What do you do with your LinkedIn?
- First file out a profile - Include as much information as you can
- Start linking in with contacts, those you work with, those you do business with, customers, clients, etc.
- Don't just connect with those you know well. You can "branch out"
- Ask for recommendation from those you have worked with or worked for
- Groups - Join some groups in your niche or a niche that you want to be part of in the future
- Fill out your resume if you are looking for a new job
- Recommend some people who you feel are highly qualified
- Check out people you may know - Connect with those you know or know someone you know
- Search Companies - This is a really neat feature. You can find out how many people work at a company, who has joined or left the company and insightful statistics of the company such as is the executive leadership top heavy in comparison to other organizations?
- You can set up your own news feed now - I like to check on news of the industry this way too - instead of going to 10 websites, its all right there on LinkdIn
LinkedIn is also a great sales tool. My day job is in media sales. Years ago you could cold call in person at almost anyplace. You could call businesses and someone always answered the phone. Those days are almost gone. Many businesses have a walk in center where you must know a name and extension to enter.
Phone calls are now always screened and emails can easily be ignored. With LinkedIn you can find the correct contact name and send them a message through LinkedIn once they connect with you. Most people will connect if you have a common connection. It's a great way to learn about the business before your appointment too.
LinkedIn also offers a premium addition with monthly charge from $19.95-$99.95. It offers more bells and whistles. You would be able to know who is looking at your profile, have the ability to email messages to those that are not connected to you, and much more.What will you do with your LinkedIn this week?