Why and How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile

Some moms nag their adult children about their relationship status, their living situation, or simply calling home more often.

Not me!

Well, maybe I do (sigh).  But they would tell you the biggest thing I’ve bugged them about lately is updating their LinkedIn profiles.

I strongly believe that they should start early and post often. While they are just getting started in their careers, I encourage them to share their volunteer experiences, part-time jobs, or coursework. I want them to talk about the projects they are working on. Share their expertise about a topic so others can learn from them.

LinkedIn is the place to toot your own horn! 🎺

And this advice isn’t just for my kids. It’s for you too. Here are three things you can do today to update your LinkedIn profile

• Comment on other people’s posts. And please don’t just write, “great post!” Add some value to the conversation. It’s one of the best ways for current and future connections to learn more about you.
• Update your headshot if it is more than 5 years old. And don’t use a photo that was taken at a wedding when you were all dressed up. Use a professional photo that can be taken with your iPhone or, even better, by a professional photographer. And for the love of G-d, don’t pose with your pets. I’ve seen that too many times.
• Make sure your most recent job is listed. LinkedIn will publicly ask people to congratulate you on the anniversary of a job you left 10 years ago if your profile is not up to date. This happened to a friend of mine who left her marketing job and became a nurse. LinkedIn still thinks she works at the PR agency.

I’ve always been active on LinkedIn. (Connect with me!). Now that I have my own business, it’s an essential part of my networking strategy. I try to position myself as an expert in my field (MarComm) by posting at least 2-3 times a week. I make it a point to comment on other people’s posts regularly. I have a monthly post highlighting all of my in-person networking adventures and giving kudos to the independent businesses I support.

Best of all, I meet some of the best and brightest people on the platform and learn from them every day.

Have I convinced you yet? When was the last time you looked at your LinkedIn page? What will you do to update it today?

(And to my kids who read my blog, have you posted today? Mommy is checking.)

XO,

Elisa