It’s Who Finds You - Transform a “Vanilla” LinkedIn Profile into a “Contact Me Now” Profile

The Chief Storyteller ® Turns Your Business Stories into Results

It’s Who Finds You
Transform a “Vanilla” LinkedIn Profile into a
“Contact Me Now” Profile
Tips 1 through 10

W e are sure that you are familiar with the adage, “People prefer to do
business with those whom they know, like, and trust.” And how
about, “It’s who you know”? Well, in LinkedIn, the operative
phrase is “It’s who knows you.”

If you are looking to expand your business, grow your network, find a new job,
locate like-minded business professionals, the question is not, “Are you using
LinkedIn?” Rather, the question is, “Are you using LinkedIn effectively?”

The power lies with leveraging your existing relationships—your first degree
connections—to make introductions to folks in their networks (second and third
degree). It is just like the Fabergé shampoo commercial from the 1970s: The
woman using the shampoo says “I told two friends about Fabergé organic
shampoo and they told two friends and they told two friends and so on and so on.”

While LinkedIn is easy to setup, there are over 30 tweaks and little known ways
of making it more valuable to you. Here are our top ten tips. Tips 11 through 30
are contained in additional tip guides.

1. Make Your Professional Headline Stand Out
Make a first impression that screams, “Read me now.” How? Use the
Professional Headline field. While LinkedIn populates it with your current title
and company, the secret is that it is changeable. Click [Edit] beside your title, as
shown in Exhibit 1—Before (see ). A compelling headline is the foundation of
business storytelling. Such a headline can pique the interest of the reader and
motivate her to read on.

2. Include a Professional Photograph
With the rise of social media worldwide, people are accustomed to seeing a
photograph with a name. As the line between the personal and the professional
becomes increasingly blurred online, it is essential use only a professional quality
photograph on your LinkedIn profile to convey your strongest image as a reliable
and knowledgeable professional. Click [Add Photo] (see ).

3. Update Your Status When Relevant
Keep your network informed of significant and relevant information with What
are you working on? (see ). Examples include interesting travel; upcoming
presentations, publications, blogs, and special reports; and future events.
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Email info@thechiefstoryteller.com today to learn more about how to build stronger and more profitable relationships


4. Improve Your Credibility
Ask for recommendations (see ) to demonstrate your credibility and capability.
Recommendations serve as “mini” business stories to tout the benefits of working
with you and your organization. Offer to help write it to ensure that your
keywords, messages, and phrases are included in the testimonial.

5. Actively Expand
The power of LinkedIn lies with your prospective network. Someone has to
accept your invitation (see ), agree to your recommendation request, and
approve a group request. What matters then is, “Who knows and trusts you.” Start
expanding your network with active relationships such as current and former co-
workers, current and former clients/members/partners, and classmates.

6. Whet Their Mental Appetite
If a visitor makes his/her way down to your Summary (see ), generally you
know that he/she is interested in you and your organization. Ensure you include
an engaging and compelling elevator speech, high-level details and benefits of
what you offer, and one or two brief success stories.

7. Join Groups
Increase your reach by a factor 10 to 100 with groups. Join groups that count your
prospective partners, clients, members, and industry leaders as members. Groups
give you access to LinkedIn members two and three degrees away. Search the
database of over 400,000 groups with keywords to locate ones right for you. Find
the <Groups> link on the top left of your monitor directly below <Home>.

8. Position Yourself as an Expert
Increase your credibility and exposure by answering questions and providing
substantial educational value. Position yourself as an expert and go-to resource.
You can answer questions posted by members of your network, groups you
belong to, and the general LinkedIn population.

9. Ask Questions
To complement Tip #8, ask questions of your network, groups, or the general
population. Follow up with those who provide thoughtful answers to thank them
and potentially join their network. Keep your questions relevant and succinct.

10. Evaluate Your Success, Regularly
The greater the number of people reviewing your profile, the greater your
potential reach and prospective network. Select <Home> to see “Who's viewed
my profile?” in the middle of the right-hand column. The text shows information
about the number of people who viewed your profile and number of times you
appeared in a search. Revise your profile if either or both numbers are not
consistently showing new values each day. Likely, you will need to revise your
Headline, Status, and Summary with inspiring and compelling messages and
keywords that resonate with your target audiences.
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Exhibit 1—Before: New “Vanilla” LinkedIn Profile

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Exhibit 2—After: “Tell Your Business Story” Profile

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Consider Adding these Tip Guides to Your Library
□ How to Design and Deliver a Compelling Elevator Speech: Tips 1 through 10 (Tip
Guide 01-044)
□ Moments of Impact: Create Your Own Opportunities to Build the Right Relationships
(Tip Guide 02-015)
□ Inspire Action: Use Action Verbs to Develop Engaging and Compelling Messages
(Tip Guide 06-080)
□ It's Who Knows You: Transform a “Vanilla” LinkedIn Profile into a “Contact Me
Now” Profile, Tips 11 through 20 (Tip Guide 06-071)

About The Chief Storyteller ®
We turn your business stories into results. Business stories are messages you share
verbally, in print, and online. Your answer to “What Do You Do?” (Elevator Speech),
presentations, brochures, proposals, position papers, website, and everything in between
are all examples. We develop and implement high impact business storytelling and
strategic messaging programs. These programs help you achieve the
revenue/outreach/development results you want. Charles Schwab, CDC, and the
American Diabetes Association have trusted us to help tell their stories.

To sign up for our free newsletter, visit:
www.TheChiefStoryteller.com/cc

Visit our blog for tips, insights, and conversations on various business storytelling topics:
www.ChiefStoryteller.com

Contact The Chief Storyteller ®
info@thechiefstoryteller.com or +1 (301) 718 - 8368

Not for resale, give-away, display, or duplication. Not to be published in whole
Cost $ 9.98
or part without prior written permission from The Chief Storyteller®, LLC.
®

It’s Who Finds You - Transform a “Vanilla” LinkedIn Profile into a “Contact Me Now” Profile

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It’s Who Finds You - Transform a “Vanilla” LinkedIn Profile into a “Contact Me Now” Profile