linkedin fundamentals for business
DESCRIPTION
A presentation given at ASU Small Business & Technology Development Center on how to effectively use LinkedIn for promoting your business.TRANSCRIPT
LinkedIn Basics For BusinessThe Professional Social Network
local2social
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
What Is LinkedIn?• 75 million Professionals in 200 Countries!• Executives from all Fortune 500 Companies are
members of this network.• Relationships matter – connect with people in a
new way to prolong professional relationships & to create new ones via your existing contacts!
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVlUwwgOfKw&feature=player_embedded
First Things First – Join LinkedIn
•http://www.linkedin.com• Have your recent resume ready!• Company Names, Dates, Education• Summary of Experience gained at each job or
school!• A professional headshot, or recognizable photo!
▫Don’t be too casual with this photo, this is a professional social network– not Facebook.
LinkedIn Settings
•You can control who sees what – but remember you want to be found easily!
•Don’t ever share anything, anywhere that you would be embarrassed to see on a billboard with your face alongside.
•Be Professional. – There’s a reason why they are called ‘Trusted Professional Connections’
Profile Completeness:What You Need To Get 100%
• Current Position• At Least: 2 Past Positions• Your Education • Profile Summary – A short paragraph about
yourself & professional aspirations! (Remember Your Keywords!)
• Profile Photo – No Babies, No Partying. Keep it Professional (Headshots work best!)
• Your Specialties• At least: 3 LinkedIn Recommendations
Connections Are Exponential!
Finding Connections
•Search for People.• Import E-Mail Address Book• Invite people to connect with you on
LinkedIn.•Start with your community – search for
your professional circle first.• Introduce Yourself – send messages to
members of your industry or community that you have yet to meet.
Share Your LinkedIn URL• Share your presence on LinkedIn on your
business cards – this a great way to build your connections online & meet new contacts.
• Reach out to your clients in a professional way – Facebook is great for building a casual relationship, but for business people LinkedIn can work better!
• Your LinkedIn URL is located: On Your Profile – Under Education & Recommendations. You can edit your URL to be easy to remember!
Let’s Take A Look At LinkedIn!
•http://www.linkedin.com
Status Updates: What Should You Share?
•Latest Projects or Events You Are Showing
•Your latest specials, deals or news•Tips for your customers/support info•Links to your business online:
▫Facebook Page▫Twitter Account▫Website
Update 3 times a day – Morning, Afternoon, Evening.
LinkedIn Answers- Build Credibility
Your
Competitor
How To ‘Answer’ Questions On LinkedIn
•http://www.linkedin.com/answers• Login To LinkedIn• Look On Left Hand Side For The Word ‘Browse’
▫Browse the Categories▫Look to for your industry topic/specialty▫Choose a Question You Want To Answer▫Click The Yellow Answer Button
▫ Type your answer, spell check & provide sources!
Becoming An Expert
• First you have to answer some questions.• Offer clear & concise terminology in your
answers. Avoid Industry jargon.• Answer more than one question – be heard and
have something valuable to say. • The more questions you answer, the more likely
you will receive expertise in that field based on your solid content.
• The person who asks the question, chooses the best answer among the many replies.
Company Profiles
•Follow other Companies – local, industry, or partners.
•Search for Jonesboro, Paragould, Memphis companies who are already set up on LinkedIn.
•Set-Up Your Own Company Profile- (only one person needs to do this!)
•Get your employees who are active on LinkedIn involved with the company profile!
Setting Up Your Company Profile• BE SURE YOU READ THE DIRECTIONS!
• Use your WORK email- @local2social.com
• You do not want to attach a personal email to the Company Profile (Why? no one else in the company can list it.)
• Shrink Your Logo – 100x60 pixels
• Pick the BEST Company Type & be honest about the size!
Don’t Forget …•Keywords, Keywords, Keywords!
▫Company Specialties are really important!
•Discuss with your owner & fellow employees what your Company Description should be!
•No ESSAYS! Be direct, professional & simple!
Its like a first impression- make it count!
Let’s Take A Look At LinkedIn!Questions, Company Profiles, Answers!
•http://www.linkedin.com
Don’t Give Up!• Don’t just create a profile – get involved with
Group Conversations, actively add your contacts to LinkedIn & respond to recommendation requests or messages!
• Seek out those who would recommend you, too!• Update your LinkedIn Status– share your
professional news! ▫ Example: Real Estate Agent lists a new home –
share the details! Your connections may be more likely to buy a home from someone they know than a complete stranger!
Abbi [email protected]
Find Me Online:@abbisilerfacebook.com/local2socialslideshare.net/abbisilerlinkedin.com/in/abbisiler
Thanks Again --
ASBTDC Online:Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/ASU.SBTDC
Twitter:http://twitter.com/asbtdc_asu
Blog:http://www.asbtdc-asu.com/
Connect with Herb on LinkedIn:http://www.linkedin.com/in/asusbtdc
Thanks For Coming!