LinkedIn is a great professional social network (the best actually) but it is only as good as the person who is using it.
The biggest reason why businesses struggle to use LinkedIn is because they are doing all of the wrong things, or treating it like every other social network when in reality, it is unique and cannot be compared.
I have been using LinkedIn since 201, and have over 29,000 connections, 400+ long-form posts, and over 32,000 content followers. One of my posts has received over 4500 views, 900 likes and 60 comments. I have also built my LinkedIn “All Star” profile to a level which generates a 5-figure income for me; so I know what works, and what doesn’t. Here are 7 things to avoid on LinkedIn.
1. What do you want to achieve on LinkedIn?
One of the biggest mistakes a person can make when using LinkedIn is not having a goal. Just like every other social network, you need to know why you are using LinkedIn and what you want to achieve. Are you looking for a job, channel partners, brand awareness or, something else? Have a goal in mind when using LinkedIn.
2. Being Unprofessional
This is something I will touch on during my upcoming webinar, and go into more detail about in my LinkedIn Bootcamp. LinkedIn is a professional network, which means there are things you shouldn’t share, or discuss. Walking your dog, or talking about what you had for dinner are things that are not suitable for LinkedIn.
3. Is that REALLY you?
How recent is your LinkedIn profile picture, and how relevant is your LinkedIn headline? Having a profile that really doesn’t reflect who you are both visually, and through written content is something that should be avoided on LinkedIn.
4. Don’t be selfish
Social media is a way to connect with your audience, and engage in a two-way conversation. Just because LinkedIn is a professional network, it doesn’t mean that you should focus on JUST talking about yourself. You will get more out of LinkedIn if you focus on helping others, as much as finding out who can help you.
5. Don’t forget to explore your network
A large number of LinkedIn users have set up their profile as their “online CV” and have not utilised the other great features LinkedIn has to offer. Have you explored your network, and reached out to the connections who you could build a professional relationship with? Don’t forget to explore your connections, and engage with your network.
6. Failing to give Recommendations and Endorsements
A huge part of LinkedIn, and the success it has had over the last 10 years is because of its great features, including recommendations and endorsements. If you want to build your personal brand, you need both of these, and you won’t get them unless you give them. It’s a two way street so in order to get recommendations, and endorsements; you need to give them.
7. Negativity
Always stay positive on LinkedIn. If you are going through a hard time professionally, this isn’t necessarily something your connections want to read about. If you are having a difficult time, spin it so that there is a positive lesson to be learned. LinkedIn isn’t the place to feel sorry for yourself, or encourage others to do the same.
Now you know 7 things to avoid on LinkedIn, how are you going to build your “All Star” profile, and generate leads and sales using LinkedIn? I have just the answer.
Where To Go From Here
Join our upcoming webinar on Wednesday, 12th February at 19:00 GMT where Social Selling expert Vic Williams and I will be sharing more than 25 years of combined LinkedIn experience to help you be successful in 2020.
In just 90 minutes, Vic and I will help you optimise your profile and content to take it to the next level and ensure success, and will be sharing the latest, most up-to-date strategy to be successful.
Why is this for me??
Get to the TOP of LinkedIn for your specific keywords in less than 60 seconds
- How to position yourself as a trusted EXPERT everyone wants to work with
- Build your LinkedIn network with QUALITY business connection
- Learn 3 SECRET LinkedIn features you didn’t know about
- How to build and grow your PERSONAL brand
- How to turn LinkedIn CONVERSATIONS into hot leads and paying clients
- The top 5 MISTAKES most LinkedIn users make (and how you can avoid them)
- Design and implement a networking STRATEGY
Register today to learn how the top executives on LinkedIn get the most out of their profile and content.
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