THE SUPERHERO’S GUIDE TO LINKEDIN

When you make the most of your LinkedIn profile, you’ll open up a whole universe of possibilities.

Setting up and optimizing your persona is very much like embarking on a superhero saga. The world is in peril, and needs your unique skills and talents – you just need to pin them on the right notice board.

Here’s what you need to know:

THE LINKEDIN UNIVERSE

LinkedIn longs for a superhero in a world populated by more than225 million ordinary users.

If it is you, then heed the call by creating a persona that will showcase you as a skillful, competent and powerful force to be reckoned with.

That perfect career prospect is a bat signal in the sky, waiting for the right person to reply. Maybe that person is you.

WHAT YOU’RE UP AGAINST

Whether you’re in the professional arena or the superverse, as a hero your worst enemy is Anonymity.

This scourge will try to keep you in the shadows. It will shield you from recognition and opportunities that could help you develop your career and professional influence.

You must defeat this villain by taking swift action against its diabolical plans. Fortunately, your LinkedIn profile has all the tools you need to overcome the evil that is Anonymity.

BUILD YOUR CHARACTER: THE UNIVERSE DEPENDS ON IT

Every hero needs a unique custom-made face and costume – but no capes.

To showcase yourself on LinkedIn, upload an appropriate picture as your avatar. Make sure that it enhances the image you wish to portray.

Thereafter, like any good superhero, you’ll need a compelling backstory:

Create a catchy professional summary, using keywords that will make it easy for citizens who need your help to find you. Don’t be obscure, let them know exactly what you’re about.

THE UNIVERSE MUST KNOW OF YOUR POWER

In any reality, but particularly on LinkedIn, it’s important to showcase your past and present experience, as this will indicate how capable you are.

Make sure your profile is up to date, displaying your current titles, place of operation and the duration of your time working there.

If you were part of another league (former company), make sure you mention this in the past experience and education section, as this info will bolster your portfolio.

CONNECT AND GET YOUR LEAGUE TO PROMOTE YOU

Endorsements from fellow heroes, especially those with more experience and wider pools of influence, will show others that you actually know what you’re doing.

Apart from endorsements, personal recommendations from former mentors can seriously boost your arsenal of superpowers.

Connecting to the citizens of LinkedIn will allow you to network with other heroes. These people provide a source of useful information and may have opportunities for you in the future.

LINK TO YOUR LEAGUE (ORGANISATION)

Establishing a connection with your current place of employment will show your network that you’re not a law unto yourself. And it adds credibility to your portfolio.

It also gives you the chance to list specific skills and responsibilities that your current job requires.

Make a list of your competencies, and update it whenever you’re upskilled or trained in a new aspect of your profession

HACKS FOR INDIVIDUAL USERS

“Use the Trending in Your Network feature to increase the visibility of blog posts published by your company by getting colleagues to share it on their networks.”

“Connect with people in the same industry as you, but do not provide the same service or product. Nurture friendships with them, as this may lead to referrals.”

JOIN GROUPS RELATED TO YOUR CAUSE

Heroes need advice from other heroes on how to better their craft. Share handy tips and build your superhero community.

Join one of the many groups on LinkedIn that share vital ideas and information relating to your industry. This is an excellent way to stay abreast of trends and grow your professional network

Remember to start conversations and respond to comments.

SHARE RELEVANT NEWS WITH THE LINKEDIN UNIVERSE

The citizens of LinkedIn need to stay updated about the current state of your cause.

Keep them informed by posting on your newsfeed. Share relevant and up-to-date news on current and future trends.

This LinkedIn feed is the ideal place to post any articles that you have published. Doing so will boost the authoritativeness of your persona.

THERE’S ALWAYS ROOM FOR A SEQUEL…

As a well-known superhero, your job is never done.

Continue the fight by constantly managing your profile and interacting with your network.

Now go forth; your work has just begun.