The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Captivating LinkedIn Summary

In a digital age where first impressions are made in clicks, not handshakes, neglecting a professional LinkedIn presence is like walking into a career-defining meeting in pyjamas. ???

An important (and often overlooked) part of your profile is the LinkedIn Summary (Info or About).

Please note:

• Google and LinkedIn work well together. Your summary is well-indexed by Google for keywords. So, it's wise to include keywords in your text that are significant to you or your organization.
• Always write the summary in the first person. A third-person summary (Martijn is a trainer in the field of….) appears to be very impersonal.
• Ensure that your summary is easy to read. Subtly use symbols and emojis between your paragraphs, and leave plenty of white space between them.
• With your LinkedIn summary, who do you want to reach? Think about whom the summary is intended for. Are you looking for a new job, or are you using LinkedIn to generate more sales? Visitors to your profile are diverse, but determine your target group in advance and write the summary for them.

Here is a tried-and-true structure that helps you shape your summary in a way that aligns with your professional aspirations.

For Thought Leaders:

1. Opening Hook: Pose a thought-provoking question or statement related to your area of expertise. Establish yourself as a forward-thinking and knowledgeable individual.
2. Personal Introduction: Share your journey or experiences that led you to become a thought leader in your field. Include personal interests that align with or enhance your professional image.
3. Professional Background and Thought Leadership: Detail your experience and areas of expertise that contribute to your status as a thought leader. Highlight any publications, speaking engagements, or notable projects.
4. Unique Insights and Perspectives: Share your unique viewpoints or innovative ideas that set you apart in your field. Discuss how your insights benefit your audience or industry.
5. Impact and Influence: Mention the impact your thought leadership has had, such as influencing industry trends or inspiring change. Include feedback or endorsements from industry peers or audiences.
6. Engagement and Community Building: Describe how you engage with your audience (e.g., through content, webinars, workshops). Highlight any communities or networks you’ve built or contribute to.
7. Call to Action and Contact Information: Invite readers to follow your content, join your community, or reach out for collaboration. Provide links to your publications, social media, or contact details.

P.S. Discover in just a few minutes how your Thought Leadership strategy measures up with this insightful assessment.

For Sales Professionals:

1. Opening Hook: Start with a compelling question or statement that addresses common sales challenges or goals. Position yourself as a solution provider in the sales industry.
2. Personal Introduction: Briefly share your sales background and any personal interests that relate to your sales approach. Add elements that make you relatable and trustworthy as a sales professional.
3. Professional Experience and Sales Expertise: Highlight your years of experience in sales and specific areas of expertise (e.g., B2B, B2C, digital sales). Mention any key sales achievements or milestones.
4. Unique Sales Methodology or Approach: Describe your unique approach to sales, such as relationship building, solution selling, or innovative sales strategies. Explain how this approach benefits clients.
5. Tangible Sales Outcomes or Benefits: Include metrics or results that showcase your success in sales (e.g., increased revenue, client acquisition rates). Offer testimonials or case studies from satisfied clients.
6. Sales Services and Offerings: List the types of sales services you offer, like consulting, training, or coaching. Mention any sales tools or platforms you specialize in.
7. Call to Action and Contact Information: Encourage potential clients to contact you for sales inquiries or collaborations. Provide direct contact details or a link to schedule a meeting.

For Job Seekers:

1. Opening Hook:Start with a statement that reflects your career aspirations or the type of role you are seeking. Emphasize that you are actively seeking new opportunities.
2. Personal Introduction:Give a brief overview of your professional background and key skills. Add personal interests or activities that complement your professional image.
3. Professional Experience and Skills:Summarize your work history, highlighting key roles and achievements. Emphasize skills and experiences relevant to the types of roles you are targeting.
4. Career Goals and Aspirations:Articulate your career objectives and what you are looking for in your next role. Explain how your goals align with potential opportunities.
5. Unique Selling Points (USPs):Identify what makes you a strong candidate (e.g., unique skills, experiences, accomplishments). Include any awards, certifications, or special projects.
6. Testimonials or References:If possible, include brief testimonials from former colleagues or managers. Mention any notable endorsements or recommendations you’ve received.
7. Call to Action and Contact Information:Encourage potential employers or recruiters to contact you for job opportunities. Provide your email, LinkedIn contact feature, or a link to your resume.

About Martijn

In the era where AI shapes much of our work and communication, the irreplaceable value lies in your unique personal, knowledge, and social capital. My 13 years of experience is dedicated to enhancing these capitals for you and your team, fostering recognition as industry leaders.

Here's what I focus on:

• Personal Capital (Personal Qualities) Harnessing your unique skills and personal qualities that AI cannot replicate. Empowering you to use these assets for a competitive edge in your field.
• Knowledge Capital (Content) Identifying and sharing your unique insights to create impactful content. Establishing you as a trusted authority, keeping you prominent in your network.
• Social Capital (Network) Leveraging your LinkedIn network to form influential connections and strategic alliances. Unlocking new business avenues through a strong professional network.

With my guidance, transform your personal, knowledge, and social capital into tangible business results: more opportunities, enhanced customer acquisition, and a future-proof professional standing.

Ready to amplify your industry influence?

Contact me ??