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LinkedIn is a great social media platform for business to business networking. If you want to establish yourself as an industry expert this is perhaps one of the most effective platforms for businesses. Do you want to market to other businesses, network with business leaders and executives? If so, then a presence on LinkedIn is a must! LinkedIn is substantially different than other social media sites because your profile is more like an online resume. As a result, with LinkedIn you really want to be professional.
Some tips on how to use LinkedIn to your advantage:
1. Build a powerful and profile try to make your profile 100% complete by including your education, professional experience as well as an products or materials that you have produced. Your LinkedIn profile is essentially an online resume for you. Add both past and present experience, your full education, honors and awards, an avatar and pay special attention to the summary information.
2. There are thousands of groups on LinkedIn be sure to join several groups and get involved. LinkedIn’s groups feature is also a fantastic engine for networking with people in your professional circles. You can join groups who have similar businesses and services as you, network with college alumni as well as business or trade specific entities. The more networking you do, the more your business gets noticed.
3. This is one of the best features on LinkedIn the Ask and answer questions. You can rapidly establish yourself as an industry expert by routinely checking to see if there are any questions being asked in your area of expertise. If you provide meaningful and helpful answers is a very effective way this will help you build connections which in turn establishes you as an expert.
4. Give and ask for recommendations section is another unique feature on LinkedIn. The Recommendations area is similar to testimonials that you would post on your website. LinkedIn has a section on your profile for recommendations from colleagues and business partners. Be sure to ask for recommendations but also be willing to give recommendations to others this will build good will.
5. Ask for introductions. Is there a business or a person who you would really like to joint venture with or network with? Ask someone in your circle of connections to introduce you. In general your connections are more than happy to facilitate an introduction this is standard practice on LinkedIn.
As with all social media platforms, the value of LinkedIn is in building targeted connections and networking. LinkedIn is especially valuable for business to business transactions and networking. Be sure to add value, compliment others and establish yourself as an expert in your field and your social media efforts will enhance your business.
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About Karr
iann
Karriann Graf is a Social Media Manager/Strategist for small businesses and real estate professionals. Her focus is to help you learn about the best Social Media methods to connect with your clients and customers and increase your revenue.
