LinkedIn is a networking site, but not one like Facebook or Twitter. Twitter is where you tell people what you had for lunch while Facebook is where you post embarrassing pictures of yourself. LinkedIn, on the other hand, is a site for people to network with professionals. So even though LinkedIn is small in comparison to the social networking juggernauts that are Facebook and MySpace, it is still a valuable resource because of its unique professional environment.
Here are three strategies for getting results with LinkedIn:
1. Create a good profile.
LinkedIn is similar to Facebook and MySpace in that profiles are extremely important on LinkedIn as well. This is especially true because it is a professional networking site, where people are on the lookout for talented and skilled individuals whose character traits are admirable as well. Be careful though: some things which you should post on Facebook should not be posted on LinkedIn. Pictures of yourself at a wild party might be appropriate for Facebook, but not at a site where people are looking to form business relationships with you. Professional qualifications and past business successes and experiences on the other hand, would be good things to put in your LinkedIn profile. Spend a good deal of time completing your profile on LinkedIn -- after all, it's your first impression to some very powerful professionals.
2. Get recommended.
A cool feature of LinkedIn is the "recommendations" feature, which allows users to endorse each other. This is a powerful feature because of the social proof that endorsements provide. If you were a representative of a company that was looking to hire one of two potential prospects through LinkedIn and both had an impressive array of credentials, you'd probably pick the one who has more positive feedback from past employers or business partners. Don't hesitate to ask people who you deal with on LinkedIn for recommendations if you feel like you deserve it. Of course, if you return the favour, it'll be a win-win situation. Every endorsement counts because, while tooting your own horn won't impress too many people, getting other people to sing your praises will definitely impress them.
3. Use the "Answers" section.
The "Answers" section is a unique feature of LinkedIn. It's a bit like Yahoo Answers, except people don't spam their affiliate links on LinkedIn to make a few bucks with CPA offers. You should frequent this section often to answer questions in your field. There are two reasons to do this: one is to establish yourself as an expert in your field and the other is to get yourself noticed by more people. Once you're seen as an expert, people will think of you when they think of the niche you're in. For example, people think of Tony Robbins when they think about the self-help niche and of Richard Dawkins when they think of proponents of the atheist school of thought. This is powerful, especially online, where being talked about leads to free advertising and sales. And once you're noticed by more people on LinkedIn, they'll start connecting with you, eventually recommending you, and telling their connections about you, thereby growing your network. In an industry where every professional connection can result in lucrative partnerships, LinkedIn, being the premier business networking site online, is invaluable.
Here are three strategies for getting results with LinkedIn:
1. Create a good profile.
LinkedIn is similar to Facebook and MySpace in that profiles are extremely important on LinkedIn as well. This is especially true because it is a professional networking site, where people are on the lookout for talented and skilled individuals whose character traits are admirable as well. Be careful though: some things which you should post on Facebook should not be posted on LinkedIn. Pictures of yourself at a wild party might be appropriate for Facebook, but not at a site where people are looking to form business relationships with you. Professional qualifications and past business successes and experiences on the other hand, would be good things to put in your LinkedIn profile. Spend a good deal of time completing your profile on LinkedIn -- after all, it's your first impression to some very powerful professionals.
2. Get recommended.
A cool feature of LinkedIn is the "recommendations" feature, which allows users to endorse each other. This is a powerful feature because of the social proof that endorsements provide. If you were a representative of a company that was looking to hire one of two potential prospects through LinkedIn and both had an impressive array of credentials, you'd probably pick the one who has more positive feedback from past employers or business partners. Don't hesitate to ask people who you deal with on LinkedIn for recommendations if you feel like you deserve it. Of course, if you return the favour, it'll be a win-win situation. Every endorsement counts because, while tooting your own horn won't impress too many people, getting other people to sing your praises will definitely impress them.
3. Use the "Answers" section.
The "Answers" section is a unique feature of LinkedIn. It's a bit like Yahoo Answers, except people don't spam their affiliate links on LinkedIn to make a few bucks with CPA offers. You should frequent this section often to answer questions in your field. There are two reasons to do this: one is to establish yourself as an expert in your field and the other is to get yourself noticed by more people. Once you're seen as an expert, people will think of you when they think of the niche you're in. For example, people think of Tony Robbins when they think about the self-help niche and of Richard Dawkins when they think of proponents of the atheist school of thought. This is powerful, especially online, where being talked about leads to free advertising and sales. And once you're noticed by more people on LinkedIn, they'll start connecting with you, eventually recommending you, and telling their connections about you, thereby growing your network. In an industry where every professional connection can result in lucrative partnerships, LinkedIn, being the premier business networking site online, is invaluable.
Dr. Bob Clarke coaches and mentors new and experienced entrepreneurs in making money online with integrity, honesty, and professionalism. He is a social networking and branding expert who teaches his team the secrets of selling anything to anyone, anywhere in the world.
Written by Dr Bob Clarke.
Wanting more,then click here:http://www.enterprisesmnm./
Written by Dr Bob Clarke.
Wanting more,then click here:http://www.enterprisesmnm./
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