On LinkedIn the caliber of posts and interactions has been rising steadily over the last few years, and I'd like to share with you what I've found to work for me.

If you are like me, chances are you are not as good at self-promotion as some of the wizards you see online. They are everywhere you look nowadays.

You may say to yourself:

“I did it, it is done, what is there to talk about?”

"I've done as much as anyone else out there..."

Often times we have accomplished many things without realizing we have and these things deserve mentioning.

So how do we get the word out, when it comes to our accomplishments?

Below is what I learned from other job-hunters, articles, resumes, and interview workshops. These learned skills worked for dozens of my friends, as well as myself.

It turns out after studying what others are doing, in its simplest form, can be summed up in the following 3 steps:

1) look at what you accomplished 2) break it down into its smallest components 3) list every component of the accomplishment as a separate entry

So what do I mean?

Let’s break down a real example and use that as a template for any future LinkedIn entries.

LET’S SAY THAT YOU:
Hired 12 sales people for a large local marketing drive.

Well, did you interview them? Chances are you did and you probably interviewed a lot more than just 12 people, so that is our first item to break out:

• Interviewed 50+ individuals for sales position

Did you assess their qualifications? Most likely you did, so these are our second and third items to break out:

• Assessed qualifications face-to-face
• Processing 100+ resumes

Finally, didn’t you get your co-workers input? You probably did, so that is your fourth item to break out:

• Listened to feedback and implemented changes that improved sales force efficiency by 20%

Basically, keep asking yourself questions of what it took to accomplish the end goal, which was to Hire 12 sales people for a large local marketing drive. If you hired people you have really done a lot. Don’t just say, “I hired some people”

As a good friend of mine said to me: "The most insightful piece of advice that should be shouted in Bold, red flashing text, (well, bold at least), is to provide a specific, measurable example of how you changed something, and add a timeline."

After using the 3-step method above, we could end up with the first example below:

EXAMPLE 1
“Hired 12 sales people for a large local marketing drive”

Possible breakout:

• Interviewed 50+ individuals for sales position
• Assessed qualifications face-to-face and by processing 100+ resumes
• Listened to feedback and implemented changes that improved efficiency of the sales force by 20%

Take a look at a few more examples below to get the hang of it.

EXAMPLE 2
“5+ years of engineering experience in cloud computing”

Possible breakout:

• Continuously assessed best cloud solution for the company based on required user functionality
• Over a 5 year period, analyzed required specifications to custom build server solutions
• Optimized database calls based on user feedback to double processing speed and shortened loading times by 70%

EXAMPLE 3
“Drove a taxi for 12 years in the Greater New York Area”

Possible breakout:

• Provided transportation/service for 12 years
• Successfully serviced 2,000+ clients
• Proven safe driver with exceptional driving skills
• Expertise in optimizing travel routes in the Greater New York Area

ISN’T THIS ALL A BIT SILLY?
Some may say we are ‘hyping’ the message (building it up to make ourselves look good) and that it may be silly that we have to break things out and explain further. But in all fairness, others are not inside our head and often times they cannot connect the dots. This must be done for them. Break down the effort, list every component and describe each thing you did. You’ll be surprised to find out how much work goes into it.

So where did I learn this? I looked at other LinkedIn profiles. One profile stood-out in the way he captured accomplishments and listed them in a manner that was easy to digest.

Guy Klages is an old friend that I hired in a previous company. He has a good profile, that you can go through and learn from. Knowing Guy, I’m sure he’d also be happy to connect with you. He is an author who has written some excellent articles that can further help you understand more of how to write a good LinkedIn profile.. I know I learned a few tips from his profile. You can find one of Guy's articles here: 13 Active Ways to Make Employers (or Clients) Find You on LinkedIn

A FINAL TIP
Before you start making drastic changes to your LinkedIn profile, turn off broadcasts. This will ensure everyone does not receive multiple email notices from every change made to your profile.

HOW TO TURN OFF ACTIVITY BROADCASTS

1. Hover over your photo/name in the upper right
2. Click "Privacy & Settings"
3. Re-enter your password
4. In the "Profile" section, click "Turn on/off your Activity Broadcasts"
5. Deselect the checkbox
6. Then turn it back on for the final change (optional)

Thanks for taking the time to read through this article. Hopefully it can give you further ideas on how to improve your own LinkedIn profile.

See my profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/morrisfrancis as an example (feel free to add me), and let me know if you have any questions in the Comments section below.

After applying these tips to your profile, check out my next article “How to Approach a Stranger at a Networking Event - Networking Quick Tip 1”

PS. Let me know if you have any specific topics you want addressed on Networking.

