LinkedIn is a social media must for anyone in business. After a few years of using LinkedIn, I have found it to be a powerful resource for my business.
I use my LinkedIn account for …
- Staying in contact with former colleagues.
- Meeting new people in my field.
- Acquiring new clients.
- Building my email newsletter list.
- Getting introductions to people.
- Getting professional advice when I’m stumped or unsure of something.
- Crowd-sourcing for new ideas.
And, it’s all free, although a premium upgrade is available.
Like other social media, the first step is to sign up for a LinkedIn account and fill out your profile. Just by from doing this, I’ve had recruiters contact me for jobs … which I always turn down because I like being in business for myself and I like where I live.
By building a profile, you are likely to see your LinkedIn snippet pop up when someone searches for your name, making it easier for potential business associates to contact you.
The next step is to invite friends and colleagues to be a 1st level connection with you.
I had a client who wanted to talk to an executive in a large company. I searched my 1st level connections and found someone who knew someone — a 3rd level connection. That is my 1st level connection knew someone who knew someone who worked at that company.
By simply writing to my first level connection, who wrote to his connection, who in turn wrote to his connection, I was able to get my client an introduction.
Next week, I’ll write about the incredible value in joining Groups on LinkedIn. You’ll hear how Muhammad in Egypt saved me.
LinkedIn Groups is a hidden gem that is my personal favorite and really valuable.
Easy Web Tip #118: LinkedIn has proven its value. It’s a must for all people in business. But just signing up isn’t enough.
