7 Habits of Highly Effective Linkedin Users

**edithy** · 09-11-2009 10:15 AM

We don’t want to point out the obvious like adding a picture, participating in groups or requesting recommendations from former colleagues. Everyone knows that…we think.

Today we want to share with you some advanced Linkedin strategies, learning from some ‘pro’ users like Reid Hoffman (Founder of Linkedin) or Guy Kawasaki (the guy who wrote 10 Ways to Use Linkedin)

Here come the 7 Highly Effective Habits for Professional Linkedin Users:

1) Pick a Custom URL for your Public Profile – Select a custom URL on Linkedin prolife. This will increase your searchability on Google. Some smart entrepreneurs sometimes even replace their personal custom URL with their company URL. To learn more, check out Linkedin FAQ.

A good example:
Christine Comaford (she included her book title!)

2) Craft a Robust ‘30-Second Elevator Pitch’ Summary Statement – Take some time and craft a robust summary of yourself. This is basically your 30-second elevator pitch in writing. What do you want people to know about you? Why would they want to continue scrolling further to find out more?

Some good examples:
Guy Kawasaki

Gary Swart (one of our BizTechDay speakers this year!)

3) Customize Websites Text – Instead of using the standard description of My Website or My Company which no one really cares about…. Think about a creative short text that will encourage your viewer to click. Just select the ‘Other’ option after you click ‘Edit’ Think: ‘Sales Tips’ or ‘First Chapter of My Book’

A good example:
Edith Yeung

4) Make Frequent Status Update – Every time you change your status text, your updates will appear on the Linkedin Email Messages to your friends. Sometimes I would put ‘Looking for Volunteer’ or ‘Looking for Speaker’ and my friends will send me a message and recommend leads to me immediately! Check out what BizTechDay is currently looking for.

5) Custom Linkedin Request – Anyone know the #1 rule for connecting with people?? The answer is…. follow up! Just because you had a great conversation at an event, doesn’t mean this person would remember you for the rest of their life…unless you follow up and remind them who you are. Instead of using the standard template ‘I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn’, modify it to include information about where & when you met or the topics you discussed. Remind this person why they should connect with you again.

6) Custom Introduction Email – When you want your connection to introduce you to another person, think from his or her point of view. Think about:

- Why would this person want to know you?
- How would he or she benefit from connecting to you?
- Do you just want to sell something or do you really have something of value to offer?
- How can you make the connector look good?

Be thoughtful and craft a message that will truly benefit this new connection. Be good to the connector so he or she actually would be happy to forward on your introduction request.

7) Create Linkedin Event – This is a new discovery of mine. Linkedin Events allow you to publicize and invite your business connection to attend events. BizTechDay likes Linkedin Events as it again provides a custom URL. Check out BizTechDay on Linkedin.

I hope you enjoy these tips of 7 Habits of Highly Effective Linkedin Users.

To learn more about working with Linkedin, come to BizTechDay and attend ‘How to Create a Strong Business Brand on Google, Yelp, Linkedin & Facebook’ session.