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5 Ways to Maximize Your LinkedIn Profile
This week, I have been actively updating my LinkedIn profile. Why? Try this experiment.
- Open a new Google search window.
- Search for your name.
Is your LinkedIn profile in the top 3 results? In my case it’s number 1 — and in the case of about 50% of the 30 friends I tested this on it was number 1. Whether you want it to be or not, your LinkedIn profile is a key part of your personal branding.
You should block some time on your calendar to update these items.
A Great Profile Photo Matters
I believe that everyone should have their own media kit which includes, at a minimum, two excellent hi-resolution headshots of you and a biography. One of those headshots should be your LinkedIn Profile photo.
If you don’t yet have a media kit, add it to your task list, but for now, let’s talk about getting a great Profile Photo. First, you MUST use an actual photo of yourself. The LinkedIn terms of service actually require that you use a photo — you cannot use avatars or other representations.
First, your face MUST be the focus of a great profile photo. A good rule of thumb is that your face must take up at least 60% of the frame.