My outreach on LinkedIn starts with a solid profile. From there, regular topical posts. That’s the simple secret of my success on this platform. If you don’t have these two keystones, you might benefit form LinkedIn profile writing services to get you started.

Recently, I accompanied my husband to a business summit. The expo was well attended by vendors in my husband’s field and related industries—which included LinkedIn. Their rep was there talking about their latest features, and I mentioned my blogs on LinkedIn. She asked me, “Are you a LinkedIn Influencer?”

Nobody had ever asked me that before! My mind was blank, and I blurted out, “No, I’m not.”

Then I changed it to, “Yes.”

Finally, I said, “I mean no I’m NOT an influencer.” By this time, I think she was beginning to wonder how many pina coladas I had consumed at the open bar.

Finally, I got a hold of myself. I explained that while I was not an official LinkedIn Influencer, I had been told by many readers that my posts have influenced them.

That exchange got me thinking about the LinkedIn Influencer program. I may not be alone in my confusion, some of which I can clear up here:

What is an LinkedIn Influencer?

LinkedIn Influencer is a designation given to 500 top professionals who’ve been invited to publish on the platform.

How does one become a LinkedIn Influencer?

LinkedIn Influencer status is by invitation-only. However, LinkedIn allows all members to publish long-form content. (LinkedIn does not have a word limit for articles.)

But your chances are probably better at winning the lottery than you receiving an email from LinkedIn saying you’ve been selected for the program.

Are Influencers the only ones that can be influential on LinkedIn?

Absolutely not! I don’t know about you, but since LinkedIn opened its publishing platform, I find myself drawn to the content of regular members more often than the appointed Influencers. It is often more relevant to what is actually trending within the business world.

How can I be influential on LinkedIn without winning the Influencer lottery?

• Actively engage on the posts of the people on LinkedIn. Repeat after me: Read. Like. Comment. Share.
• Select 2 or 3 groups that best fit your LinkedIn professional goals and dive in headfirst. Aim to achieve top contributor status within those groups. This pins your name, photo, header, and clickable link to your profile at the top of the page for everybody to see when they visit the group!
• Emphasize the areas of expertise on your profile that you want to be known for.
• Make sure your profile is connection ready. When people visit your profile, they should be compelled to connect to you.
• Be a connector. Introduce people to each other from within your network. Build value surrounding the intro. If you can pull this off, you will become known as a connector and a highly skilled networker.
• Send personalized connection requests to those you would like to influence. Add value to your connection requests by providing a couple reasons why connecting with you will benefit them.
• Share influential content with your network that demonstrates you are a thought leader and expert in your field.
• Start blogging on LinkedIn.

Now you too can be a LinkedIn Influencer, too! Or rather, one who influences others on LinkedIn—and gains from it!

Need help getting started? Contact the experts at LinkedIn profile writing services. You’ll gain invaluable career advice from the specialists at CareerToolboxUSA!

Beth Kelzer
Follow Beth at LinkedIn.com/in/marybkelzer
CareerToolboxUSA

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