Do you want to establish yourself as an industry expert? Do you want to market to other businesses, network with business leaders and executives? If so, then a presence on LinkedIn is a must! It is one of the most effective platforms for businesses because your profile is more like an online resume and it allows for effective business to business networking.
The following tips can help you establish yourself and grow your business on LinkedIn.
- Build a powerful profile – like Marvin Bzura, Owner of B2Bvid.com. Try to make your profile 100% complete by including your education, industry certifications, professional experience, honors and awards. Add a professional photo and provide a summary that highlights your most outstanding features/experience/selling points.
- Join several pertinent groups – LinkedIn’s groups are fantastic engines for networking with people in your professional circles. You can join groups who have similar businesses and services as you, network with college alumni as well as business or trade specific entities. The more effective networking you do, the more your business gets noticed.
- Ask and answer questions – You can rapidly establish yourself as an industry expert by routinely checking to see if there are any questions being asked in your area of expertise. Providing helpful answers will help to establish you as an industry expert. LinkedIn will feature you on its homepage once you have established yourself as recognized expert.
- Give and ask for recommendations – There is a section on your profile for recommendations from colleagues and business partners. Be sure to ask for recommendations but also be willing to give recommendations to others this will build good will.
Use to promote upcoming events – Is there a event you want to promote? You can create an event and send invitations to members of your network then track RSVP. Yvonne Bisk of Long Island Entrepreneurs, Eileen Lichtenstein CEO of Balance & Power Inc , Eugenia Karahalia Owner of Unleash Your Full Potential Now all are using this feature to effectively promote their events.
As with all social media networks, the value of LinkedIn is in building targeted connections and developing relationships. When you add value and establish yourself as an expert in your field your social media efforts will enhance your business.
Over the next few weeks we will explore in more detail each of these aspects of LinkedIn. Be sure to let me know if there are any other areas you what us to look at be leaving a comment.
Good article. Thanks for the mention.