How valuable is my LinkedIn profile? Should I ensure every aspect of it is fully up to date and well-written or do I just view it as a way to have an online presence? And are the upgrades offered really necessary? I'm not planning on jumping ship now but I'm always open to offers. PG, Dubai
Today the use of social media for personal and professional purposes is part and parcel of everyday life. From tweeting or retweeting posts, connecting with friends on Facebook and to building our professional network on LinkedIn, some would argue that our online presence is just as, if not more important, than our presence in the real world. However unfortunate that may be for real face-to-face human interaction, it is probably true.
Starting out in 2003 with only 4,500 members, today LinkedIn has 433 million users in over 200 countries. LinkedIn started out as a place to publish your resume and grow your network. It has now evolved into a much more sophisticated method of growing your personal brand. For this reason, never has it been more essential to build and maintain a credible and active LinkedIn presence.
You should view the platform as the arena to not only showcase your talent and profile but also to network, share and gain knowledge and ideas from around the world. It is also a great way to take a peek at how well (or not) some of your former classmates and colleagues are doing.
There are a number of reasons why LinkedIn is important for professionals. You can gain awareness of other people’s perceptions of you through endorsements and then consider your strengths and possible gaps in your skill set. You can also follow role models and thought leaders as well as identify what qualifications or experience you may need to move up the ladder.
For me, probably the most important reason is that it provides you with the capability to grow and diversify your corporate network, both within and outside your organisation. LinkedIn allows me to connect and communicate with colleagues globally, which has given me the opportunity to work in San Francisco, South Africa and in London.
It also enables you to connect with industry peers from outside your organisation, which is great to share ideas as well as potentially exposing you to interesting opportunities in the future. Remember when someone Googles you, your LinkedIn profile is often the first search result displayed and a few studies have shown that more than 94 per cent will click on this link only.
LinkedIn is an excellent resource for recruiting new members for your team, researching the competition and exploring opportunities to collaborate with new partners in your field. It can also be a useful tool to gain background information when preparing to meet with potential clients.
I probably sound like I am employed by LinkedIn, but I do think it is an important career tool. In terms of the upgrades, I think premium accounts are great for active job seekers, recruiters or salespeople. But if you don’t fall into any of those categories, the basic account is sufficient. I also think it is a balancing act because you do not want to become preoccupied with your online presence and spend all your time cultivating this virtual persona. Do the work in the real world and let it reflect on your profile. Keep it accurate and concise and avoid turning it into a fantasy novel.
Doctor’s prescription:
LinkedIn provides numerous opportunities for us to network, share, learn and grow in our professional careers. It provides the gateway to a global corporate network. However, it should be a reflection of your true corporate identity and not an exaggerated version of the truth. Build your career through your hard work and dedication and allow it to shine through your profile. Don’t rely on creating fiction when you have the chance to show facts.
Alex Davda is business psychologist and client director at Ashridge Executive Education, Hult International Business School, and is based in the Middle East. Email him at business@thenational.ae for advice on any work issues.
business@thenational.ae
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