The next time you receive a request for a LinkedIn connection, I want you to pay special attention to the process you use when deciding whether to hit “Accept” or “Ignore.”
If you are like most of us, myself included, a quick “Accept” happens only after looking at two things: the picture and the job title. It’s not that I’m being judge-y but rather if they have taken the time to care about using a thoughtful photo and have a job title which clearly states what they do.
Your LinkedIn profile is your online resume. While it needs to be thorough and complete, special attention must be given to that snippet of info that accompanies your connection request.
Consider it your cover page.
I recommend my clients spend a lot of time not only developing their profile but also expanding their network. It will help in ways that cannot be predicted. You literally want thousands of accepted requests.
It’s a mistake to take the process lightly.
It’s a mistake to throw just any picture up there.
It’s a mistake to use a bland job title.
Spend some time and come up with something others would look at or read and say, “I want to be connected to someone like that!”
When it comes to LinkedIn, creative matters. Go big and win!
