3
Administrative Assistant's
UPDATE
By Leslie Hughes
Earlier in my career, I was also an
administrative professional. I know
that this role is often the unsung hero
of the organization.
Your role as an admin can often be
overshadowed by the executives who
receive the accolades and attention,
but you play one of the most crucial
roles that keeps your organization
running smoothly.
Administrative professionals often
play the role of fortune-teller Profes-
sor Marvel who helps to manage the
forward-facing façade of the Great and
Powerful Oz. If you've been hiding in
those shadows, it's likely you haven't
spent any time on your own profes-
sional presence, have you?
Whether or not you're looking
to move into a new role, you have a
chance to highlight yourself for the
expert that you are. You have insights,
expertise and knowledge that no one
else has, so it's important that you
stand in your value to showcase your-
self properly.
LinkedIn is the world's largest pro-
fessional network, and on this chan-
nel you have the opportunity to brand
yourself, and your organization. Other
staff members can look to your profile
for guidance about what an optimized
profile s hould look like.
Here's how to get started:
Admins, stop hiding behind your exec;
it's time for you to shine online
STEP #1: Ensure you have a professional photo.
STEP #2: Focus on a compelling headline that highlights who you are, and what you do.
Your photo is one of the first impressions people see
when they connect with you, or look for you. Make sure
your image is professional and polished.
This means no passport photos, no photos at wed-
dings or other events, no photos with children or featur-
ing other people.
Your headline is featured right below your name. Instead
of just including your role and your company name, tell
a very short story in under 120 characters.
For example: Minerva Sanchez Rudman's headline
states "Working alongside senior executives to effect chang-
es in the mental health system". This description explains
what her role is, and how she helps within her niche.
NEXT MONTH: How to construct a powerful LinkedIn
summary that outlines your expertise; how to re-share
company posts to your own network.
Leslie Hughes is a LinkedIn optimization specialist,
professor of social media, corporate trainer, principal of
PUNCH!media and author of Create. Connect. Convert.
Called a "social media guru" by CBC Radio, Leslie has
been working in digital marketing since 1997.
PUNCH!media's goal is to empower through education
and help executives gain confidence in their online
presence. www.punchmedia.ca leslie@punchmedia.ca
Sign up for Leslie's newsletter at www.punchmedia.ca
Leslie Hughes
PRO TIP: Use or modify one of the following formulas:
A) (Your title) at (Company). Helping (target audience)
achieve (results).
B) Specializing in (role) to deliver (results/objectives).
C) Keyword • Keyword • Keyword • Keyword
PRO TIP: Almost everyone has a smartphone with a
camera. Find a wall with a plain background that faces
(not contains) a window. If you don't have professionally
taken photo, this will work in a snap.
