If you want to raise visibility, get publicity and improve your Google result then LinkedIn is the site for you. Remember the saying “It’s all about who you know?” Today, this infamous phrase applies to LinkedIn. It all about who you are connected to and referred by. Spending a small amount of time on LinkedIn can help you find connectors. Connectors knows everyone! The closer your ideas and products comes to connectors, the more opportunity it will have for you. LinkedIn is not about how many is in your network, but who and why they are connected to you. It can take just a small group of people to make a big difference. Here are a few tips I have learned by joining LinkedIn.
1. Pimp your profile: Yeah, I said it! It you got it, flaunt it. Pimp your LinkedIn profile can differiate you from others and present a fine lasting impression. It not just about having a LinkedIn account and linking your website on your profile. It is about actively showing off your skills and credentials. Take advantage of the many featured applications on LinkedIn. Try connecting your virtual lives with the WordPress or BlogLink Application in LinkedIn. This wonderful application can synchronize your blog posts from many platforms with your LinkedIn profile. I am not done! If you have wonderful presentation skills, then Slideshare or Google Presentation is a great way to show off your creativity on LinkedIn. You can upload & display your own presentations, check out presentations to your colleagues, and find experts within your network.
2. Seeking Your Connectors: By joining, a few niche groups. LinkedIn group directory allow you to find communities of professionals who share a common experiences, goals and interests. Once upon approval, jump into many discussions and engages with your network. You never know, the CEO of the top corporation may be checking you out.
3. Share & Help Others: Heard of the saying. “Don’t give out information for free!” Bump that! In this economy, you must give and share information to help others. Just as if you are hiking up a mountain with friends, would you leave them behind? No. You help them up the mountain with you or before you. Social media is about edification and gratification. Here is how this work? As soon as you connect with someone in your industry, get to know who he or she is as a person. View their profile, compliment their skills, listen to their talk show or watch their video. If the information they provide is useful to you, let them know. Listen, watch and give feedback. They will appreciate and remember you. Try using the Q&A section. This forum is an excellent way to show your expertise by answering very simple questions.
4. Market Research: Market research is the blood of your business. At times, you will need some specific information from a targeted group of people. LinkedIn Poll is an application that allows you to find answers to your business questions. It provides more consumer insights tools for us in the future, especially when launching a new product.
5. Offline Networking: Take advantage of the free or low-cost face-to-face networking events held in your local area. Meeting people offline will give you the opportunity to invite them to join you online and join your social networking community.
LinkedIn is not a numbers game, like MySpace and Facebook. It is about the relevancy of your network and the relationship you have built. As long as you are part of an association of people with shared interests, either virtual or in person, you will benefit from belonging to something larger than yourself. In addition, that collaborative energy will strengthen you and your fellow members. Always remember, make sure there are others in your network that is sharper than you are.
