8 steps for strong personal brand on LinkedIn
You too are a brand. Whether you know it or not. Whether you like it or not.
~ Mark Ecko
While living in a digital age personal brand is still something that anybody says about you when you are not in the room. After holding a training for one of the leadership programs in my company and now designing one on networking I decided to approach the topic again with a new perspective.
My first article in english related to personal brand was about retention of digital assets and how to make your mark shown - can be read here and then here I talked about LinkedIn and how it can change your job. The article about personal brand and social media supported me to grow the blog - a lot of people got in contact and told me how the article helped them to change their jobs while finding it on Google.
So establishing a strong personal brand is crucial for career success. And when it comes to professional networking and branding, LinkedIn reigns supreme even almost 4 years later. It's not just a platform to showcase your resume; it's your digital persona, your professional story, and your ticket to new opportunities. So, how can you make the most of it? Let's dive in!
Think of your personal brand as your unique professional identity. It's how you present yourself to the world, how you differentiate from others in your field, and the value you bring to the table. Your personal brand should reflect your skills, experiences, values, and aspirations. In this article you can find 5 steps to unleash your unique personality - now let’s add some extra on that article and update the LinkedIn part.
Why Does LinkedIn Matter?
LinkedIn is more than just a job search tool; it's a powerful platform for networking, building relationships, and establishing credibility in your industry. With over 774 million members worldwide, LinkedIn offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with professionals, recruiters, and potential clients in so many areas.
Here are 8 steps to check in order to make a stronger LinkedIn performance:
Optimize Your Profile: Your LinkedIn profile is your digital first impression. Make sure it's complete, professional, and engaging. Use a clear, professional photo and write a compelling headline that showcases your expertise.
Tell Your Story: Use the summary section to tell your professional story. Highlight your unique experiences, skills, and achievements. Don't just list your job responsibilities; share the impact you've made and what sets you apart.
Showcase Your Skills: Take advantage of the skills section to highlight your strengths. Endorsements from colleagues and connections can add credibility to your profile. Don’t be shy in requests!
Share Valuable Content: Position yourself as a thought leader in your field by sharing insightful articles, industry news, and your own thoughts and experiences. Engage with other users' content by liking, commenting, and sharing. Join the collaborative articles on Linkedin and share your view, expertise while sharing perspectives with people out there! Sharing content is a great way to reach out to people outside of your close network.
Build Your Network: Connect with colleagues, classmates, industry peers, and professionals you admire. Personalize your connection requests to start meaningful conversations. Don’t send an invite empty - share in a few words what makes you reach out and why you want them in your network. Might be inspiration, learning, same values or something else - whatever that thing is make a person feel better by knowing their presence made you reach out.
Join and Engage in Groups: LinkedIn groups are a great way to connect with like-minded professionals, share knowledge, and participate in discussions. Find groups relevant to your industry or interests and actively engage with members. This is also a good way of enlarging your network and connect with people similar to you.
Seek Recommendations: Request recommendations from colleagues, supervisors, and clients to validate your skills and expertise. Offer to write recommendations for others as well.
Be Consistent: Consistency is key to building your personal brand. Regularly update your profile, share content, and engage with your network to stay top of mind.
Why should you care about Personal Branding?
Investing in your personal brand on LinkedIn can open doors to new opportunities, whether it's landing your dream job, attracting clients, or expanding your professional network. By showcasing your unique value proposition and building authentic connections, you can stand out in a crowded digital landscape and advance your career.
Your personal brand is a reflection of who you are and what you stand for professionally, no matter if you invest in it or not. Take the time to craft a compelling LinkedIn profile that tells your story, demonstrates your expertise, and resonates with your target audience and telling your story the way you want people to talk about you. With consistency, authenticity, and a proactive approach to networking, you can elevate your personal brand and unlock endless possibilities in your career journey.
Photo: Ella Jardim
