Each year, as LinkedIn’s thriving global network continues to expand, having a searchable profile and online presence on the site is no longer optional; it is expected. Research shows that 80 percent of CEOs are now engaged online and are users of social media platforms; a figure which has doubled since 2010.

So, what is drawing global executives to LinkedIn, and why is it now a necessity?
 

executive_linkedin_profileReason One: To Improve Your Personal Brand and Establish Yourself as a Thought Leader

With clients, potential employers, and search consultants all active users of the site, LinkedIn provides the perfect opportunity to tell your personal career story, strengthen your brand identity, and highlight your key accomplishments.

Your LinkedIn profile allows you to expand upon points that were covered more briefly in your executive resume/CV, and enables you to share with others the full depth of your knowledge, such as by sharing and commenting on articles, and participating in group discussions.

You can also interact using the LinkedIn Pulse feature, where you can now self-publish your own thought-leadership articles and further position yourself as an expert in your professional field. Executives should view their LinkedIn profile as an extension of their executive bio, and approach it with the same level of professionalism.

Having a poorly maintained profile, or no profile, at all can be damaging to you professionally as the assumption will be made that you are not detail-oriented, and not up to speed with modern technology or trends.
 

Reason Two: To Increase Your Visibility Among the Search Community

In addition to using the BlueSteps Database, executive search consultants frequently use LinkedIn and other social media platforms, to source and research potential candidates.

Therefore, in order to be found by search professionals and considered as a potential candidate, it is vital that you use appropriate industry-specific keywords throughout your profile. Your strategy should also include ensuring that each section of your profile is fully completed, up-to-date, and consistent with the entries in your resume/CV.

Reason Three: To Build Your Executive Network

As more and more executives shift toward online networking, it is important to develop a strong LinkedIn networking strategy which will help you to expand your reach and connect with fellow executives who could have the power to improve your career trajectory in the future.

Too many executives become complacent and often wait until they enter a period of transition to attempt to build a network, but creating a strong and effective network takes time, so it is imperative build up a healthy network before you later depend on it.

Even for executives who prefer the benefits on in-person networking, LinkedIn can be a great way to learn more about new connections, follow-up, and keep in touch. Your new connections are also likely to want to connect with you online too. The lack of a profile or an unfinished profile will ruin the positive impression that you have just created.

By incorporating a LinkedIn strategy into your overall executive career strategy, you can achieve these three key aims to advance your career. Maintaining an optimized profile and online network could take as little as 10 minutes per day, but that the time investment could pay dividends for years to come.

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