Build a Better Profile:
The Linkulator: The Linkulator is the first tool that grades your LinkedIn profile from 0 to 100, compares your score to the average LinkedIn user, and provides some tips to help you improve your score. I’m partial to this tool because I built it.
Expand Your Network:
WebMail or Mail Client Import: This tool simply looks at the people you communicate with through email, imports them into LinkedIn, and then shows you which of your imported contacts are already LinkedIn members. You can then click to invite these people one by one or several at a time.
The Webmail option is simple and you just need to supply your login information. The Mail Client (Outlook, Lotus, Mac, etc.) requires that you export your contacts to a CSV file and then import that to LinkedIn. Instructions are available for the different programs making it a simple process.
Find a Job/Advance Your Career
Jobs Insider: The Jobs Insider comes with the LinkedIn Browser toolbar. With it you can see how you connect into a job listing and see how you are connected to the position. The tool works with Monster, CareerBuilder, HotJobs, Craigslist, SimplyHired, Dice, or Vault
Build Your Credibility
LinkedIn Answers & RSS Feeds (the link takes you to the Start Ups and Small Business Category. RSS feeds are available in each category): Track topics based on keywords and categories in LinkedIn Answers to review and respond to questions posed by other LinkedIn members. When you look at a category on the right side at the bottom of the Browse box is a text link to “Subscribe to new questions in” whichever category you are currently viewing.
Click on the RSS link and it will allow you to choose an RSS Reader from the list. I use My Yahoo to view news stories and have set up an RSS feed to show me the most recent questions in several categories. I can quickly find the most recent questions asked and build my credibility through sharing information and demonstrating my expertise.
Communicate Your Message
Blog Applications: Blogs are a great way to provide value, share information, and communicate your message in a non-sales manner. The WordPress or Blogger applications allow you to pull your blog into your profile, adding another dimension to it. Blogs are easy to set up and you can have one up and running in less than 20 minutes.
Bonus Tool
Resume Import to Create Profile: Building your profile can be time consuming when you first start out. Many people start and stop and only get to a detailed profile after many update sessions. LinkedIn now allows you to upload your resume to build your profile.
I have to admit that I have not used the tool…my profile’s been built for a while…but anything that makes it easier is a good thing. Just be sure to double check it because you never know what translation errors may occur.
Wrap Up
That’s it for the Top Tool tips. They are many other tools available to help you more effectively utilize LinkedIn. What are some of your favorites that I did not include?
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About Sean Nelson
Info is good however Sean is right to claim charges for these services however i am interested to have them free of cost and place Sean name and market it as much as possible over Linkedin and Facebook.
regards
Great post! I’ve been coming across many sites with Twitter and Facebook tips, but not LinkedIn very often.
tell me how this article relates to the ‘Insurance Marketing Professionals’ group on LinkedIn?
As an insurance broker, and one who tries to help others including insurance brokers utilize LinkedIn, it’s relative from a marketing perspective.
You are an insurance broker,you’re on LinkedIn so I assume you would want to know more about how to use it to grow your business. Based on the feedback from fellow group members on the news articles I have posted over the last six months, most of the group find the information relevant.Most of the people that I have met here and communicated with appreciate that a fellow broker is sharing information and helping them. If for you that’s not the case then the simple thing to do is to ignore the posts. Personally I’d recommend that you read more of the articles.
Warm Regards,
Sean
Sean,
Tried the Linkulator. Was very helpful. Especially appreciated the feedback/action steps. I have several people I want to introduce to your site. This is good stuff!
Kathi,
I’m glad it helped. Please share with as many people as possible.
Sean
Sean-
How do I get the Linkulator to score my profile. I click on the Get Score button and the only thing that shows up is the average score of 38. Please advise.
Thanks
Mike
Mike,
I just ran it and got the score to the right of the button and the average score below…along with the graphic that coresponds to the score.
Try it again in another browser and let me know what happens.
Sean
Thanks for the intriguing read! Alright playtime is over and back to school work.
Thanks for stopping by.
Interesting article. I found your blog through bing while i was researching for job search engines. I will turn over your site to other people and I am sure they will think the same about your work on this site.All Best
Gonzalo,
I’m glad you found the site and hope that it provides some value.
Sean
I liked the LinKulator. It is a great milepost for your LinkedIn profile.
Bruce thanks for the comment and glad you like the Linkulator.
Sean