Give Yourself a LinkedIn Checkup | Power Formula LinkedIn Blog

This week I want to share with you a resource I have been using when I help companies get all of their employees up to speed quickly so we can move on to LinkedIn strategies for their specific organization. This is typically a homework assignment each employee completes, but most companies provide some direction as it relates to relevant keywords and company description.

I hope you will find it to be a good checkup of your LinkedIn status as you begin to implement your goals for the new year. checklist

If you need more information on any of these items, my book covers these areas in more detail and explains the thoughts and strategies behind these recommendations.

With regard to keywords, these are the basic words that describe your skills, products, brands, expertise, etc. Once you have listed your keywords at the top, be sure to include them in all other sections where you see KW.

I have also included character limits when important.

Let’s see how you do!

LinkedIn Checkup Worksheet

Keywords (KW)

1.________________________________________

2.________________________________________

3.________________________________________

4.________________________________________

Complete all LinkedIn Required Steps for 100% Completion

Name and Current Position (25%)
Picture (5%)
Summary (5%) 2,000 characters max
Specialties (5%) 500 characters max
Education (15%)
Past Job 1 (15%) Title 100 characters max, Description 2000 characters max
Past Job 2 (15%)
Recommendation 1 (5%)
Recommendation 2 (5%)
Recommendation 3 (5%)

Complete Profile to Best Practice Levels

Edit Headline (120 character max) (KW)
Add three websites and describe them. 36 characters for description max
Edit Public Profile URL to as close to your real name as possible
Include in Summary the standard company paragraph (KW)
Include keywords in Specialties (KW)
Edit current job titles to be “Title- (Specializing in KW)” 100 characters max
Edit current job description to include standard company paragraph (KW)
Add Skills section to profile (KW)
Add Box.net files application
Add SlideShare application
Add Google Presentation (Video)
Obtain ten recommendations from current customers (KW)

First Level Connections: At least 100, but have a goal of at least 250

Join at least 15 LinkedIn groups, but have a goal of joining the max of 50

Did you pass your checkup? If not, don’t be discouraged, but set realistic goals to complete these steps. Then you will be ready to not only play the LinkedIn game in 2012 but win it!

Patrice Waidner

Thanks Wayne! A good checkup to use with my new clients and remind the experienced LinkedIn clients to look for new ways to use LinkedIn. I appreciate your Blog information.
Luckyjackson

In your book “LinkedIn Success” you mention in week 3 to “Write a killer 120 word marketing headline that includes important keywords. Where exactly is the “marketing headline”. I see a Summary and Specialties section.

Thanks for your help.

http://www.powerformula.net/ Wayne Breitbarth

On pg. 29 to 31 of my book, you will see my discussion of how you write an effective headline. Market yourself!

Jeduchscherer

Hey,

Got it, thanks Wayne!

http://twitter.com/GoodPeopleJapan Jason Ball

What percentage of your teaching Wayne is about PROACTIVE use of LinkedIn vs. PASSIVE use (like profiles, keywords, being found etc.)?

http://www.powerformula.net/ Wayne Breitbarth

I would say it’s 50/50, but what’s interesting is that more people are asking me about the proactive part in the last few months. In the beginning, lots of people thought all you had to do is do your profile right and load it with keywords and business would start flowing your way.

Luckyjackson9

Hi Wayne,

What settings would you recommend under Profile – Privacy controls? E.g turn on/off activity broadcasts, select who can see your activity feed etc

Thanks

http://www.powerformula.net/ Wayne Breitbarth

This depends on your personal strategy. You need to be comfortable with your choices. I address some of the more important settings in a recent blog post: http://www.powerformula.net/blog/?p=959

Jeduchscherer

How do you suggest someone set up their profile – security settings?

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