Ten ways to bolster your LinkedIn as a student.
By: Aaron Greenspan
Tags: LinkedIn, Marketing, Personal Development, Branding, Students

1. Put in the work, and you will see results.

Build up your personal brand in your own unique way. Add an eye-catching headline – as LinkedIn does work like a search engine – and make sure you have a professional headshot.

Focus on every keyword, every sentence and every lesson you have completed and concisely reflect on what you learned from them. On LinkedIn, the more work you put into it, the more you get out of it. Work on yourself consistently and learn to familiarize yourself with industry standards outside of school. Find your purpose, your why and follow it. Like anything in the world, the more time and effort you put into anything, the more skilled you become and the more opportunities you will get as a result of it.

2. Communicate effectively and professionally.

My #2 tip for students trying to grow their network organically is by being friendly to those around you, and communicating well. Learn to put your trust in others, and offer your connections poker chips as often as possible (read about “Poker chips” in my last article).

3. Go outside of your comfort zone.

Reach out to those that intimidate you, jump on a call, and turn a virtual connection into a real life one.

When I first started using LinkedIn, I was terrified, like any new prospect entering the job market. But as soon as I built up my confidence and consistently practiced, it became easier. Your network becomes much stronger and more powerful when you have met in person.

4. Don’t always expect to get what you don’t ask for.

Ask for help, but only after getting to know someone first. Please call to know colleagues for their life, their stories, and what they have overcome to become who they are. When connecting, make sure you go above and beyond their title.

5. Assert yourself.

Don’t always say yes. As a student, it can be tough to say no to new exciting opportunities, but sometimes having the ability to communicate ‘no’ at the right time, will give you much more respect in the long run.

6. Make time a priority in conversations and plan around your non-negotiable activities.

Don’t spend 24 hours a day on social media. Make time to study, speak to friends and family and maintain your mental health. By making time a priority, you focus on achieving your goals in the best way possible.

7. Refer connections consistently to form stronger relationships.

The more help you give to anyone, the better. However remember to never over promise and under deliver.

8. Try and be relatable.

Don’t glamourize yourself. Find your why and stick to it.

9. Find engaging ways to back up your Linkedin.

Do it with references, credibility, results and action: Media, Articles, numbers, Content, and Endorsements. Always have someone or something to prove what you are saying, or don’t say it at all.

10. Consistently learn from others.

Building your reputation isn’t easy. Please don’t plan on building it in only one day. Nobody is perfect – no matter how hard some try to pretend. Everyone learns through making mistakes (sometimes the hard way), but it’s super influential in shaping how you perform along the way. I am not perfect, and I’m glad I’m not. Don’t pretend to be someone or something your not.

Just be yourself, and you will learn so many new skills and hopefully have an all-star LinkedIn and attitude as a result of it.

By Aaron L. Greenspan.