Using LinkedIn For Networking: The Next Steps
6 Ways to Build an Effective Network Using Social Media
Nov 28, 2008
While many people sign up for LinkedIn, they don’t always take the critical steps to use LinkedIn most effectively.
LinkedIn.com is used by a variety of individuals. President-Elect Barack Obama is linked in. So is Senator John McCain. Bill Gates and a host of other corporate leaders have LinkedIn accounts. But so do small business owners, teachers, college students and homemakers.
People get onto LinkedIn to connect with others who share similar interests and goals in order to develop relationships, get information, and do business. Amateur’s Guide to Using LinkedIn.com has tips to help people get started with LinkedIn. But once they’ve put in their initial contacts, many are at a loss for how to continue to grow their network.
The next six tips will help grow a LinkedIn network exponentially.
Make a Conscious Effort to Grow The Network.
“Ask everyone you meet if they are LinkedIn,” suggested Jeff Tippett, Outreach Strategist for Calvert Holdings, Inc. With over 500+ connections, he has built an impressive network. “The number of connections that I have is part of my personal brand,” Tippett said. “When people look at my profile, they see someone that is well-connected. I am framing their view of me based on the profile that I have created. Often my LinkedIn profile is the first impression someone has of me.”
Tippett suggests that, upon meeting someone, asking them if they are LinkedIn. Go through the stack of business cards on the desk to see if any former contacts use the network.
Use Your Name for The Profile.
"How to Succeed in Business Using LInkedIn," by Eric Butow and Kathleen Taylor, mentions that users have the choice of using their actual name for their public profile web site address. By using their name, (i.e. www.linkedin.com/in/pameladeloatch) their profile will be easier for search engines to find.
Join Groups.
Whether looking for fellow college alumni, colleagues across the country, marketing or financial experts or special interest groups, LinkedIn provides a place to belong. By joining a group, one can stay current on the activities and concerns within a specific industry. Users can also make contacts that may be beneficial in the future.
Ask and Answer Questions.
LinkedIn users share information. If there's a question that’s not in your expertise, who better to ask than a panel of professionals in that field? Also, answering a question asked by another user develops credibility with that user and others who view the response.
Use Recommendations.
The best endorsement for a product is another person. A glowing recommendation from a client, colleague or supervisor gives more weight to a person's ability than anything that person can say. Likewise, by recommending another user, the user adds his name to theirs as an endorsement.
Network with Connections.
Once a contact group has been established, use it for its true purpose: to stay in touch. LinkedIn sends out a periodic update on changes your contacts have made to their profile—a new connection, new job or a new picture. Send that person an e-mail with a comment or question about their change. Find opportunities to help them, through an introduction or advice.
Although LinkedIn is an online site, like any type of networking system, it is about relationships. Learning how to establish, develop and nurture relationships will lead to more and better connections both on and offline.
 |
