The end of the year always feels like controlled chaos.
You’re closing out projects, planning for 2026, and still trying to be present for holiday traditions, family gatherings, and everything else that makes this season meaningful.
With that level of activity, your LinkedIn profile can easily fall off the radar.
But a few minutes of updates before January can open the door to opportunities you don’t want to miss, such as board roles, new partnerships, speaking invitations, and senior-level career moves.
The good news? You don’t need hours. Just 15 minutes a day for five days is enough to ensure your profile reflects who you are now, what you achieved in 2025, and where you’re headed in 2026.
Let’s get started.
Key Takeaways:
- Spending just 15 minutes a day can position your LinkedIn profile for senior-level opportunities like board roles, partnerships, and speaking invitations.
- Your headline and visuals shape first impressions.
- The featured section is prime real estate for your wins.
- Refresh the Services section to reflect your new year priorities.
- Even one or two video per month can establish credibility and humanize your leadership.
1. Do a 15-Minute Quick Profile Audit
Place yourself in the shoes of the people you want to attract, and skim your profile with fresh eyes. Ask yourself:
- Does it communicate what I want people to know about me right now?
- Does it align with the work I’m doing today and the questions I’m asked most often?
- Does it reflect my leadership philosophy and values?
Pay particular attention to your headline. Your headline shows up everywhere you appear on LinkedIn. A strong headline invites people to learn more about you and brings more visitors to your profile. Is your headline compelling, or does it sound kind of generic?
2. Refresh Your Visuals (10 minutes)
Your profile photo and header image set the tone before anyone reads a word.
- Choose a current, professional headshot that reflects your presence today.
- Update your header background image with something meaningful. Use a speaking photo, a clean brand graphic, or a visual that represents your impact.
LinkedIn’s enhanced header capabilities now support more dynamic layouts, such as rotating multiple images, which can help you tell a more complex story. Check out my LinkedIn profile to see how it works or check out this blog post to get ideas for your header image.
3. “Feature” Your Wins (15 minutes)
Your Featured section is premium real estate and often the first area people scroll to. Use it to highlight:
- Company achievements from 2025
- Funding rounds, acquisitions, partnerships, or product milestones
- Articles you’ve written
- Interviews, podcasts, or speaking clips
- Thought leadership posts that performed well
4. Update Your Services (15 minutes)
If you’re a consultant, coach, or run a services business, LinkedIn’s Services section deserves attention. Since its redesign, it has become significantly more robust:
- Add a short intro paragraph clarifying who you help and how
- Refresh your list of services to reflect your 2026 priorities
- Add links, media, or case studies that reinforce credibility
5. Review the Essentials (10 minutes)
A few quick updates can make your profile feel current and credible:
- Contact Info: Make sure email, phone, and website links are accurate.
- Current Role: Update your description with 2025 milestones, new responsibilities, or major wins.
- Skills: LinkedIn now allows up to 100 skills. Add new industry terms, technologies, and leadership competencies that reflect where you’re heading in 2026.
Pro Tip:
If you serve on a board or want to, list a board role in your Experience section and place it directly beneath your primary job. This signals your interest clearly to profile visitors.
Bonus: Consider Video for 2026
Video continues to be one of LinkedIn’s fastest-growing formats. To ease into it:
- Film short vertical videos from your phone
- Keep them 20-45 seconds
- Add captions, as 80% of LinkedIn videos are viewed without sound
- Share quick insights from events, leadership takeaways, or moments from your work
One or two videos per month is enough. Consistency matters more than production quality.
Set Yourself Up for a Strong 2026
As the year winds down, take a small window of time to position yourself for the opportunities ahead. These simple updates help your profile reflect who you are now and where you’re going next.
If you’re unsure where to begin or want support building a stronger presence, we’re here to help. Our team has worked with thousands of CEOs and senior executives to write LinkedIn profiles, design LinkedIn strategies, and craft LinkedIn content that advances their goals.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or schedule a call, and let’s make LinkedIn work harder for you in 2026.