What LinkedIn Users Should Learn From Online Dating
On social networks like dating apps, people scan thousands of profiles, often making important decisions based on what they see in five-second first impressions. This makes dating apps the perfect arena for self-marketing principles to be tested and proven every day. Because of this, dating app users may have a little something to teach professionals about marketing themselves on LinkedIn.
The Purpose of LinkedIn
Like any other social network, LinkedIn is a platform where users connect, share, and learn. Unlike other networks, however, this is a professional arena: a Facebook for your career. Because LinkedIn is career-oriented, users market themselves to find work, business connections, or new employees. Companies and business professionals use certain criteria and keywords on LinkedIn to find the profiles of job seekers that match their needs. The resulting profiles are considered; those that don’t show up are never even seen.
What’s Online Dating Got to Do With It? Five Things to Take Away
Online dating is the ultimate form of marketing, in a non-professional sense. Perhaps no one takes marketing classes before they make a profile on Zoosk or Tinder, but the necessities of landing a worthwhile date create the perfect atmosphere to learn self-marketing. Professionals who want to maximize their LinkedIn experience should pay attention to the following simple tips:
Put in the effort.
No one will hand you success, either in the dating world or professional one. The hard work you put into your profile, your messages, and in getting to know another person will show. It is not enough to simply have an amazing resume or past work experiences. Complete your profile and work on those engaging headlines. Connect with others...don’t wait for them to come to you.
2. It’s all in the eyes.
Because LinkedIn is a professional network, we can focus too much on looking professional in our profile pictures. Data from top dating sites has shown that 54% of the top rated profile pictures show the person looking directly at the camera and smiling. Be professional, but remember that looking trustworthy, approachable, and friendly are important aspects as well.
3. Remember who you are.
First impressions are essential, whether you are searching for a romantic partner or a new boss. Put your best foot forward, know your brand, and what makes you unique. Don’t forget to be personal. What you accomplished or where you have worked is important information, but showcase this in a personal, unique way.
4. Contribute to the network.
Original, interesting content is one of the best ways to engage others and show that you have something to bring to the table. Stand out from the crowd by responding to questions in your field, even if you know it won’t lead to a job. Earn a reputation as a hardworking, helpful person who isn’t always looking for what you will get in return.
5. Research, research, research.
Do you know what professionals in your field want in a profile? What keywords are valuable to include in your work? Take the time to learn what others are looking for. Have another professional, a friend or family member, look over your profile and give some honest feedback. Are you showing what you can do or simply listing facts? Learn the correct language for starting a conversation, following up, and “landing” a client or job. It is never too late to maximize your LinkedIn presence. With the above tips and some practical methods for implementing them, this could be the year you are truly LinkedIn.
Why LinkedIn is Not Online Dating
Though we can all learn from the dedication of those on dating apps, LinkedIn is still a network for professional users. Those on this platform are looking for business connections, not personal or romantic ones. Created to fill the gap left by other social networks, LinkedIn is a space for those who are serious about their businesses, their professional lives, and making connections with like-minded professionals. Users should write their profiles, and converse with other users with that context in mind. LinkedIn profiles are like first impressions. How you are seen, heard, and understood can determine whether you are considered for a job, how much you are able to grow your network, and your ability to leverage your accomplishments to grow professionally. People using dating apps understand this and have perfected profile self-marketing. Now it’s time for professionals to freshen up their LinkedIn profiles and put these techniques to use.
