LinkedIn is all the rage these days. You’ve joined, now what? Google my name in your web browser – Mary Erlain. LinkedIn should be among the first results you see in the search results. LinkedIn is free, why wouldn’t I leverage this in my branding and marketing process in my business!
LinkedIn can be used as a powerful business networking tool. Here are six things you should absolutely know about using LinkedIn:
- Clarify your objectives for using this tool. Are you looking for additional exposure on the web beyond your website? Do you want to brand your company by leveraging your employee’s LinkedIn profiles? Are you looking for a job? Your profile should be built specifically to meet those objectives.
- Build an effective and compelling profile that you can use to your advantage. You can start by using the tools that you have at your fingertips, your bio, resume or website copy are great places to start. The summary should tell the story of “why you.”
- Learn to use this tool for people/company/market research. Prior to any appointment with a prospective employee or sales lead, LinkedIn can be used as an effective research tool. Conversations can be started directly from the information you glean from their profiles. Organizational charts can be built by doing company research. Develop more effective presentations and interviews by reading the profiles of the owners and employees in the organization.
- If you are in the job market (or know someone who is), LinkedIn has LinkedIn Only jobs listed. You won’t find these in Monster or CareerBuilder. You can leverage your connections to get introductions to the hiring managers and recruiters who posted the jobs. LinkedIn also provides a myriad of tools for the job hunter.
- There are a host of free applications that can take your profile to a new level. The Slide Share and Google presentations can showcase your company or even bring your resume to life. Blogging tools and LinkedIn Polls can start conversations in the LinkedIn world. Post and promote your upcoming events to the LinkedIn community.
- LinkedIn Groups can help you stay informed and keep in touch with people that share your interests. There are a variety of focused groups that have ongoing discussions, job postings, websites and even live networking events. These groups can be alumni, corporate, networking, non-profit or professional.
Personal Coaching, LinkedIn in-house and public workshops as well as speaking engagements are available.
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