How New Business Owners Can Use Linked In
Even if you aren’t new to Linked In, you may not know of these ways to use the site. Below is an outline of what you can do on Linked In. Have you set up your profile? You can add a little extra in your Headline than just your position.
You can add a longer headline and include everything you do, your headline acts as keywords and you will come up in searches for those keywords. Why should you add your educational and previous job background? Because this makes it easier for people you have lost touch with to contact you. They may also be able to give you a recommendation which improves your profile.
Speaking of Recommendations, have you written any? You can write recommendations for people you know as well as ask for one.
Have you added any applications? There are several useful apps on Linked In. I like to use the Event App, so I can be updated on new events in my network. You can also add links to your blog. This way, visitors to your page can see what is new with you. There are several apps to choose from.
Are you building connections? You can send invites to people in your email account or you can ask for connections through Linked In. If you are in the same group as someone it’s easy to ask for a connection. However, if you really want to have a worthwhile connection than add a note with your request, stating WHY you want to connect.
Sending the generic connection request will not give you a great first impression. People want to know why you would be a good contact. Also, sending a note along with your request shows that you aren’t just building the image of a large network, but shows that you really want to connect with that person. Did you get an Invite that you aren’t sure about accepting? You have the option to Archive any request. This will save the requested invite in your mail box under archives. You can connect later or not at all.
Have you joined a group? If not then go to the search tab, type in a keyword or two and search for groups. You can search for groups in your industry, city, region, state, past jobs and education. Once you’re in a group get involved. Your first post can be an introduction about yourself and what you do. You can also post business advice, resources or answer and ask questions. The best discussions are ones that get others involved.
Do you prefer to use Twitter a certain way or do you have a favorite local networking group? If so add a discussion about that topic and use the last sentence to ask for others to give their opinion or advice. Have you used the News area? You can post links to great articles in this section. Add others articles and add your own. If you wrote a great article than post it. Is it appropriate in multiple groups? If so then go ahead and repost it. You will get more exposure that way. Once you have mastered the groups how about starting one yourself? Start a group around your area, your expertise or both.
Would you like to know more about marketing in your region? Then start a group specifically for that. When choosing a name, try one that has specific keywords. Now you need to find members for your group. You can set the group to open membership or require people to apply for the group. Send an announcement to your contacts about the new group. Write a post about the group and share this in groups you already belong to.
Is there someone you want to connect with, but don’t share a group or know their email address? Ask for a connection. When you go to a profile, you can see how a person is connected to you. If you have a mutual connection, you can ask that person to introduce you.
Social networking is not rocket science, but it does require learning the rules. It is very similar to in person networking. You don’t want to come across as pushy and your posts should reflect your business in a professional manner.
Written by Leah Oviedo of Investing In Women, http://iiwomen.com
Like this:
Like Loading...
Read Full Post »
Thank you for joining us for this wonderful book tour. Please feel free to leave a comment or ask a question, win a door prize.
