Networking Archives | Martin Buckland Speaks

Benefit the Future of Your Career: What Changes are you Ready to Make?

As 2019 comes to a close and you reflect on your goals for the future of your career, you will likely consider what changes you can make to improve your professional life next year. While a complete overhaul is often too extreme, you can make various changes that are right for you at this time.

De-stress

The negative impacts stress have on your career—and life—compound over time. Stress hinders your productivity by making prioritizing tasks a challenge. When you are overwhelmed by stress it also hampers your ability to accomplish professional goals. Therefore, finding ways to cope with your stress is essential. Perhaps consider getting into an exercise routine, eating right, or picking up a new hobby to combat stress. Finding something that allows you to de-stress and reach your potential will benefit your career. Consider using these tips to maintain your positivity during a stressful transition.

Make a Change…even if the time isn’t perfect

Are you currently in a position you feel lacks potential to help you accomplish your career goals? Too often, people wait to make a change until timing is perfect. And, more often than not, perfect timing proves to be elusive. Therefore, if you know a job or position change is necessary to help you achieve your goals, now is the time to take action.

Take Risks

Calculated risks often reap big rewards. Fear of the unknown only holds you back, and, if you do not act, you never know what could have been. If you shy away from taking risks, you may only end up with regret. Getting outside your comfort zone is essential to building the future you want.

Invest in Your Network

Build a solid network to connect with people who could have a positive impact on the future of your career. Take the time to strengthen your LinkedIn profile and build relationships with people within—and outside—your current industry. Building a strong network gives you something to rely on when you do not have a natural in for a position you want. In fact, your network may open up possibilities you had not even considered.

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Do you question if the hassle of maintaining your LinkedIn profile is worth it? Perhaps you are not seeing the networking output you hoped to gain via LinkedIn. Therefore, you might be feeling like, because you are not generating the results you hoped, it is a waste to invest your time and energy when there may be other avenues with better results.

Rest assured. With a few quick fixes, you can bolster your LinkedIn profile to produce the results you are hoping for.

Five Tips to Ensure Your LinkedIn Profile Gets Noticed:

1. Professional Profile Picture

First, your profile picture is essential to getting noticed. Unlike typical photos on other social media sites, your LinkedIn profile picture must be professional. After all, this picture offers a first-impression of your professional personal brand. If it is less than professional, it will cause potential contacts to question your professionalism.

Secondly, you should be the focus of your profile picture. For example, if someone met you at a networking function, you want them to be able to immediately and easily identify you from your profile picture. Therefore, a picture of you standing at the top of a mountain may be nice, but it is not appropriate for your LinkedIn profile picture.

2. Customize Your URL

When creating your LinkedIn profile, you are provided a generic URL. This URL usually consists of your name followed by random letters and numbers. Personalize your URL to garner attention while showcasing your personal brand. Eliminate the default characters and shorten the URL to your firstname+lastname. Are you an EMBA grad? You could personalize to joe.smith.EMBA.

3. Use Industry Related Keywords

Similar to website SEO, it is critical to optimize your LinkedIn profile with keywords specific to your industry. Through optimization your profile will appear in more searches allowing others to find and connect with you.

4. Build Connections with New Contacts

As you create your LinkedIn profile, you have the option to sync your email list. Doing so with your professional contacts will send an invite for them to connect with you on LinkedIn. This is an effective way to connect with people you already know and use those connections to expand your network.

Furthermore, expanding your network requires you to invest time to create authentic human connections. When you interact with new contacts, personalize your communication with them. Tell them who you are and why you are interested in connecting. Most importantly, avoid generic invitations as people will write it off immediately. Connection is critical to building a strong network.

5. Promote Your Personal Brand

Lastly, consistently promote your personal brand through LinkedIn. The appearance of your page should be uniform throughout all your branding materials. Engage with articles through posting and commenting to demonstrate your own experience and expertise. This allows your connections to get to know you, engage with you on LinkedIn, and foster positive professional relationships.

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