#TFish Tips on LinkedIn Protocol

Helpful #LinkedIn Tips:

Do:

1. Set up a professional LI profile (including a professional photo; selfies are discouraged).
2. Like, comment insightfully, and share others' posts (the LinkedIn algorithm rewards thoughtful engagement; #KB recommends a minimum of 8 words for comments).
3. Send a personal message with every connection request (manners matter).
4. Politely thank each connection for accepting your request (I cannot overstate the importance of manners).
5. Follow the hashtags of subjects, people, and/or companies that you are interested in.
6. Spend an hour a day #networking with others by liking and politely commenting on their posts and articles MEANINGFULLY (simple reactions or shares are not enough to "feed" the algorithm; it wants more).
7. Be respectful.
8. Be professional.
9. Build rapport and meaningful, professional relationships with your connections.
10. Post original OR shared content with your take on it (always give credit where credit is due).
11. LIKE YOUR OWN POSTS AND COMMENTS (the algorithm is hungry for YOUR engagement; feed it).
12. Engage and comment on your posts quickly for the first hour (always reply and thank others for their comments... again, manners matter).
13. Review personal profiles carefully before sending LinkedIn messages to others.
14. Like AND thank others for sharing your posts (it's polite and feeds the algorithm).

I learned those algorithm nuggets (#2, #6, #11, #12, & #14) from the fabulous Kirsty Bonner. See? I’m doing my #10, give credit where credit is due. ?????? Thanks, #KB

Don't:

1. Comment on someone's physical appearance (in some cultures that's considered impolite and making romantic advances).
2. Ask how old someone is (BIG no-no).
3. Ask a brand new connection to sponsor you to his/her country (take the time to get to know your connection first before asking for help).
4. Ask a brand new connection for a job (again, cultivate a professional rapport and relationship with this person before asking for help).
5. Ask someone for help in finding a spouse (another BIG no-no).
6. Try to sell your product immediately after connecting with someone (this immediately turns people off; forge a relationship with this person first... new connections are not fresh "sales" meat).
7. Ask for someone's phone number (inappropriate, the preferred contact information is available via his/her profile; the number will be listed if he/she wants calls/texts).
8. Plagiarize (UNACCEPTABLE; intellectual property belongs to its creator, period, full stop).
9. Ask for dates (LinkedIn is not an online dating service - keep it professional).
10. Ask for money (HUGE no-no).
11. Ask for someone to set up a PayPal account for you (Scam Alert).
12. Harass, stalk, or make false reports about people on LinkedIn (#networking implies professionalism; you reap what you sow).
13. Don't ask questions that are easily answered by reading someone's profile first (it's impolite and demonstrates to the person that you didn't care enough to learn about him/her before sending the query).

If you follow the Do List, you will grow your network and create a positive LI persona. If you follow the Don't List, you will create a negative LI image. I have had 12 out of the 13 items occur to me on the Don't List. In my book, the Don't List is a one-way ticket to Blocked central; avoid it to maximize your LinkedIn exposure and networking abilities.

Remember, LinkedIn is a global platform utilized by millions of people every day, including #recruiters and potential employers, and word travels fast... you ARE what you project. Your reputation precedes you, so treat it as such; #branding matters. ??