LinkedIn is one of the most powerful social networking tools, but also one of the most confusing. It’s particularly strange that this is the case since LinkedIn was built to be a very easy to use system. LinkedIn may look like an online rolodex with limited room to grow, but once you get into it, you can really grow your network quickly.
Almost everyone has a LinkedIn account, but most likely you’re not being very active in it (guilty myself at times), so now it’s time to change that. The one thing to remember about LinkedIn is that the demographics are different – There is an older, wealthier, and more educated audience than you will see at the other top social networking sites. Also, of course, it is a B2B environment, so keep that in mind when exploring. Also, there is so much data available at your fingertips that in the past, would have cost you quite a bit.
1. Increasing your online presence
By having your business present on LinkedIn, you are not only increasing your chances of increased search value, but also to the millions of LinkedIn members who may otherwise not even have thought to look for your company. The best thing to do is join groups relevant to your industry, answer questions you have answers to, and get involved in discussions – this will not only increase your brand presence, but could lead to you becoming a leader in the industry.
2. Generating more business
There are millions of active members on LinkedIn, and it’s a numbers game. The more you get involved and interact with people, the better your chances of landing new business through LinkedIn. There’s a reason other people are using the site, and with LinkedIn, it’s all about the dollar. If you can help someone make money, reduce costs, or provide value, then they will be interested in what you have to say.
3. Checking out the Competition
LinkedIn offers some amazing details about your competition that can’t get anywhere else. You can view a large portion of the employees – including names, work history, etc. You can easily see what the competition is up to and where most of their connections lie within LinkedIn.
4. Get Questions Answered
LinkedIn offers a business version of “Yahoo Answers” that usually provides some great responses from experienced industry leaders. There are also discussion boards and groups built around industries and topics, so it’s easy to get insights into any problems, questions, or ideas.
5. Introduce others and get introduced
On LinkedIn, people in your network can introduce you to someone out of your network, and in theirs. This is a great way to pitch for new business and often works in a “you scratch my back, I scratch yours” manner. You ask someone for an introduction, be prepared to oblige when they ask for one in return. Getting introduced opens up a whole new world of connections that make cold calling obsolete.
There are a lot of different ways to used LinkedIn. The best idea is to jump in and see what works for you and your business, and proceed down that path. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn
Vincent:
I agree. LinkedIn is simply the best business development tool I have ever used. I agree so much that I wrote a book about it entitled: LinkedIn for Selling and Consulting. You can find it @ http://www.edcallahan.info/?page_id=10.
Ed