The Me-Suite

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Signal What You Want to Attract on LinkedIn

Donna Peters

We too often use LinkedIn as an electronic resume.  We should, instead, use it as a signalling device to attract what we want to attract in our lives.  Think for a moment about the important meaning behind the word ‘signal:’:

Signal (verb) to indicate with special meaning

Signal (noun) a stimulus to which someone responds

Signal (Adj.) distinguished from the ordinary

We spend most of our energy on our LinkedIn profile parading the facts in the Experience section.  This is often simply a cut and paste from our traditional resume, isn’t it?  For example, “I worked there from time x to y.  And then I went to work here.  I completed this degree.”  This is static, lazy content, not signalling content.  

What is your LinkedIn profile signalling right now?  Is it attracting what you want to attract?  For example:

  • What value are you bringing?

  • How do others perceive your personal brand?

  • Will a potential customer or client see your differentiation and relevance?

  • Can a recruiter find your special sauce?

  • Are you relevant to the field you want to play in?

Make time to refresh your LinkedIn profile. Shine a strategic light on:

  • The style of your photo and banner.  What look and feel conveys your brand?

  • The words underneath your photo.  Does this convey the value you bring or is it simply a job title few will understand?

  • LI About: If someone read no further, what impression would this section make?

  • LI Activity: what is your strategy for liking, sharing and posting content (type, frequency)? This strategy is most under-appreciated.

  • LI Endorsements: is this list fresh and relevant?

  • LI Recommendations: how can this area help you? Who are 3-4 people you could request write you a recommendation around your target signal area?

  • LI Volunteering: where do you give back?

  • LI Accomplishments: name your differentiators

  • LI Interests: be deliberate in what you ‘Follow’

And remember, you aren’t signalling if there’s no one on the other side to receive the signal, so grow your LinkedIn network one authentic connection at a time.