Rachel Metscher 13 June 2013

Categories Social Media

10 LinkedIn Tips for Introverts

Are you an introvert? I wrote this article how introverts can tell their personal brand story using LinkedIn.

This week, I helped one of my coworkers who is a self proclaimed introvert with his LinkedIn profile. As we began to talk, I realized some of our conversation would make a great post on how introverts can tell their personal brand story using LinkedIn.

You may gather your energy through reflection and dwindle during conversation, but you too can participate using LinkedIn. So, here are my tips to my introverts who are looking to use LinkedIn to engage in social media activities and build their social presence.

1. Tell Your Story. So, first thing first. Social Media is not about broadcasting or the Me Show. It is about sharing, educating, and learning from others. So make sure your profile has a real photo of you and is complete.
2. What’s in a Title? When I look at your LinkedIn profile, what three things do you want me to take away? Are you’re a B2B rockstar? Content Marketing Mastermind? Use keywords in the headline so people can find you.
3. Share things that matter to you. You are not broadcasting; you are sharing your knowledge. Don’t think of your status as bragging, but rather teaching folks about what you know. Building expertise is key to creating your personal brand.
4. Join a Group. Great advice from my colleague Marlysa Lohr Connolly. Groups are typically created around an industry, conference or company. Basically, they’re a smorgasbord of information. Joining LinkedIn groups privy members to a wealth of knowledge from like professionals who are more than happy to share industry news, tips and answer relevant questions. 
5. Use your strengths. So, if you are an introvert, you already are thoughtful and purposeful. Use this to your advantage. Most likely you will careful research posts and articles. LinkedIn plays to your strengths. Folks that follow you will appreciate your insight!
6. Listen before your begin. So, by nature you already like to observe before jumping in. Start checking out other profiles you want to emulate and watch how they participate.
7. Once your ready, Update your status at least once a day at a minimum. You should be updating your profile in the morning, during lunch, and in the evening if you feeling specially bold.
8. Pay it forward. This is from Heidi Cohen post on social for introverts. Social media’s about the community, not you. Help others with targeted information, reshare other people’s more interesting posts, and comment on other people’s status. Also, think about recommending former and current colleagues, staff and bosses on LinkedIn.
9. Don’t forget to have fun. I know your serious, but have some fun. Connect with other like minded folks and share, grow and learn.
10. Sharing is Caring. Don’t forget you can share other people’s statuses and make comments. This goes back to my third point. Share what matters to you, but don’t forget the whole premise behind social is to connect. Find other like minded folks and share away.

This posted originally appears on Metscher’s Musings. Rachel DiCaro Metscher,is a corporate communicator who has worked with many organizations to build their communications and marketing programs, including Fannie Mae, American Psychological Association, and The Princeton Review.