Wanted to Get LinkedIn?

Hi Patch-ers! Today, we're going to talk about LinkedIn.

Every time I meet with a new client or give a presentation, I hear "LinkedIn is for business, right?" It is if you do it right? LinkedIn can be extremely helpful but like all Social Media platforms you have to be relevant and consistent. 

1. First things first. Get a LinkedIn profile. It's easy and free! Make sure you populate that profile with as much information as possible because you never know what word will attract someone to your profile. Put work, education, interests, website, other social media platforms, blogs, etc.
2. Add some applications like "Reading List," connect your blog as a feed, add events or polls. You can find this list in your "edit profile" section where it says add sections. Remember, the more you put, the easier it will be to attract and connect with someone.
3. After you do that, start searching for colleagues and friends on the site using the search function. You should be able to get a lot of contacts initially by doing that. After you start to get a few connections, start looking at their connections. Ask them to introduce you to their connections or even reach out to them yourself. Think of LinkedIn as a virtual networking event! You're there to meet people and make business contacts!
4. Utilize the "answers" tab. This is located in "more" on the navigation bar at the top of your profile page. Look for categories that are related to your business and start answering them. Make sure your answers are well thought out and concise, because you want people to read them and see you as a resource. The more answers, the better! You can even ask questions yourself to stimulate conversation!
5. Join groups! There are groups for every interest, industry and joining them will give you another place to make connections and build a network. Like the Gators? Join that group. Belong to a professional association? Join that group!
6. Integrate your other platforms with LinkedIn. LinkedIn will allow you to post to your Twitter account when you wish. Do it! This helps cast a big net and someone may come looking for you from Twitter after they follow your link from LinkedIn.
7. Post regularly and add links when appropriate. What should you post about? Issues and comments that you find interesting and relevant to your business. Don't make it sales-y but do make it worthwhile of sharing. Don't post about what you had for lunch but maybe who you met for lunch, particularly if you're going to give a complement to a business colleague! Share a great article you recently read or talk about an event you're attending. 

Being a master LinkedIn user is really easy. You just have to do it and doing it can translate into more connections and a better network and that can ultimately get you more business!

Happy Linking!