As the VP of Business Development for nVision Defense, I have the wonderful opportunity to connect with a lot of new business people. One subject area that always amazes me is the amounts of business people that are eager to expand their own networks however do not utilize LinkedIn. These days, online networking is all the rage: sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are making big news. I suspect that most people do not know how to effectively use these sites to increase maximum business networking reach.Today, I'm going to share with you some easy ways to use LinkedIn and make it work for your business. Done right, these tips will help you to increase your search engine rankings, and help your customers find and do business with you. The objective here is to give you another marketing channel to increase your business network, after all it is FREE!
1. Update your status.
On your LinkedIn home page, there's a question under your Inbox and at the top of your Network Updates section: “What are you working on now?” Answer the question. Much like a status update on Facebook or Twitter, this function allows your network to see what you're doing in real-time. Why should you update? LinkedIn shows profiles in search results that have been recently updated. The more you update, the more likely you are to show up closer to the top. When you use the status-updates function, you'll raise your profile on search engines as well.
On your LinkedIn home page, there's a question under your Inbox and at the top of your Network Updates section: “What are you working on now?” Answer the question. Much like a status update on Facebook or Twitter, this function allows your network to see what you're doing in real-time. Why should you update? LinkedIn shows profiles in search results that have been recently updated. The more you update, the more likely you are to show up closer to the top. When you use the status-updates function, you'll raise your profile on search engines as well.
2. Update your website links.
Which of the following is easier to read: My website or http://www.nvisiondefense.com? If you're like most of the population, the words “My website” are easier to digest. On LinkedIn, use words as links instead of your actual web address. Users are more likely to click through and visit because they understand where they're going. Include links to your blog, services, or products with appropriate headers: “My blog,” “My Services,” and “My products.”
Which of the following is easier to read: My website or http://www.nvisiondefense.com? If you're like most of the population, the words “My website” are easier to digest. On LinkedIn, use words as links instead of your actual web address. Users are more likely to click through and visit because they understand where they're going. Include links to your blog, services, or products with appropriate headers: “My blog,” “My Services,” and “My products.”
3. Create a strategic resumé.
You've probably heard it before, but it's worth mentioning again: online, content is king. On your LinkedIn page, the resumé section is the ideal place to implement search engine optimization strategies and insert key words and phrases. Are you a life coach? Get specific: do you help people with job transition, upward mobility, or marketing? Think of your niche and use keywords to describe what you do in your resumé section. When you update you're resumé with keywords and optimization in mind, you increase the chances your customers will find you online.
You've probably heard it before, but it's worth mentioning again: online, content is king. On your LinkedIn page, the resumé section is the ideal place to implement search engine optimization strategies and insert key words and phrases. Are you a life coach? Get specific: do you help people with job transition, upward mobility, or marketing? Think of your niche and use keywords to describe what you do in your resumé section. When you update you're resumé with keywords and optimization in mind, you increase the chances your customers will find you online.
4. Search for people you want to meet.
This is why I originally joined LinkedIn in the first place, to meet new business executives that do not have a lot of time on their hands so when they receive a business message from you - that is an opportunity for them to see what you're about and decide whether they want to get to know you better. Remember this, a social networking tool is only as good as the work you put into it - it doesn't grow by itself.. If you want LinkedIn to work for you, reach out and get involved. Search for customers, business connections, and potential strategic partners and say hi. Have you been itching to be introduced to someone at that large company? Search for employees of the business online and find out which of your connections knows them. Ask for an introduction; it's that simple.
This is why I originally joined LinkedIn in the first place, to meet new business executives that do not have a lot of time on their hands so when they receive a business message from you - that is an opportunity for them to see what you're about and decide whether they want to get to know you better. Remember this, a social networking tool is only as good as the work you put into it - it doesn't grow by itself.. If you want LinkedIn to work for you, reach out and get involved. Search for customers, business connections, and potential strategic partners and say hi. Have you been itching to be introduced to someone at that large company? Search for employees of the business online and find out which of your connections knows them. Ask for an introduction; it's that simple.
5. Allow people to connect with you directly.
With online networking, it's tempting to let people simply contact you through the platform's email system. However, this isn't always the most personal form of interaction and some people want to chat directly. Post your email address on your profile. This not only increases your credibility, but also shows you're open and willing to communicate.
With online networking, it's tempting to let people simply contact you through the platform's email system. However, this isn't always the most personal form of interaction and some people want to chat directly. Post your email address on your profile. This not only increases your credibility, but also shows you're open and willing to communicate.
6. Contact settings page.
In your Contact Settings page, there's a section titled: “What advice would you give users considering contacting you?” Fill this section out and give some helpful information. This is a great place to explain what type of clients you help and the services you provide in greater detail; Even better? This section is perfect for a plug that entices readers to visit your blog or web page. Be sure to include a link as well. For example, an answer could be, “Thinking about redesigning your Corporate Website with Web 2.0? Call me to discuss your project. 256.799.0286.”
In your Contact Settings page, there's a section titled: “What advice would you give users considering contacting you?” Fill this section out and give some helpful information. This is a great place to explain what type of clients you help and the services you provide in greater detail; Even better? This section is perfect for a plug that entices readers to visit your blog or web page. Be sure to include a link as well. For example, an answer could be, “Thinking about redesigning your Corporate Website with Web 2.0? Call me to discuss your project. 256.799.0286.”
7. Join groups and participate.
I know what you're going to say, "I just don't have a lot of time to join any groups" right? Well, social networking does take some time and you will have to decide how much you want to grow your network through another marketing channel - please remember this; participation is the name of the game. The more you get involved in networking, the more you'll benefit. On LinkedIn, you have the opportunity to join groups and participate in discussions. Get active! These groups are a great place to offer valuable insight and get thought-provoking business advice. (One note of caution: provide valuable information, not just shameless plugs for your business.)
I know what you're going to say, "I just don't have a lot of time to join any groups" right? Well, social networking does take some time and you will have to decide how much you want to grow your network through another marketing channel - please remember this; participation is the name of the game. The more you get involved in networking, the more you'll benefit. On LinkedIn, you have the opportunity to join groups and participate in discussions. Get active! These groups are a great place to offer valuable insight and get thought-provoking business advice. (One note of caution: provide valuable information, not just shameless plugs for your business.)
Although it does require some time and effort, when used strategically, LinkedIn is an extremely useful business tool. With these suggestions, you'll enjoy more traffic, more connections, and a better online networking experience. And best of all, it's free. Enjoy.
If you're looking to get started on LinkedIn, I'd like to highly recommend a LinkedIn Class called "Introduction to LinkedIn 101" Instructors: David McElhaney and Bruce Avilla have created a special Training (FREE) Class to help you get a jump-start on LinkedIn. The “Introduction to LinkedIn 101” class via email to Bruce Avilla to get more information contact: Bavilla@DataVentures.biz
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