This is 1 of a 3 article series about Networking.

Approaching a complete stranger at a networking event is always scary when one isn’t used to it. If you are like myself, you may have thoughts run through your head like:

• “He/She doesn’t look friendly”
• “What if he/she doesn’t smile back?”
• “What if they feel I am bothering them?”

IT’S A NETWORKING EVENT
Let’s keep in mind that we are in a completely controlled setting. This is not like talking to random strangers on a street.You are at an event where networking is expected so let’s change your mindset accordingly.

Instead of programming yourself for rejection, inject a positive scenario.

Easier said than done?

On your next networking opportunity use the steps below and watch networking get easier.

1) Visualize a positive outcome This is really important. Take your time if you need to, but put an image in your head of you and the stranger getting along fabulously

2) SMILE, SMILE, SMILE A smile is non-threatening and does so much to put people at ease. Ask yourself, what facial expressions would you like from someone who is approaching you? I bet a smile would be high on that list.

3) Make eye contact Don’t stare. Just have that relaxed look, while you think: I am looking at you and want to share a moment together as mutual friends in a room full of strangers.

4) Extend your hand It doesn’t have to be some kind of power-move, with your hand on top. Make sure it is a normal (vertical), firm handshake that says: I am comfortable with who I am and I’d like to get to know you. Let’s chat.

5) Introduce yourself.
Your name and little bit about yourself, expressed in a relaxed and casual tone. For extra points, follow-up with a random question that turns focus to the stranger.

Here are some examples:

• “Hi, I am Francis and I had a real long day, today. How was yours?”
• “My name is Bob and I noticed your sneakers. Those are some neat colors. Where did you find them?”
• “Are you feeling awkward too? I am Jane and I’m always nervous at these things. How about you?”
• “Hi nice meeting you. I am Taylor. What brings you here today?”

WE ARE ALL STRANGERS
Remember to everyone else in the room, you are the stranger and others at the venue are just as nervous, awkward feeling and uncomfortable as you.

In fact, you may soon find that approaching people who are standing alone is easy because they are usually happy to meet someone that notices them. Many people are hoping that someone else will make the initial approach. Not only is it appropriate that you approach strangers, but it is most likely that it will be really appreciated.

Many of us regularly attend networking events but truth to be told, few of us actually take the time to study or practice effective networking. Networking is really about relaxing and being able to make others feel you are relaxed. It is about demonstrating that you are ok with who you are, that you like people, and you don’t mind spending time with them. You will find that your confidence will attract others and help you become much more than ‘just another business card.’

Like anything else when practiced, we become better over time. As you become better at starting conversations with strangers, you will find yourself less anxious and nervous. So:

1) Visualize a positive outcome 2) SMILE 3) Make eye contact 4) Extend your hand 5) Introduce yourself.

For additional tips, you may find this link useful:
http://www.wikihow.com/Talk-to-Strangers (with pics)

I hope this article was useful. Hopefully it can give you further ideas on how to improve your networking skills. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments section below.

After practicing this networking tip, check out the next article: “How to Approach 2-3 People at a Networking Event— Networking Quick Tip 2” that will come out in about a month.

PS. I love sharing what I know that could possibly help others, so let me know if you have any specific topics you want addressed on Networking.

In the first part of this 3-article series, you learned “5 Steps to Approaching a Stranger at a Networking Event.”

Now, let’s look into how to interact with several strangers at the same time.

Approaching a complete stranger at an event can be challenging, but it is quite common that people cluster into small groups of 2-3 people. Then what do you do?

You may feel intimidated and have thoughts like:

• “I am only one person and there are three of them. I’m too shy”
• “What if they feel I’m bothering them?”
• “What if they don’t let me into their conversation?”

We need to do the same mental visualization that was learned in last article Instead of programming yourself for rejection, inject a positive scenario into your head.

Below is the previous process that we learned, but this time we will add a small twist to it by adding the step in bold:

1. Visualize a positive outcome
2. Observe the group of 2-3 people first
3. Approach and SMILE
4. Make eye contact
5. Extend your hand
6. Introduce yourself.

So why are we observing the group of 2-3 people?

We want to take time to evaluate them.

EVALUATE
This gives you time to access how you should ease into the conversation with them. No one likes a person barging into a conversation and cutting everyone off. Easing into a conversation is a lot like double-dutch rope jumping, where timing is everything.

Take your time to notice the groups symmetry and makeup. See:

• Who is talking the most
• Who seems to smile the most
• Who is quiet
• Who is standing a little to the side

You do this to find a better moment to walk up and join them.

