Rooted Up

Social media sites are like snow flakes, no one is identical to the other. Facebook has set the standard for being able to share content and connect people, and in that respect LinkedIn is very similar. The thing that sets it apart however is that it is geared towards promoting yourself as a business professional – giving you the ability to market your skills.

As an officer or ministry leader at your nonprofit or business you can manage your resume and accomplishments, and connect with others you have worked with in various jobs.

If your organization has a website that features officers or ministry leaders ask your website developer to add LinkedIn buttons (also known as profile badges) next to or under your picture that is displayed on your organization’s website.

Here is the link to get your badge!

Another important way to promote your profile is to include your customized LinkedIn web address in your email signatures or as links on other social networks like Twitter and Facebook if you have them.

Here is how to get your unique web address or URL:

1. In the top navigation of LinkedIn, click on “Profile”
2. Click on the “Edit Profile” tab below that.
3. Scroll down to “Public Profile” under where it shows the number of connections you have, you are looking for a long website address.
4. Just to the right of that, click on “edit”
5. On the page that loads, look at the right column and scroll down. Click on “Customize your public profile URL”
6. Change the part of the address after the “/” to your name.
7. Example: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbweakley

We recommend regularly visiting your LinkedIn profile, and making sure you have added as much information as possible. The more employers you list the more people from those employers will be able to connect with you. Also enter the username and password of all your email accounts and send invitations for people to join your network.