It’s important to have social media pages for your business. A $20 ad can bring in hundreds of likes and sharing photos—and hash-tagging correctly—can guide Instagram users to your photo to see what you’re all about. But an under-utilized, yet very necessary, social media network is LinkedIn. It’s the “professional” version of who you are and what you do, yet it’s often neglected and left un-updated.
LinkedIn is useful for networking with fellow planners, hotel managers, past clients—anybody you have worked with or would like to begin a conversation with. But you must update your own profile. It’s the first thing people look at before accepting or rejecting your request to connect. Why should you two connect? What do you have to offer this person? These are questions that should be answered when they research you.
So, how do you spruce up your profile? Here are four tips for creating a profile worth connecting with.
1. Add any certifications to your name.
Are you a CMP? Include that after your name. Any certifications relevant to your field should be the first thing a networker sees when you request a connection. It adds a level of legitimacy to you and your work and will give you an edge. Even small certifications are worth adding.
More: Quiz | Are You Ready to Add CMP to Your Name?
2. Describe your business and what you can offer in your “about me” section.
First, explain what you do. This way, people immediately know how you can relate to them. Choose umbrella words or phrases, such as “meetings industry” and “event planning,” to appeal to a wider audience, then zero in on the specifics. Finally, explain your business and describe what you have to offer to potential connections. Can you plan a wedding? What about a major conference? Are you a facilitator between hotels and clients? Answer these there.
3. List accomplishments under your jobs section.
It’s easy to simply list what you do and have done, but you shouldn’t forget about your accomplishments. Use two or three bullet points to describe what you did (or do) for each job, then follow up with accolades associated with that job.
4. Ask for recommendations.
Finally, ask past clients and co-workers to write you a recommendation. It doesn’t have to be long—just enough to showcase why people should work with you. This works best when you offer to write one in return—people tend to be generous when they receive a positive recommendation as well.
