We recently had the privilege of attending Meat Business Women’s (MBW) conference in London.
Since its foundation in 2015, MBW has made waves in the meat sector, rapidly establishing itself as a movement committed to fostering positive and sustainable change.
Pinstone’s team has greatly benefited as members of MBW. We are thrilled to play a more active role in their mission as their appointed communications partner.
Helping women achieve their career aspirations and contribute to the industry’s growth and innovation is a key aim. And, with social media being a key tool for achieving this, we were delighted to run a drop-in LinkedIn clinic at the conference to help members polish their personal profiles and raise professional visibility.
LinkedIn, the number one social media platform for B2B, is growing three times faster than others in its category with one billion users. It’s a powerful tool for both business and personal communications, but it’s important to stand out from the crowd.
At the MBW conference, we had the pleasure of speaking to many individuals keen to improve their LinkedIn presence. While many used the platform effectively, some common mistakes repeatedly cropped up.
LinkedIn common pitfalls
A professional profile picture
One common mistake we encountered was the use of profile pictures that either don’t show the actual person or are taken from a distance. Your profile picture is the first impression you make on LinkedIn and sets the tone for your professional persona, so ensure it reflects this. It should include only your head and shoulders and must be high-quality (blurry or pixelated images are an absolute no-go!)
A compelling headline
Another common mistake is using job titles as headlines instead of describing what you actually do. Your headline is a critical component of your LinkedIn profile as it appears in search results and is often the first thing people read. Instead of just stating your job title, highlight what you bring to the table. For example, instead of “Marketing Manager,” consider “Driving brand growth and engagement through innovative marketing strategies.”
This approach not only makes your profile more attractive to potential connections but also helps in SEO, making it easier for others to find you based on your skills and expertise.
Overcoming the hesitancy to post and engage
“I’m afraid of saying the wrong thing” or “I just don’t have time to post” – these blockers repeatedly came up in our conversations. It’s important to recognise that LinkedIn is not just a digital CV but a powerful networking tool. You can overcome this hesitancy by starting small. Begin by liking and commenting on posts relevant to your industry. Share your thoughts and insights.
Rather than craft a post from scratch, share good quality content from others. Post articles, insights and updates that you think are relevant to your followers. Add your own comment to these posts; this will add authenticity and appeal to LinkedIn’s algorithms.
If you are feeling brave and time is truly the limiting factor, try a video post. Capturing your key conference takeaways on video during your walk back to the train, for example. This quick method can help you create a standout post. It doesn’t need to be polished – in fact, the more authentic the better. After all, we are all human.
Additional tips for elevating your LinkedIn
In addition to some of the common mistakes we encountered, here are some other tips to elevate your LinkedIn profile.
Complete your profile: Make sure every section of your LinkedIn profile is filled out. Include the summary, experience, skills and endorsements. A complete profile is more likely to attract attention.
Showcase your achievements: Highlight your accomplishments, projects, and key responsibilities in each role you’ve held. Use metrics and specific examples to demonstrate your impact if you can.
Request recommendations: Reach out to colleagues, mentors, and clients for recommendations. These testimonials add credibility to your profile.
Engage in groups: Join LinkedIn groups related to your industry and actively participate in discussions. This helps you expand your network and gain insights from other professionals.
You get out what you put in
By avoiding common mistakes like poor profile pictures, ineffective headlines and hesitancy to engage, you can significantly enhance your LinkedIn profile. Remember, LinkedIn is a powerful tool for professional growth and networking. Make the most of it by presenting yourself authentically and engaging with your network regularly. Consistency is key and regular activity will help build your presence and keeps you on top of mind within your network.
