Are you receptive to new ideas and feedback? Willing to listen and learn? Or were you caught off guard when I recommended a LinkedIn profile optimization, and your response was, “Someone already reviewed it”?
I got scolded for suggesting a LinkedIn profile optimization!
Your attitude makes all the difference! You may not be coachable!
One of my favorite quotes is by Charles Swindol, and I often adapt it by replacing “church” with “place of worship” to promote inclusivity.
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company…a [place of worship]….a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude…I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you…we are in charge of our attitudes.”
As a former K-12 teacher with nine certifications from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, I frequently encountered the Latin term tabula rasa throughout my classes and certification training.
But what does tabula rasa mean? It refers to a blank slate—starting fresh, with no preconceived notions, like a newborn entering the world.
Now, as a LinkedIn trainer, I maintain a constant eagerness to learn from my peers. I believe understanding the “why” behind concepts is critical, which is why my mind is always open to new ideas and perspectives on LinkedIn profile optimization.
As a doctoral student, I need to understand why you suggest what you do—that’s my modus operandi (yes, more Latin!). I studied Latin for three years in high school and believe in seizing the day (carpe diem) when someone offers to share their expertise.
LinkedIn is ever-evolving, and I’m grateful for experts like Kevin Turner, who consistently posts the latest updates. I recommend following him to stay informed about the newest features on the platform.
So why would a job seeker who’s been unemployed for over a year shut me down when I offered free advice for a LinkedIn profile optimization? That’s a good question!
Sometimes, I find myself shaking my head (SMH) when people resist learning and growth, especially when it’s free advice!
Why would an employed or self-employed individual act the same way?
These individuals wouldn’t be an ideal fit as clients because they aren’t coachable or open to learning new ideas or hearing fresh perspectives.
If you’re open to learning, I’ve compiled a Google Doc with tips on optimizing your LinkedIn profile, complete with helpful links.
If you’re looking for a collaborative approach and value partnership in this process, I invite you to connect with me through the NEXT STEPS below. Your input is essential throughout the journey.
Some people might feel they’ve already mastered everything they need to know—if that’s you, congratulations! But as for me, I’m a continual work in progress, always learning and seeking tips on the best profile optimization. As the saying goes, scientia potentia est—Knowledge is power!
NEXT STEPS
- Subscribe to my newsletter on LinkedIn™ for bright ideas on how to manage your career.
- If you need a resume or LinkedIn™ profile to get you to your next step, book a call to chat! Can’t beat a free discovery call!
- Join as a member at https://greatcareers.org/membership of the #1 business networking association on the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Book of Lists four years in a row!
- To support our charity at KeepOnSharing.com and use the referral code Career
- Follow #GreatCareersPHL
BIO
Lynne M. Williams is the Executive Director of the Great Careers Network, a volunteer-run 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides career development and networking connections for 1) job seekers in career transition, including veterans, and 2) employed and self-employed for career management.
Aside from writing keyword-focused content for ATS resumes and LinkedIn profiles, Lynne is writing her doctoral dissertation on LinkedIn for Job Seekers. She is a contributing author on “Applying to Positions” in Find Your Fit: A Practical Guide to Landing the Job You Love, along with the late Dick Bolles, the author of What Color is Your Parachute?, and is also a speaker on career topics.
