8 Steps to Becoming a LinkedIn Pro

Hi everyone. I'm back and all about networking today!

Are you looking for a new job?

Looking to meet more people in your industry?

Wanting to connect with people who share the same hobbies or passions?

Then why are you not using LinkedIn?!

LinkedIn is a social network for professionals. It is a modern age networking event that allows executives of a major company, small business owners, first year college students and everyone in between to connect and market themselves. This is a great tool for finding new opportunities and connecting with people who you would never meet face-to-face. LinkedIn is very similar to Facebook, but is geared toward professionalism only.

So, if you are on LinkedIn and would like to use it in a more professional, business oriented way... follow these 8 simple steps to becoming a LinkedIn pro!

1. Profile Photo. This is the first thing people see when they open your profile. So, first of all, make sure you have one. This photo would be an up-to-date, accurate picture of yourself. Your face should take up more then 1/2 of the box. This photo should be professional.

Don't add a photo of yourself drinking, with other people, wearing inappropriate clothes. Personally, I have a photo of myself from graduation, wearing my cap and gown. I feel this photo represents that I am an educated individual and I hope this will set me apart from some other applicants.

2. Cover Photo. Much like your profile photo, your cover photo should be a direct representation of yourself. HERE is a link to help you choose the best cover photo for your LinkedIn account.

My cover photo is a picture of a computer, keyboard, iPhone and mouse. I feel this represents that I am good with technology and looking for a computer based job.

3. Information. Fill out all information that applies to you. Add your past jobs and job descriptions. Add your education and other achievements. Show off any volunteer work you have done.

4. Showcase Yourself. Aside from adding all of the appropriate information, LinkedIn is a place for you to advertise and express yourself in the best light. If you have an on-line portfolio, add a link for people to see. This isn't bragging. This is how you will stand out from other users.

5. SKILLS! SKILLS! SKILLS! Add all skills you can think of. Even if you think it is common for people to have these skills, they may not.

Some skills I have listed for your reference are...

- Social Media

- Event Planning

- Customer Service

- Web Design

- Blogging

- Visual Merchandising

- Loss Prevention

- Fashion

- Microsoft Office

- Facebook

- Adobe Photoshop

- Adobe InDesign

- Google Analytics

- Blogger

- Wix

- Organization Skills

- Team Building

Think of anything that you can add to showoff what you know!

6. Groups. I feel that you should join at least 2 groups. The groups part of LinkedIn is a great way to market yourself. I joined a Meeting Planner group and they had yearly galas and other gatherings for the members to meet up and market themselves. I feel that if your going into a large industry and you want to really make a name for yourself, use the groups on LinkedIn.

7. Connect. Don't be afraid to add people! Expand your network and find the right people to connect with. I am friends with people from high school, college, past jobs and the groups I have joined. This is a great, easy way to expand your network!

8. Interact. Actually posting on LinkedIn can be intimidating. I found it easier for myself to like, share and comment on posts that I found relevant or interesting. This shows people that you are passionate about your interests and that you actually use LinkedIn.

A lot of people take LinkedIn for granted. This is such a fun, easy and accessible marketing tool that should be used by everyone! If you aren't already on LinkedIn, join today for FREE. Click HERE to start networking!