Recently, I received an email from LinkedIn congratulating me on being in the top 1% of viewed profiles. You may have gotten one like it too.
And, it got me thinking about a couple of things…
First, I’d rather be included in the “other 1%,” but that’s a conversation for another time. 🙂
Second, while I appreciate the accolade, what does it really mean?
Clearly, for LinkedIn’s objectives, they are leveraging the social construct of reciprocity by praising you and then offering the chance (a veiled request) to share your news via social media (see below).
Great for LinkedIn…I applaud them on a marketing campaign that will, no doubt, help them grow their 200 million user base exponentially. And, part of a larger “feel good” initiative (more on that in a second) that could very well distract you from what’s truly important.
What’s Your Goal on LinkedIn?
Objectives range from the ultra specific (finding a new job, expanding one’s professional relationships, establishing yourself as a subject matter expert (SME)) to “I’m on LinkedIn because I was told I MUST build a profile.”
Are You Any Closer to Your Goal?
This is “brass tacks” when it comes to this online tool…or any tactic/strategy (online or offline), for that matter.
Emails about who has endorsed you, how many views you’ve gotten or ranking in the top “X%” only offer praise (enter – “feel good” campaign). And, quite often, false praise at that.
If you’re looking for a job, ask yourself, “How many of those views have turned into phone calls? Interviews?”
Want to establish yourself as a SME? How many of those endorsers have asked you to present at a conference or offered to publish an article of yours?
Get BIG on Measuring
I’m a huge believer in measuring…and you should be too. Don’t get bamboozled by emails that highlight activity – not productivity. If you aren’t moving closer to your goals, then you have to ask yourself what you’re doing (IMO – it’s kind of like being on a stationary bicycle…lots o’ effort, but getting nowhere).
So, here are a few things clients of mine do to achieve their professionals goals quicker on LinkedIn:
Set Metrics
You know what you want to achieve. Now, set some numbers again that goal (start with one). Whether it’s a new contact, comments on an article you’ve posted or an interview – quantify and qualify it.
Measure
Compare your achievement against everything. How many comments are you making in groups? How many views of your profile? Who’s looking at your profile? Who’s endorsing you?
Adjust
Best practices are developed out of the processes of testing and adjusting. You’ve got the numbers now. So, ask yourself, “What’s working and what isn’t?” Follow the path of least resistance to results.
Rinse – Wash – Repeat
Keep measuring and adjusting based on your results.
Want a place to start? Listen to this interview below with a client who used this same technique in LinkedIn Groups to get hired – more than once.
Kevin Kermes is the Founder and Editor of Career Attraction. A reformed headhunter, talent acquisition consultant and former Infantry Offer, he writes about insights, advice and hacks to help you get ahead both in career and life at the blog that bears his name.