If you can, try to hear parts of the conversation to get something to address when you start speaking.

You are doing this to find a timely moment to walk up and join them.

Naturally, you don’t want to come off as a creepy person, standing in a corner eaves dropping, so you need to make it look natural.

Once you have made up your mind on how and when to approach them, walk up and introduce yourself.

A good approach is to walk up to the one person that is a little bit off to the side of the group, and make sure they are not talking at the time. You’ll find that 4 out of 5 times, there will be such a person in a group.

Here are some examples of things to say:

• “You guys seem like a fun bunch. Mind if I join you?”
• “I hear lots of laughter, may I join this happy bunch? I am Francis…”
• “Hi I am Francis, mind if I join you? I heard you mention California, I lived there…”

You have to trust your gut that people are receptive and that you will find the right time to join the group. It may cause you some anxiety in the beginning but practice will overcome that. If it doesn’t work the first time, try timing the rope and jump in somewhere else.

OVERCOMING ANXIETY
We are naturally shy when confronting a number of strangers and you may find it hard, but as mentioned in part 1: “we are all strangers at a networking event.”

Always remember that others feel just as shy or awkward as you.

Here is one more thing to keep in mind, to relieve any anxiety that you may have, the 2-3 people you are approaching have most likely just met each other. In this case, you will not be a outsider to the conversation. You don’t have to worry that you are breaking up a bunch of life-long friends. You are just another person trying to be friendly and network with others.

Smile, keep calm (relax) and believe in a positive outcome. No one is there to hurt you.

RELAXING
Networking is really more about relaxing and being able to make others feel you are relaxed. It is about demonstrating that you are ok with who you are. That you like people and don’t mind spending time with others. You will find that your confidence will attract others and help you become much more than ‘just another business card.’

AN INITIAL ALTERNATIVE - PARTNERING
In the beginning, if you are not used to approaching groups of people, you may want to partner with another person and walk around together. This way you can tackle new strangers as a team, and it might help you feel less intimated approaching a group.

Hopefully this article can give you further ideas on how to improve networking skills. Please let me know if you have any questions, you can post them in the Comments section below.

After practicing these networking tips, check out the next article on a similar topic: “Overcoming Shyness - How To Approach A Stranger In Public (outside a networking event)”

P.S. I love sharing what I know, that could possibly help others, so feel free to let me know what other networking topics you would like to see in upcoming articles.

After learning from the first two articles in this series (see below), we have arrived at this last article to help strengthen your networking skills.

• “5 Steps to Approaching a Stranger at a Networking Event”
• “How to Approach 2-3 People at a Networking Event”

Approaching people at networking events is usually easier, because it is assumes you are at the event to network. Approaching someone on the street, supermarket, or random place is different and can be intimidating. You are in good company; we all have a natural resistance to talking with strangers in public.

In this article I outline proven methods that helped me overcome my natural shyness of talking to strangers in public. The secret is to not come across as threatening and remain relaxed, as mentioned in “5 Steps to Approaching a Stranger at a Networking Event”

“Networking is really about relaxing and being able to make others feel you are relaxed. It is about demonstrating that you are ok with who you are. That you like people and don’t mind spending time with others.”

Below is the previous process where we learned the 5 steps:

1. Visualize a positive outcome
2. SMILE
3. Make eye contact
4. Extend your hand
5. Introduce yourself.

What needs to change?

Not much, but there are some subtle nuances to be aware of when approaching a stranger in public. When you come across a stranger you would like to meet keep in mind that people are generally wary of strangers in public places and they may be thinking:

• “Who is this person?”
• “Is he/she trying to sell me something?”
• “Is it someone religious, wanting to talk about God?”

That means:

• You need to think before you act.
• You need to create a relaxed atmosphere.
• You need to make the other person establish you as being in the ‘friendly’ category.

THINK BEFORE YOU ACT
No matter what approach you take, be sensitive to the other person’s body language and mood.

BODY LANGUAGE
Here are some basics of body language:

• Crossing your arms in front of your chest is not a welcoming gesture. Keeping your arms open and hands in front of your body is more welcoming.
• A person pointing feet and body towards you, instead of away, signals interest in you.
• People avoiding pro-longed eye contact are often shy or insecure.
• Smiling will attract 97% of all the people you meet.

LOOK FOR THE STATE OF A PERSON
In others, you are looking for what I call a “relaxed” or “stiff/hardened” state.

A relaxed state is when a person seems warm, smiles a lot, feels non-threatening. A stiff/hardened state is when a person that doesn’t smile, seems rigid and comes off a little intimidating.

