Top 5 tips to make Linkedin work for you

In my last blog I wrote about 5 mistakes people do on Linkedin, if you haven't read it then here's the link

https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/5-types-people-i-came-across-linkedin-arshiya-sultana?trk=prof-post

In this blog I am going to give away the 5 top tips that have helped me get the most out of Linkedin. I basically use Linkedin for 5 reasons

#1: Network with peers, thought leaders, make new connections and meet recruiters

#2: Express my opinions to a wider audience by publishing blogs

#3: Be updated with latest job postings

#4: Continuing education through Lynda.com

#5: Linkedin groups

I follow below given best practices to get the most out of Linkedin

Number 5: Zero expectations

When I contact someone for job enquiry or any other reason I don't expect immediate results. I typically send first follow up after 3 business days of sending the original message and second follow up after 3 business days of sending the first follow up message and if I do not get a response I stop and no longer send any follow up message (May be the person is not active on Linkedin or is not responding purposefully, so any further follow ups will be a waste of time). As my expectation is already at level zero, I am not surprised nor frustrated. However, a positive response can only bring cheers and happiness

One of the biggest mistake we make when someone don't respond to our message is we blame them either directly or indirectly. Never do that

Number 4: Keeping up with my commitments

If I commit that I will look into the matter then I mean it, I make it clear to the second party what to expect from me and by when. I do my best to meet those timelines and if I couldn't then I make sure that I am keeping the other person informed about the progress

The price of greatness is responsibility - Winston Churchill

Number 3: Mentoring

I offer free mentoring to jobseekers and new Linkedin members. Mentoring is such a great activity it helps not only the mentee but also the mentor. I ask for mentoring from my seniors and thus learn from them.

Number 2: Learning

I read blogs/articles written by Influencers, follow the Linkedin Pulse for breaking news and latest developments in IT industry. Lynda.com has got some really good courses that can take you to the next level in your job

Number 1: The success roadmap

This is a great place to learn more about the successful people in the industry, their education background, work experience, what makes them a successful person that they are and their mantra for success. It is obvious that what have worked for them may not work for me or anyone else, but if there is no harm in trying then I think there should be no reason to hold yourself back. For example, if I want to be a public speaker and influential leader then I would look at profiles of successful and influential people from the same industry and see what they did differently

A big thank you for taking out time to read my post, if you find it helpful then do share with your friends. If there is a best practice that you follow and would like to share then please post it in the comments section below.

Until I write my next blog, keep healthy stay happy and take care of yourself