LinkedIn’s Annual Top 10 Most Overused Profile Buzzwords

How “creative” is your LinkedIn profile? Your profile is intended to distinguish your skill-set from other professionals. Are you truly accomplishing this?

LinkedIn released their annual list of the top 10 most overused profile buzzwords. Despite adding 50 million new members since the last analysis, “creative” topped the list again.

Here is the top 10 list for the United States:

1. Creative
2. Organizational
3. Effective
4. Motivated
5. Extensive Experience
6. Track Record
7. Innovative
8. Responsible
9. Analytical
10. Problem Solving

Do any of these buzzwords sound familiar? Take a moment to review your profile to ensure it doesn't heavily reflect these overused words.

Like this post? Connect with Erika Barbosa on Google+.

Image credit: TheSeafarer

InternetMarketingClub.org Presents How to Build Your List and Make More Sales with LinkedIn

Join Lewis Howes, the LinkedIn Expert, as he presents, “How to Build Your List and Make More Sales with LinkedIn.” Join one of LinkedIn's biggest unofficial ambassadors as he teaches you the essentials for LinkedIn success.

This presentation will explain the following topics:

• Why is LinkedIn so powerful and why should someone take notice of it over the Twitter and Facebooks of the world?
• Proven methods for professionals utilizing LinkedIn
• How can someone use LinkedIn to get more targeted leads?
• Using LinkedIn to build a community
• Understanding how to use LinkedIn to convert a community onto your email list
• Advanced applications to take your profile and brand to the next level

Lewis Howes has written two books on the topic of LinkedIn, has given over 300 webinars and live speeches on the topic, and has hosted over 20 LinkedIn networking events all around the world. He is considered one of LinkedIn's biggest unofficial ambassadors and has helped thousands of professionals and small businesses receive more leads, publicity, and sales all by harnessing the power of LinkedIn.

This free webinar will take place Wednesday, February 16, 2011 12:30pmEST – 1:30pmEST. To register and for more information please visit: How to Build Your List and Make More Sales with LinkedIn

LinkedIn Adds New Profile Sections

LinkedIn is now offering even more ways to enhance your professional online profile. This week, the business-oriented social networking site launched 5 new profile sections allowing its 80 million users to add even more robust content to their profiles. Here's the basic rundown:


1. Publications: This one is especially useful to my writer friends. Now you can provide links to your published works as part of your profile.
2. Skills: Have a skill writing code in any number of languages? Know your way around a Windows Server? Are you the world's most talented juggler? List it here.
3. Languages: In the melting pot of South Florida, this one is a big advantage. Tell the world you speak another language... or several.
4. Certifications: MSCE? CPA? CFP? CCNA? MFC? DTR? List all those handy certs on your profile and feel good about that re-certification course you just aced. (and, yes, those are all REAL certifications. Look 'em up!)
5. Patents: List your pending and granted patents here.

What's the marketing angle? Well, if I'm trying to reach individuals with a particular skill set, language or certification, LinkedIn can serve up a more targeting advertising module for my marketing plan. Isn't this the social network where people are actually trying to do business together, after all?

3 Tips for Optimizing & Improving Your LinkedIn Presence

LinkedIn has grown to over 65 million members in over 200 countries. Are you making the most out of your LinkedIn presence?

Aside from the basic housekeeping tasks such as keeping your profile as up to date as possible, continually establishing connections and filling out your profile in its entirety – there are many additional tasks you can perform to ensure you make the most out of your LinkedIn presence.

Below are three tips for you to apply to your LinkedIn profile:

1. Customize Your URL. This is one of the first steps to take when creating a profile. LinkedIn provides you with the opportunity to customize your URL, so for example, my URL is http://www.linkedin.com/in/erikabarbosa. Aside from the aesthetic benefits to a personalized URL, this will give you another chance to own more search engine real estate. Google sees LinkedIn in high regards and when performing a Google search for your name, a customized URL will most likely show as a result.

2. Weave In Keywords Within Your Profile. LinkedIn gives you the opportunity to include anchor text within the website section of your profile, so take advantage of it. Google not only gives you an opportunity to rank for these keywords, but also for keywords woven into your profile.

3. Answer Questions. Establish yourself as a thought leader or expert in your field by answering questions. Potentially earn the star of expertise by simply answering questions [via public responses]. You will then gain a point of expertise each time the questioner picks your answer as the best or most helpful. In turn, the more points you earn of expertise, the higher your profile will appear on lists of experts.

LinkedIn provides a lot of flexibility for optimizing your profile, but don’t feel overwhelmed. It is unfortunate that many create an account but then don’t really leverage their presence to its fullest potential. Set attainable goals for yourself to optimize your profile little by little. LinkedIn is not only a great place to network but it is also an excellent platform to help others within their own professional careers.

image credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bagaball/ / CC BY 2.0