The way you approach a person who is in a relaxed state is just being yourself, since they are already inclined to want to talk to you. ‘Being yourself’ means it does not matter if you are afraid, shy or an introvert, try for a moment to plough though it and trust that no one means you harm. Act natural as you would when you are with your family or friends. For reference, see the 5 steps above.

The way you approach a person in a stiff/hardened state is to smile more, be extra warm, non-intimidating and non-confrontational, and allow them to steer the conversation. These people often need to feel they are in control. They are use to having their way and for the purposes of creating a good conversation it is usually better to allow them to lead most of the time.

As you progress in the conversation they will relax. Keep in mind, non-intimidating doesn’t mean submissive. You can stay firm but work on making the other person feel you are not a threat to them in any way. Over time you will develop the skills necessary to be able to talk to any person in their stiff/hardened state.

Like everything else, it is time and experience that will help you learn. A Google search can reveal many basic body-language guidelines if you want to know more.

MOODS
We all wake up every day in a different mood. You can refer to the moon or time of the month, your astrology sign or a hangover. The fact is, as humans we are moody creatures and we carry this with us as luggage. Consciously or sub-consciously we are broadcasting this to those around us. That means sometimes people are attracted to us because of the mood we emit and other times they are repelled.

Not only do you need to pay attention to what mood you may be broadcasting, but as you approach a stranger that you want to engage, quickly gauge the mood they are in. Do they look like they are:

• Pensive?
• Happy?
• Sad?
• Sleepy?
• Stressed out?

STARTING THE CONVERSATION
Once you feel you have read their body language and mood, start a conversation and look for signs that your conversation is positive, lively, and connecting or just going stale.

You will recognize a lack of connection when you get very short answers like “hey”, “hi”, or “ah”, or get a response like, "Not much" when you ask, “what's going on?”

They could be having a bad day or are pre-occupied with something. If you sense this, excuse yourself, wish them the very best and carry on with your day.

The better you're able to hone in on their body language and mood, the more likely it will be that you'll succeed in striking up a good conversation.

CREATING A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE
This is key. Smiling helps a lot. Respect the other person’s private space. Find a way to bring in the inner-peaceful-you and leave any kind of alpha-male persona at home. Compliments are always welcomed.

We all enjoy compliments, so consider starting the conversation using one. E.g.:

• “Nice shoes, I haven’t seen that style in that color before”
• “That is some very nice make-up you have on. Very subtle”
• “I noticed your watch. Quite classy, I like it”

Always remember if the other person is not responsive to you, don’t be pushy, let go and walk away. Never take it personally. Most likely it has nothing to do with you

BEING FRIENDLY
Try to make eye contact, without being too obvious, and smile. This will make your friendly intentions clear and diffuse any possible tension that could arise.

Say something light, humorous, or topical to first break the ice. Ask leading questions. Remember, a leading question is one that cannot be answered with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

Here are some examples:

• “Hi, my name's Francis. I work around the corner. How about you?”
• “Hi, I’m Jane. How’s the coffee at this place?”
• “You are sporting a neat T-shirt, where did you get it?”

You should always say something to get a response and keep it:

• Simple
• Direct
• Open-ended

ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES
Sometimes I find myself using ‘help questions’. You basically play ‘dumb.’ Next time you’re at the store, you can ask anyone near you the innocent question:

“Would you know where to find soap?”

You may already know where the soap is, but that’s ok. Your purpose is just to get a conversation started.

Help questions work well because they are safe, easy to answer, and give you permission to pop the bubble that exists between strangers. The other person won’t feel weird responding to something so innocent. More importantly, you won’t feel awkward asking.

Another approach is simple ‘spoken out-loud comments’. The next time you are in a public place, say something like:

• “It’s really freezing cold in here…”
• “I’ve been looking for this book everywhere!”
• “Now, that’s what I call great coffee!”

Just like the help question, these comments are innocent and they let others know that you are open to conversation. If someone else feels like talking, they will respond to your comment.

In conclusion, when approaching a stranger in public you need to:

• Strive to be put in the ‘friendly’ category by the other person
• Pay attention to the mood and body language of the other person
• Be simple and direct with open ended questions
• Ask leading questions
• Ask ‘help questions’
• Use ‘spoken out-loud comments’

By using the above methods, you will be able to overcome any natural resistance of talking to strangers in public. Happy Networking!

This concludes the article series on Networking. Hopefully it has given you ideas on how to improve your networking skills. As always, practice makes perfect so give these tips a whirl and I’m sure you’ll soon be a champ!