinkedIn profile read?
In today’s episode we will answer that depending on who is asking.
Outward through the LinkedIn door
If you read your profile objectively and decide that you would never inquire, engage, or buy from that person (you), then my advice is you need to work on your delivery. That door you leave open to extend your wisdom and express exuberance for “why you do what you do” has to be your best: the most stimulating, the highest quality narrative of your past experience. It makes or breaks the next step, that of the reader connecting with you: who you are today based on your past and present, and offering readers an idea of what it means to collaborate with you in the future.
Inward through the LinkedIn door
Associated with this outpouring of “why you” is the ability of a reader to stay stimulated, fascinated, excited enough to want to know more, to read further, to get in touch, and to explore how you both can work together. They come into your profile to examine your capabilities, skills, the nonprofit and professional associations you offer your expertise–gratis, the publications you have donated to your field, education (formal and ongoing), the overall impression they get when they click the “let’s discuss” light on, to give you the opportunity they deem worthy based on what they read from you.
You see, this is not just a door that opens one way, only inward, or only outward, but both, just like those swinging doors at the saloon in Western movies. In, then out, or vice versa, depending on what direction the client is headed.
You want that door to be a portal to your cerebral and emotional tie-in to your brand as an expert.
Time to oil the hinges, repair the chipped paint, and to make sure no matter which side the reader is on (you or them), the door is always open, because business is conducted 24/7.
Oh, and be sure you have every way to get a hold of you in your Contact Info section. Because once they fall in “like” with you, wouldn’t it be a shame to make it harder for them to offer you this opportunity in the method of communication they prefer?
If they cannot text you or email you, it’s like that screen door bumping them in the rear end on their way out your portal, as they mutter “no, you are not for me,” away from you as fast as they can….