Linked In may not be as sexy or fun as Facebook and Pinterest but it’s a powerful tool for your business.
Since I’ve been optimizing Linked In profiles I’ve discovered most people are making the same mistakes. Are you?
In an earlier post I recommended 3 basics to make sure you’ve handled on your profile. If you missed it, you can see it here.
Once you’ve taken care of those, here are 3 MORE Linked In tips to put your profile in high gear.
1—Use keywords in your summary – Just as using keywords in your “headline” will help you get found in search, so will using those keywords in your summary. You’ll get the maximum impact if you use the same phrase in your summary as in your headline.
For example, if you used “Interior Re-design” in your Headline then use that same term in your summary. Not only does it make it easy on the search engines, but it also makes it easy for your readers to know exactly what you do.
2—Connect with People—but don’t send the generic Linked In message.
Offer some context as to how your met or why you might want to connect. For example, you see someone in a Linked In group you’d like to get to know better. Maybe they’re sharing lots of good tips. Maybe you have many connections in common. Whatever the reason, you have an easy way to introduce yourself and give a reason to connect.
If you’re in the same group, hit the “connect” button. Choose the “groups” option as to how you know them and then write a message along the lines of, “Hi so and so, We’re both members of the xx group on Linked In and I really enjoy the material you’re sharing. I’d love to connect with you. Regards, your name”
See how it easy that was?
Now you’ve opened the door to a conversation.
Your next step to turn that connection into a relationship is to suggest a coffee or “get to know” you phone call. That way you can better know what their business is and how you can help them.
If you do this consistently, you’ll get to know your Linked In connections and then they’ll jump to mind when you run into someone who may be a good alliance or referral for them.
3 -Groups—Have a strategy. The thing about Linked In Groups is there are hundreds of them. Anyone can start a Linked In Group and they are not all created equal.
Look at how many people are in them. 2500 participants means it’ll be active, with only 35 there won’t be enough going on. Some groups will be great for prospecting and others for collegial networking.
Sign up for some and keep a running watch over what the topics of discussion are and if they’re of interest to you. Look at who the other members are. Are there people you’d really like to meet?. If they’re active in the group you have an easy way to have a conversation.
Linked In maxes you out at 50 groups but in reality your personal “max out” place may be closer to 3-4. Plan to be active in a couple so you can get to know the participants. Answer questions, share interesting articles and be helpful.
If you follow these steps you’ll find Linked In to be a powerful resource.
Do you want to learn more social media tips for your business success? Join me on June 21 at Mac Outfitters for a seminar where you’ll implementation strategies for building your business with social media. But hurry! The Early Bird Special ends June 8th!
