I’ve spent time recently exploring some of the possibilities of LinkedIn. It’s interesting how many people I know that have joined but haven’t quite figured out how to use it effectively. I had to admit to being a member of that group so I decided to learn more.
One of the basic activities is to create Connections. These are people that you’ve met that agree to connect with you. Once you are connected you can each see the other’s Connections. If someone has only a few Connections they are probably not using LinkedIn very much. On the other hand, if your Connection has linked to hundreds of people they are clearly using LinkedIn for business. You can make a request for an Introduction to anyone’s Connection which gives you the opportunity to connect to someone new. This can be useful in renewing old acquaintances or even in prospecting for potential new customers.
You can get qualified as an Expert in your field which will get your business to appear in various types of searches. You can Answer questions in your field which can also result in people looking at what services you offer. Nearly everything that you do gives you an opportunity to leave a link to your website which will help your Internet marketing.
If we haven’t already linked, please send me an invitation. If we have, check out my Connections and ask for an Introduction if someone looks interesting. Also, I attended a Samurai Business Group seminar by Christopher S. Rollyson on using LinkedIn on March 11, 2008. Let me know if you’d like more information.
