Making the Most of Your LinkedIn® Profile

by Melissa Campagna, VPG Content Curator

In September, I attended a “Power Up on LinkedIn®” Lunch & Learn, co-hosted by Melissa Cohen and Ashley Cheung. Melissa is a LinkedIn® Top Voice, personal brand strategist, and founder of Melissa Consulting Solutions, and Ashley Cheung is the principal and founder of VPG, as well as an author, podcaster, and mentor. Professionals from diverse backgrounds joined us for lunch against the beautiful backdrop of Washington, D.C., provided by Robert Half. Melissa then led an insightful discussion on how to boost visibility and maximize impact on LinkedIn.  

I used to think LinkedIn was only helpful for jobseekers–turns out I was full of misconceptions! Whether you’re navigating a career transition, growing a business, or establishing yourself as a thought leader, visibility on LinkedIn opens doors. Melissa emphasized profiles being a first–and sometimes only–impression.

She highlighted the importance of consistent and varied posting activity, and how offering valuable thought leadership can position you as a trusted voice and generate opportunities.

What impressed me most was Melissa’s ability to present bite-sized, actionable best practices with real potential for impact. Here are my top five takeaways:

• Headlines–Only 40-60 characters are visible in comments and posts on mobile devices. Make them count!

• About Section–It’s not a resume. Have a hook, write in first person, and tell your story!

• Visibility–Consistent activity (at least weekly) is essential. Mix original content, thoughtful comments, and valuable resources.

• Comments–Reply to all comments on your posts. Avoid generic comments like “Congrats!”–take time to engage meaningfully.

I left the session ready to rethink my approach to LinkedIn–and encourage everyone to do the same!