4 Simple Tricks To Feeling CONFIDENT About Telling Your Professional Story on LinkedIn

Writing your LinkedIn Summary is the most time consuming and challenging aspects of creating a powerful professional presence.

I interview, write and optimize LinkedIn profiles for executives and interestingly, even the most successful executives have a hard time talking about their accomplishments.

No one wants to boast or brag or come across as being arrogant.

We universally want to feel accepted and fear rejection. And, there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance.

But in this new information-based era of Social Media, we are all media agencies. We can use tools such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, blogging (and Medium!) to dominate our niche, solve problems and share our “wins”.

When you schedule a meeting with a prospect or connection, what’s one of the first things you do? You Google them of course!

You research to see who they are, what they do, what kinds of common bonds you share and effectively do your “due diligence”.

Well the same applies to YOUR prospective clients.

The statistic is as high at 94% of people research you on Google before they pick up the phone.

When prospects Google you, what is the first impression they see?

LinkedIn is one of the highest ranked sites, when people Google your name. It’s important that that first impression showcases who you are and how you help solve problems your clients/target audience.

If you’re feeling uncomfortable with effectively telling your professional story, here are 4 simple tricks that can make you feel more confident:

#1) On LinkedIn, you’re SUPPOSED to include your success story.

This is your time to shine.

You owe it to your prospects and clients. They need to know why you’re the perfect solution to their problem.

If you are holding back on your accomplishments or how you’ve made a difference, your prospects aren’t going to trust that you can help them.

They are EXPECTING to see your “wins” and how you’ve helped other clients so they too can invest in what you have to offer.

#2) They are reading about your accomplishments from the other side of the computer.

You aren’t verbally telling them how awesome you are, so you’re not really coming across as bragging when you phrase and frame the content properly.

The tone and non-verbal language is missing when it’s text only.

#3) Frame your language with emotions.

You won’t appear as if you are bragging, if you frame your story with how PROUD and PASSIONATE you are of your accomplishments.

Instead of boasting, it shows that you LOVE what you do, and that you’re committed to producing great value for your clients.

#4) Let others brag FOR you.

You can’t say you’re an expert at, THAT sounds like bragging. But, if other people or brands to say you’re a guru, then you are!

Testimonials and recommendations carry a lot of weight. Particularly if these words come from high-profile people or brands. We naturally gravitate towards listening to the opinions and reviews of others who would stake their professional reputation on how awesome you are.

Here are some other top tips for crafting your Summary that resonates & fascinates:

Tell your story in 1st person (I am) and be sure to lead with the emotional factor (what makes you passionate about providing great value to your clients).

Use keywords that resonate with your target audience. Don’t describe what you do from your perspective; be clear and concise using language your audience is using to describe what it is that you do.

You have 2,000 characters to really tell your story. Think of it as an “elevator pitch” and guide people through your sales funnel.

Be sure to include a call-to-action with next steps: How do you want people to take the next step? Email you? Call you?

Let your LinkedIn profile do the “talking” for you.

YOU are the expert in your niche. I give you full permission to stand in your power and let the world see how amazing you are.

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Leslie Hughes is a LinkedIn Optimization Specialist, Professor of Social Media, Corporate Trainer and Principal of PUNCH!media

Leslie was called a “Social Media Guru” by CBC Radio and has been working in digital marketing since 1997 and founded PUNCH!media in 2009. PUNCH!media clients include The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America and TVO.

PUNCH!media’s goal is to empower through education and help executives gain confidence in their online presence so you convert higher-paying clients.

www.punchmedia.ca
leslie {at} punchmedia.ca
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