When compared to a billion Facebook users, LinkedIn would appear as a much less influential contender in the social-media lineup. Yet, executives and middle-management professionals often find this networking portal a valuable tool for growing a business. That’s still true, despite the company’s wide-scale security breach in June, which impacted millions of the social network’s users.
A recent study that analyzed how professionals use LinkedIn revealed approximately one in five users are top-level executives seeking networking and promotional opportunities. CEOs are finding it fruitful to mine those LinkedIn connections, and maybe you should, too.
1. Complete Your Profile
LinkedIn will prompt you for the information needed to fully flesh out your profile. Be strategic about the wording you use and ensure that you’re using the proper keywords for your industry. Use a professional headline, be thorough in job titles and descriptions of experience, and optimize your summary and interests. Be sure to upload a current headshot with a professional tone.
2. Connect, connect, connect.
Connect with professionals already in your arena, but consider also using LinkedIn for a live networking event. Introduce yourself to people, and find connections that are linked to other users you’d like to get to know. Ask for introductions. Customize every LinkedIn connection request that you send. Join groups on LinkedIn that are part of your industry. Join in the conversation.
3. Become a Content Marketer with LinkedIn Publisher
LinkedIn’s new Publisher option gives you the ability to create unique content and to become a thought leader and influencer in your industry. Create original and compelling content and share it with your networks. 91% of marketers use LinkedIn to distribute content and 93% of marketers rate its success. LinkedIn is the only platform that the majority of Business to Business marketers consider to be effective.
4. Flesh out your profile. LinkedIn has made it really easy for you. When you start a new profile or add more information to an already existing one, a handy little tool lets you know your progress. Don’t stop until your profile is 100 percent complete.
5. Put in a good word for others. Those who programmed the recommendation feature for LinkedIn understood the power of applying human psychology to arouse others to action. When you’ve been notified that a social contact on LinkedIn has endorsed you, it’s hard not to feel an obligation to return the favor. Take the time to research the person’s profile, and their specific areas of expertise, before posting a recommendation.
6. Be consistent across social media portals. Ensure your professional title, name and other information is consistent across your online profiles, including LinkedIn. This step is easy to forget when you’re knee-deep in launching a startup. Yet, remember that a new business is often profiled in the local press, and reporters may check that profile when writing a news story about your venture.
7. Create or join an industry-specific group. Follow your competitors on LinkedIn. It’s hard to grow a business when no one knows you’re there. These days many business professionals know they gain more by offering friendship to competitors, than by avoiding them.
8. Chime in on the conversation. Visit LinkedIn’s Questions and Answers section frequently. Doing so allows you opportunities to demonstrate your willingness to help others, as well as show off your business acumen. Both qualities are likely to attract investors to your startup.
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