Jazify Your Linkedin Profile
Last Thursday I spoke to a group of unemployed professionals at the Urbandale Public Library about how they can supersize their Linkedin profile to help them stand out during their search. Here are a few pointers I shared with the group:
Include a professional headshot
It doesn’t have to be professionally taken in a studio. I just need to be able to recognize you. The you I would see out networking; not the you I would see at your kid’s soccer game…
Book Review: Linchpin by Seth Godin
I’ve been a fan of Seth Godin ever since I read my first book, Tribes back in mid-2009. That book inspired me to stop being a sheep-walker and instead, be a leader so I started Unemployed in Des Moines and later that year, my own business.
That’s why I was excited to read Linchpin. Godin always moves me to take action.
A linchpin, as Seth describes it, is somebody in an organization who is indispensable, who cannot be replaced—her role is just far too unique and valuable. And then he goes on to say, well, seriously folks, you need to be one of these people, you really do. To not be one is economic and career suicide.
Professional Profile Photos
Do you ever meet potential customers in person? If you do, be sure that what they see is what they get; your headshot on your website and social media accounts should reflect what you look like today.
Be sure to use the same headshot across your professional accounts. You can deviate a little bit on your personal Facebook page, for example, but if you’re using social media accounts for business, be sure that they are professional.
