LinkedIn can be a powerful way to extend the reach of your business and professional network, but if your profile relies on the word “specialised”, it may not be attracting the attention it deserves.
“Specialised” has topped a list of the most used buzzwords on LinkedIn profiles in Australia in 2016, taking the mantle from last year’s top buzzword, “leadership”.
Australian LinkedIn users are also likely to be describing themselves as “passionate”, “experienced”, “strategic” and “focused”, according to research from LinkedIn.
Also included in the top 10 most used buzzwords are “expert”, “creative”, “successful” and “excellent”.
The latest list is based on data from individual LinkedIn profiles, but there is some overlap with the most overused words in company profiles on the professional networking site, with “expert”, “creative” and “strategic” among the top ways businesses describe themselves on LinkedIn.
With LinkedIn in the process of rolling out changes to its design and some new functionality, now might be the right time to give your profile a refresh.
According to business coach John Nemo, the focus should be on using LinkedIn to showcase exactly how you can deliver value to potential connections or customers.
This could be through your profile’s headline, as well as in the content you share and create on LinkedIn.
“It cannot simply be a sales pitch,” he said in a recent post on his website LinkedInRiches.
“The key is to demonstrate your authority and expertise, versus just claiming it.”
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News Editor
Prior to joining SmartCompany, Eloise was news editor at Books+Publishing, the trade press for the Australian book industry. Eloise has degrees in media and communications, marketing and business management, and political science. You can follow her on Twitter at @ellykeating.
