I before (h)e…. why the first person voice is a must for LinkedIn
27th March 2011 · 0 Comments
As someone who has a lot of LinkedIn contacts, I amazed at how many of my “peeps” write their profile in either “resume speak” or the third person.
Yet, many of them are missing the point that LinkedIn is part of the ultimate tool set. Along with a blog, a Twitter handle and a Facebook account, LinkedIn, to me, provides the best way to provide business to business communications.
If you are looking at your LinkedIn profile, to check the voice of it, please make sure it’s in the first person.
In short, I before (h)e.
If you have a summary that uses the (h)e third person, it’s time to convert it to the first person.
In their book “Content Rules: How to Create Killer Blogs, Podcasts, Videos, Ebooks, Webinars (and More) That Engage Customers and Ignite Your Business,” authors Anna Handley and C.C. Chapman note that effective social media is a conversation with others.
With that in mind, the use of a first person voice is a must for LinkedIn.
If you have a LinkedIn summary that is written in another voice, consider this exercise. Imagine if you will that you are in the elevator with a potential business customer. The executive summary of LinkedIn should become like that short marketing spiel.
At a recent program for UTSA accounting students, I had them write down two to three things that they would convey to a potential employer. With just a pencil and a pad of paper, they created their key points. Then with the help of some business associates, we helped them begin writing an executive summary.
You should remember that a LinkedIn profile is a work in progress. It’s important to remember that this social media tool can evolve with practice and patience.
Here’s hoping that if you don’t have a LinkedIn summary in the first person that you take some time to address the issue. Doing so will help you fully utilize the marketing capabilities of it.
((Note: Matt Scherer is the managing editor of SAEnetwork org. In addition to his work with SAEnetwork.org, he’s a content writer, media strategist and a professional speaker. To contact him, please visit his LinkedIn profile.)
