How to leverage LinkedIn profile and increase your leadership "brand" awareness?

Your LinkedIn profile is your best online business card. You should treat it as such and invest time in updating and improving it.

1. There are many profiles out there. You need to stand out by fine tuning your profile.

2. Describing your role and achievements is fine, but you also need to provide some information about your former (and / or current employer). Since the space is limited, you can use "YouTube" short clips describing your past / current employer. All you need is to add a short link, the system will embed it for you.

3. Want to be noticed? Spread the news about your areas of expertise. The best way do it is joining your group (or groups) of interest and write few posts / start a discussion. Do it consistently and you will become a featured group member, a "top contributor" real fast.

4. Recommendations – this is an important feature. Let your potential audience see what others are thinking about you. Recommendations can tell your professional story in a more personal perspective. It surely has an add value. Don't be shy - ask for recommendations wherever it feels appropriate. Take a look at my profile,

By following these relevantly easy steps you may increase your exposure dramatically. I have tried to implement what I have learnt: http://il.linkedin.com/in/meiramarin

Meir

LinkedIn contacts: the more the better OR is it quality rather than quantity that matters?

When I joined LinkedIn about 10 years ago, it was real fun networking virtually online. As an "early adopter" it has really provided me with a unique advantage.

As a matter of fact, I have used this emerging platform as a tool for generating new contacts within major Telecom operators in Europe. It was really helpful.

I have also received many invitations to connect, and was very easy with accepting new invitations...

At the end of the day, as most of us will agree (hopefully), it's not the quantity but the quality.

One more thing - as a business leader I can say that social media is great for networking as 250 million users can't be wrong... However, I would not use it as prime source but rather as a supportive tool to maintain existing contacts and acquire new ones, if and when relevant.

Great Networker has many face to face contacts which could be easily leveraged toward new, professional contacts.

Meir