Linkedin doctor rookie mistakes

Most doctors are Linkedout. Some of the reasons why are:

1. Linkedin is mostly about finding a job. It does not fit the needs of doctors. Unless, that is, you didn't match or a tired of medicine and looking for your next gig.

2. Social media sites are a useful way to educate, inform, market, build networks and communities of interest and build a business or start one. Most doctors are not interested in those things.

3. Doctors don't have the time to actively engage to the extent they need to to be effective.

4. There are many competitive physician networks that offer more of a value proposition.

5. Doctors like to hang out with other doctors and feel uncomfortable expanding their networks outside of medicine.

6.?They are afraid of liability risks and are just learning about how to use social media correctly.

7. Using Linkedin is a great way to build international networks. However, 10% will be talkers and the other 90% will be gawkers. Even fewer will be walkers.

8. Linkedin can be used as a freemium business model. However there are risks and unless you offer a lot to premium members, it will fail.

9. Doctors use?professional and specialty associations as advocates, as ineffective as some think they are. Not much get's done on Linkedin.

10. The opportunity costs of their time is high. They don't want to waste what little time they have left each day surfing on Linkedin

But, if you are interested in a non-clinical career, building your personal brand, getting a job, creating awareness of your organization or business and building networks, but have no clue what to do next on Linkedin , try to avoid these rookie mistakes:

1. Create an ineffective profile
2. Don't take advantage of using the "about me" section to tell your story
3. Don't ask for recommendations or endorsements
4. Don't integrate your Linkedin content into your marketing communications strategy
5. Don't create and share content on a regular basis using an evidence based results cadence
6. Trying to manage your Linkedin site when you have neither the time nor the skills to do it, instead of hiring someone who does
7. Ignore joining Linkedin in groups
8. Focus on quantity, not quality of connections and using the platform to build relationships
9. Download potentially malicious files and content from hackers
10. Use annoying techniques to connect to someone and then try to sell them something. Here is why coldLinking doesn't work
11. Ignoring what Sales Navigator won't tell you
12. Not using analytics to test your communications ideas

13. Forgetting to put a Linkedin icon on your signature page

14. Not using InMail if you want to send emails to people who are not connected to you.

15. Not creating a Linkedin newsletter. While you are at it, please subscribe to mine for free.

16. Not using Linkedin to find a job

Here is a start.

I have made all of these mistakes. Here is what I learned. I hope you don't too. But, if you do, don't forget to include them on your failure resume.

Arlen Meyers, MD, MBA is the President and CEO of the Society of Entrepreneurs

Updated 4/25/2022