| Recently I read a LinkedIn article for
small business owners that stated, "You should think of your profile as an online
resume." I could not disagree more. And, when you are done reading this article, let
me know what you think!
Now, while you think whether or not your LinkedIn profile
should be regarded as a resume, let me ask you: When was the last time you read an
interesting and intriguing resume?
Most resumes tend to be boring and bland. Now, how is this
going to help you attract viewers and prospects? Simple, it can't.
As a small business owner or a business development
executive, you have to start thinking of your profile as a marketing tool and not a
resume. Since you have to change your mindset about this, I have developed six distinct
reasons why your profile should not look like a resume.
Why You Should Not Think of Your LinkedIn Profile as Your
Resume
Reason #1: A resume is not personal enough.
The goal of LinkedIn is to connect with people and build
relationships. The only way you will connect with prospects is to personalize your
profile. To do this you need to tell stories and share information that gives a better
scope of:
- Who you are.
- What makes you tick.
- How you can help the prospect.
- What new and exciting information you have to offer them.
Make viewers want to learn more about what you and your
business can do for them. Be creative and use all the applications that LinkedIn provides
you can show videos, presentations and documents.
Reason #2: Remember LinkedIn is a social human network.
Most resumes lack that human touch that LinkedIn can
provide if used correctly. You need to make your profile interesting and enjoyable to
read. You have to keep in mind that if you want others to read it, you should want to read
it too. Here is an excerpt of my summary to give you an idea of what I mean.
With over 80 million professional members in over 200
countries, LinkedIn offers small business owners and internet marketer's unlimited
opportunities to build, and nourish profitable relationships online.
However, out of the 80+ million people on LinkedIn, only a
FEW successful companies and internet marketers are using LinkedIn to its' fullest
profit-making potential.
Do you want to know some of my top secrets on how to get
more business using LinkedIn? As a Social Media Expert (not a self-proclaimed expert, the
New York Times called me that) who specializes in LinkedIn, I've uncovered..."14
Underground Secrets to Making Money And Taking Complete and Total Control Of Your Industry
and Niche on LinkedIn" Here I reveal mistakes that other LinkedIn experts are even
making.
Reason #3: The goal of LinkedIn profile is to get people to
connect with you so that you can funnel them back to your website.
Your profile is a way to tell prospects what you and your
business can do for them. Your LinkedIn profile allows you to show the different areas of
your business and then lead prospects to the appropriate webpage to get even more
information. The goal of a resume however, is to list accomplishments, achievements and
jobs held. It simply lists your job descriptions, past and present. A resume does not
mention the kind of person you are and why someone should connect with you. And, a resume
doesn't allow you to focus on the here and now and what you can provide your potential
clients today like your LinkedIn profile should.
Reason #4: Resumes are usually limited to 1-2 pages while a
LinkedIn profile is not.
While it's usually not a good idea to submit a resume that
is more than 2 pages long, you don't have that kind of restriction with an online profile.
You can include more information, more details, more accomplishments, more strengths and
more keywords. The more information you include the more credibility you will gain, the
more connected to your prospects you will become. Once you gain their trust, it will
become much easier to sell your products, services or even the idea of joint venture
relationship.
Reason #5: A LinkedIn profile enables you to brand yourself
much better and much easier than a resume ever could.
Everything from yourself, your company to your products and
services can be branded on your profile. For example, if you are the best at selling
widgets, then make sure your profile clearly articulates that - and reinforce your brand
throughout the profile. LinkedIn recently added some new sections that will further
enhance your ability to sell yourself to potential clients. What resume will allow you to
include postings about your publications, certifications or skills. Those sections usually
get edited out due to space.
Now, do you think of your LinkedIn profile as your online
resume?
Do you now realize the marketing potential LinkedIn gives
you - if only you'd change your mindset? |
