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Businesses of all sizes have embraced social media as a way to build communities, market their services, and form relationships with customers. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and even Google+ are popular. However, one platform that is often misunderstood is LinkedIn.
Officially, LinkedIn is a professional networking site. The site allows users to input their work history in a resume-like format and form connections with others, much like the Facebook friend system. However, that’s usually as far as most people take it. But if you’re a business owner, you should know that LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for generating business.
If your LinkedIn profile is sub-par, you may be damaging your credibility. By maintaining your profile and remaining active on the site, you will show potential customers that you are a credible expert in your industry. This way, they’ll remember you next time they need someone in your field. Here are some tips:
- Update your profile. If your profile’s most recent position states that you’re an intern at your college’s radio station, and you now own your own business, that’s probably a sign that it’s time to update your profile. Make sure everything is up-to-date, but take it a step further. Ensure you have a professional profile photo, current contact information, and details about each position you’ve held. Also link your blog and Twitter accounts.
'People you may know' can help you connect with current and former colleagues.
- Connect with people you know. Once you’ve updated your profile, LinkedIn will use that information in their nifty “People You May Know” box, which you can find on the upper right side of your Home page. Add those people as connections, and search for coworkers, employees, clients, and people you’ve worked with in the past. Then ask for recommendations from people you trust. You can do this straight through LinkedIn, but a nice e-mail directly to the person is also nice. Having recommendations on your profile will showcase your credibility.
Displaying recommendations on your profile boosts your credibility.
- Network with potential customers. It’s not recommended to add people you don’t know as connections on LinkedIn, but there are other ways to network with people that may be potential customers: join groups! Use LinkedIn’s Group Directory tool to find groups related to your business and industry. For instance, if you specialize in restaurant insurance, you might search “restaurant owners.” In these groups, people post discussions about various topics related to the group. Get in there and network as much as possible! This is the place for you to build relationships.
Being active in groups can establish you as an expert in your field.
- Build a company profile. When you registered for LinkedIn, you should have used your company e-mail address. If you didn’t, no worries. Just go to your settings and change your primary e-mail. With this, you can edit your company’s information through the Admin Tools button on the company page. Upload your logo, make sure your address and contact information is correct, and do basic house cleaning. Then, delve deeper by adding products and services you offer and linking your company blog and Twitter accounts. People can follow your company just like following on Twitter. Having a complete and up-to-date profile makes you look more credible and professional.
A complete company profile serves as a good first impression.
- Make the time. Once you have everything set up, it’s just a matter of checking back regularly and networking with people in your groups. Make the time to do this, as this is actually the most important part! When people see your name regularly, the more likely they are to remember you when they need someone in your field or when a friend is asking for a recommendation. Make sure your employees’ profiles are up to standard, too – you may even want to hold a social networking training event to make sure everyone knows what they’re doing.
If this seems overwhelming, don’t worry! LinkedIn is actually extremely user-friendly and will guide you along the way. The most important thing is to keep up with it. Sign in a few times each week, participate in discussions, and you’ll be on your way to building your business in no time!
