👉 Hey, wanna know a LinkedIn insider tip? 

… One that makes it sooooo easy for folks to connect with you on LinkedIn.

… One that provides you with a personal QR code that links to your profile (like mine below.) ⬇️

Here's how you do it:

1. Open the LinkedIn app on your mobile device. (Only works on mobile.)
2. Tap the Search bar at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.
3. Tap the QR code icon on the far right side of the Search bar.
4. Tap the MY CODE tab to find your QR code.
5. You can tap SAVE TO GALLERY to save a copy of your QR code (with or without your photo) to your mobile device's photo gallery.
6. And as one final step, take a sec to connect with me 😉

Pretty cool, huh? And the possibilities are endless:

1. Put it on the last slide of your presentation deck to make it super easy for your audience to connect with you afterwards.
2. Submit it with your written bio and photo to be included in conference materials when you’re a presenter.
3. Add it to your email signature.
4. Post it to your other social media channels.
5. Post it on the “About Me” page of your website.
6. Add it to printed communications like business cards, proposals, pop-up banners, swag.
7. Display it prominently on your Zoom background – as a presenter or participant.
8. Include it on your resumé.
9. Add it to the closing frame of your videos.

Where are some other applications you might use it? Would love to hear your ideas. 🤔

I realize in many of the instances above (where your content is already online), a live link to your LinkedIn profile probably makes more sense than a QR code. (Here's mine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenmcelmoyle/) 

But if you’re really trying to grow your network and visibility on LinkedIn, a QR code will definitely draw more attention than a written link stacked amongst a long list of other contact points.

As Ilise always says, look at it as an experiment. Who knows… a QR code might be the tipping point that prompts someone -- who otherwise wouldn’t -- to connect with you.

10. Here’s one final oh-so-nifty application for your personal LinkedIn QR code (from John Espirian):

For in-person networking events, set your phone lock screen to your QR code. People you meet can connect with you in one quick scan.

(Having tried this, one important clarification: You will need to do a screen capture of your QR code after you complete step #3 above, instead of going through steps 4-5 to save it to your gallery. If you use the latter, the image is not tall enough for your lock screen and will be enlarged to the point that the QR code is only partially visible.)

Another perhaps overlooked section of LinkedIn that I regularly visit these days is “People You May Know” under “My Network”. If you’re looking to grow your network but are coming up dry on new avenues to find relevant connections, look no further! The LinkedIn algorithms provide several different possible points of contact.

For me, lately, I’ve been mining fellow graduates of my alma mater the University of Georgia (GO DAWGS! ~ 2021 National College Football Champs 🏈❤️🏆). Because I continue to connect with people within this algorithm-recommended group, LinkedIn continues to place the University of Georgia grouping at the top of this section. Sometimes, it lists profiles from one of my LinkedIn groups, sometimes it’s local Charlotte professionals, sometimes it’s employees of one of my clients – ones where I’ve included myself as a freelance employee. You get the gist… This section is a great way to get inspiration for avenues of connection. 

I’ve found LinkedIn to be a safe and non-threatening way of marketing km design and staying top of mind with existing clients, prospects and colleagues.

Sharing your personal QR code and checking out the “People You May Know” section are two ways you might dip your toe in LinkedIn waters, or even if you’re a seasoned pro, they’re a means to ramp up your networking game.

Bottom line: don’t take yourself too seriously and find a way to make LinkedIn a fun break each day. 

One last thing, don’t forget to connect with me! (Use the QR code above or this link.)

This guest post was contributed by Karen McElmoyle, a brand and graphic designer for the Education Sector, Professional Services + Ad Agencies/In-House Marketing Departments.

Want more LinkedIn tips? Check out this guest post from Laurent Duperval, "21 Seeds to Sow to Grow Your Business on LinkedIn"