I’m hoping that most of you use LinkedIn regularly to post status updates, join groups and comment on discussions, as well as looking up people you are going to meet or would like to connect with.
These are all positive actions that can help you make the most of LinkedIn, but are you aware that there are some things that it is best not to do on LinkedIn?
The first thing I would recommend is to avoid spamming your connections. No one likes to be inundated with mass volume marketing material, to be constantly sold to or to receive demands to read your blogs. Treat your connections with respect; spamming just gets you a reputation and erodes the value of your personal and organisational brands.
Secondly, don’t just ask anyone to write a recommendation for you, think carefully about who you choose. LinkedIn research has shown that you are three times more likely to be looked at on LinkedIn if you have recommendations so they are a good thing, but if your recommendations are all from co-workers then that starts to look a little suspect doesn’t it?
Recommendations should include ones that have value, are credible, genuine and thoughtful from happy partners and clients. These can be powerful and help your business, whilst ones that are obviously a favour from a mate, or are a reciprocal recommendation from someone you have just recommended, don’t do you any favours and are easy to spot so be careful!
The third thing I advise you not to do is accept all the connection requests you receive. Whilst it might do your ego good to see the number of your connections increase, this is not a competition and there is no prize for the person with the highest number of connections. I only accept connection requests from people that I know or have spoken to that can add value to my life or business, or who I can help professionally with their business.
What’s the point in connecting with someone you don’t know, who lives in some far flung place and has a dubious career choice? Relationships at the end of the day are key to making LinkedIn work for you.
If you want to learn more about making LinkedIn work then get in touch.
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