LinkedIn.com is a professional networking resource that continues to evolve since its inception nearly seven years ago. Having a LinkedIn profile is a “must have” in 2010 and a few simple reminders on how to effectively use the tool can go a long way toward projecting the image you want to portray to existing and potential contacts/colleagues.

We’ve all heard that you can’t undo a bad first impression — that’s true online as well as in person. Here are seven basic tips to help your LinkedIn profile put its best foot forward:

1. DO — Post a headshot with your profile
A professional head shot is worth the small investment and can be used for “self-branding” via other media. If you choose to use a non-studio photo, be sure it’s clear, uncluttered, and a close-up.

DON’T — Post an inappropriate photo
Don’t confuse LinkedIn with Facebook or MySpace where you may be posting a more humorous, artistic or non professional profile photo. Poorly cropped photos with neon beer signs behind your head, your spouse’s arm, your puppy or new baby are not the way to go on LinkedIn. You also don’t want to post a provocative photo or body shot.

2. DO — check your spelling
Triple check your spelling in your status update and the body of your profile!  Misspellings in a post speak volumes about your attention to detail, intellect, and professionalism.

DON’T — think spelling and grammar aren’t being evaluated on every post you make
LinkedIn is a great way to advertise yourself. If you misspell words or use poor grammar, or worse yet “text speak”, what are you saying about your personal brand?

3. DO — engage in group discussions, post comments in your area of expertise or ask questions of others in your field
Reaching out is a great way to develop rapport. If someone posts a great article or discussion question, you can be sure they would love to hear some feedback acknowledging that you read their contribution. Conversely, if you come up with an article or relevant discussion topic, members can get an insight into your opinions or business niche.

DON’T — dash off a quick comment and 1) post harsh, negative or attacking comments or 2) misspell words or use poor grammar (review #2)
Nothing is a bigger turn-off than a member attacking another member for all the world to see. If a comment really has you seeing red, wait a bit before you compose your response to help ensure you don’t write anything you’ll regret later or reply privately, still maintaining your professionalism.

4. DO — personalize your Public Profile LinkedIn URL
(For example: http://www.linkedin.com/in/sherconner)

A personal URL is a customized version of the Web address assigned to your LinkedIn public profile. Once edited, this custom URL will then become your new LinkedIn Public Profile URL. You can include this custom URL in your email signature, post it in your blog, your resume, business cards, or on other Web sites.

DON’T — miss this easy step
Per LinkedIn, follow these steps:

• Click on the ‘Edit My Profile’ link found in the left navigation area of your home page.
• Click on ‘Edit’ next to the URL listed on the ‘Public Profile’ line.
• Click on ‘Edit’ in the ‘Your Public Profile URL section at the top of page. This will take you to a page that may show you your current URL and will also allow you to update that address. All custom URLs begin with www.linkedin.com/in/. You are able to add what will appear after the last slash to customize it to your needs (e,g., www.linkedin.com/in/jsmith).  
• Click on the ‘Set Address’ button once you have entered your custom URL.

If you change your custom URL your previous custom URL will no longer be valid. Your custom URL is limited to 5-30 alphanumeric characters. Do not use spaces, symbols, or special characters.

5. DO — have your “Connections” be individuals you personally know, have done business with, or have had some level of interaction
Opinions vary on this subject, but I personally feel the strength of your connections is lost when it is looked at as a “numbers game.” I am against the “Open Networker/I accept all invitations” tactic. I cannot, in good conscience, recommend someone that I do not know personally. If a “connection” wanted me to make a professional introduction to another one of my existing “connections”, how can I do that if I don’t know my own connections?

Use the LinkedIn message system to communicate with potential contacts privately to establish a relationship first and to judge if they are someone you feel “pride” in being professionally associated with.

DON’T — feel pressured to accept every invitation you receive
Reread the “do” section above. LinkedIn has a policy that if a person gets five “I don’t know this person” responses from any invitation, that account will be suspended. If you aren’t sure, you can choose to “archive” the invitation.

6. DO — Read 10 Ways to Use LinkedIn by Guy Kawasaki
You can access Guy’s recommendations by clicking here.

Another great resource, a personal favorite of mine, comes from sales professional Paul Castain, who combines humor with outstanding advice in LinkedIn–The Right Way.

DON’T — forget to make time to poke around LinkedIn’s Learning Center section for the latest tips and tricks plus new applications
You can find all the latest here: http://learn.linkedin.com/

7. DO — take advantage of posting job openings in your groups’ jobs tab for free
If you belong to one of the many niche “groups” on LinkedIn, you can post job openings you need to fill and expand your reach for employees. Use the “start a discussion” feature, it will then ask you if your comment is actually a “job posting” and move it to the appropriate area for you. Your job opening will remain visible for two weeks.

DON’T — assume national groups won’t aid you in your employee search
We all have friends and relatives who live in other cities/states or who may be looking to relocate. For those of us in the staffing industry, potential clients may read the posting and realize we fill higher level or a different type of position than they currently utilize from our firm, so sharing jobs on LinkedIn can be extremely beneficial.

Although there may be unlimited tips and tricks for perfecting your public profile, starting with these seven simple dos and don’ts will have you well on your way to sharing your LinkedIn profile with pride and professionalism. Share your best ways for using LinkedIn in the comment section.

Sheri Conner, Celebrity Staff Account Manager

About Sheri Conner
Sheri Conner joined Celebrity Staff’s Lincoln office as an account manager in 2007.  She brings a wealth of experience from the banking and mortgage industries, as well as experience in small business ownership, e-commerce, and in the entertainment field. Sheri is an Ambassador for the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Lofte Community Theatre where she appeared on stage in October 2009 in a comedic role.  Sheri also consults in the music industry for independent record labels and musicians both locally and in NYC in her free time.