Most of the time I want to be everything to everyone.

Every day as I speak to hiring managers, I attempt to put myself in their shoes and mold my approach to what works best for them and their personality, corporate culture, energy level etc. Don't you?

I also believe I can, and will, move every relationship and situation from Good to Great, from B to A, and from 90% to 110%. I love this part. A little competitive, I know. But I'm in sales, remember? So this desire to move forward really does help.

But regardless of what I want and what I strive to do, most importantly I am who I am, and I know what I can realistically do and not do.

But do others know that about me?

That's where my Social Media profile and professional branding come to play. That's how I communicate to others out there who doesn't know me from Adam (take no offense, Adam Waid!).

I have been a proponent and a big fan of LinkedIn (LI) before it became popular. Over the years the LI platform has evolved and improved.  I am still on LinkedIn.com daily,  have met a lot of business contacts there, introduced many great people to other great people, and have also grown my first level connections network to just under 7,000.

What could you do on LinkedIn today, this week, and this month? And why would you want to?

• Remember both recruiters and your current/past employers search for and review your LinkedIn profile. Make sure all the information is accurate including Titles and Dates. Run a spell check today!
• The Summary is NOT a repeat of your current responsibilities, but an overview of your key skills and credentials. It's a good practice to list an industry you are in or an industry you are targeting.
• Flood your entire LinkedIn profile with keywords because this is how you can be found. Recruiters and potential clients will be using a LinkedIn as a search engine.
• If you really want to be contacted, make it EASY for others to find you without being connected with you directly. List your email address and phone numbers on your profile and pick up the phone when it rings!
• Don't be afraid to ask your connections for recommendations. You will be surprised to find how many LinkedIn job postings require or highly prefer applicants with LI recommendations.
• Join LinkedIn Groups to get immediate access to business leads and connections to people outside your network.
• Tune into LinkedIn Events it's an easy way to get a face-to-face meeting with a business contact ... and possibly get a drink and have some fun!
• Ask LinkedIn Questions to build credibility. Start a discussion. Be an expert.
• Run an Advanced Search in your target market by location and industry and send personalized messages.
• Most importantly, remember that LinkedIn is just a small piece of the puzzle in your brand strategy, so include links to your Twitter and Facebook profiles, and your blog and company web sites.

Honestly, LinkedIn requires less upkeep than other sites, but to leverage it to the best of your ability, you will have to put your time in.

By building your personal brand on LinkedIn, you’ll be where people are searching and you’ll have access to those who can help build your brand now and in the future.

Meanwhile, let's continue reaching up and moving forward. One step at a time. One day at a time. Enjoy the journey and be the best you can be. Build fantastic professional relationships and keep growing.

Isn't it great to know that others don't have to wonder who you are and how you can help?