My Journey of Learning and using LinkedIn

Once I got a handle on Twitter and Facebook, it was time to delve into the LinkedIn platform.
I quickly realised it was different in that it is more “business-like.”

Initially, I was unsure as to where my place was and how LinkedIn could work and support me.

Starting out, it was paramount (as with all social media )to have the best headshot photo.
Nobody wants to connect or engage with a blank space.
Richard Torble was my go to Professional Headshot Photographer (@rtorblephoto).

I learnt that your ‘Heading’i.e. Profile, captures your audience immediately. Descriptive active words that promote who and what you are within 130 characters is essential.

That follows with writing the best summary about yourself, to set yourself apart from other creatives using 2,000 keywords to the best effect. You may need help with this text to reach out to your particular target market.

I have found modernlifepodcastnetwork.com/linkedinlady/), with Carol McManus and The Social Solutions Show again with Carol and Ken Herron (Wednesdays at https://modernlifepodcastnetwork.com/socialsolutions/) a welcome helping hand.
Every week, Carol and Ken teach me something new that supports me to become more savvy on social media as a creative, proactively building and engaging with my audience.

LinkedIn has given me a chance to promote myself globally as a professional, sharing not just my individual accomplishments to date, but my skills and experience as a storyteller, author, blogger, and speaker. It’s yet another window which connects me creatively with the organisations and professionals around the world who are interested in my story, whether in print or person.

I share my blog posts and photos with text each week.

To continue to expand in both my creative and professional field, I need to ‘up my game.’ By setting aside time each week, tweaking, updating, editing my profile and summary, adding testimonials, reviews, future events and posting videos on LinkedIn, it helps me prune this platform as it develops.
Hashtags can be used, a welcome bonus for us creatives and those in business.

You can take full advantage of the platform’s many free capabilities too.

Joining creative and exciting groups is another avenue for me to engage with people bringing a new audience to my website.
LinkedIn has proved an additional opportunity for me to fly my flag and Miriam’s brand globally to a targeted audience who want to hear and learn from my story.

Focus on the platforms that make sense for who you are. Remember, it’s not about being on every site, but you need to be where your target audience is. Being on the site(s) that nourish and energise you, helping you achieve your goals as a creative is a must too.

I urge creatives to start and please try it. Learn as much as you possibly can about each network (I know there are thousands of them).
My current newbie is Instagram but more about that at a later date.