Every year LinkedIn releases the ten most overused buzzwords from user profiles on the network. But why does this matter? What is the problem with using a word in our profiles that everyone else does?
Last week a fire alarm went off in the hotel I was staying in. Although I followed the rules and marched swiftly towards the fire exit others were more reluctant.
What’s this got to do with LinkedIn and overused words?
Watch below to find out:
Are you ready to review your LinkedIn profile and eliminate those boring, meaningless words?
Tips for avoiding buzzwords
Instead of using buzzwords try describing yourself in more detail
Today at a LinkedIn workshop I was training one of the delegates read out the summary section from one of their LinkedIn connections. It was beautifully written. It described his work as a tour guide and his love of Ireland. He talked fondly of the landscape and the people he introduced to it. Not once did he mention the word passionate, he didn’t need to it was clear from his words how he felt.
There wasn’t one person in the room who didn’t want to know more about his business.
To have that sort of impact you should spend some extra time crafting your LinkedIn summary. Describe why you do your job, what makes you special and why we would want to do business with you.
Brainstorm
If you are finding it hard to avoid the LinkedIn buzzwords words brainstorm around it. Instead of the offending word look for words that get to the heart of what it is that is really special about you.
You can use a Thesaurus to help spark new ideas but be careful of replacing one buzzword with another.
Discover your uniqueness
What is it that really makes you different than your competitors. Perhaps it’s a specific product, are you helpful, knowledgeable, informed, analytical? Once you have identified your unique characteristics build sentences around them.
For example, if you are ‘creative’ you could try something along the lines of ‘I love to play with new ideas’.
Your turn
How do you avoid buzzwords? Do you find it hard to stay away from them? I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas in the comments section.
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