How To Leverage the Business Networking Power of Linkedin

May 31, 2012 by Eric Taubert

Photo By Nan Palmero

With so many new social networks popping up all the time, it can be challenging to determine which sites you should maintain an engaged presence on to create the greatest impact for your brand.

For a lot of people, Linkedin is one of those networks that slips through the cracks. They have an account on it. They respond to connection requests. They sign in and peruse the news feed from time to time -- but, for some odd reason, they tend not to contribute much content.

That creates significant opportunities for those of us who do regularly contribute meaningful content and engage in discussions on Linkedin. Less competition. Less noise. More exposure. More of a chance to make an impact.

A recent survey conducted by Lab42 revealed the following facts about Linkedin:

• 61% of respondents identified Linkedin as ?the social media site they primarily use for business networking?
• 35% check in to Linkedin daily
• Another 32% check in a few times a week
  

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Here are a few starter tips to help you Leverage the Business Networking Power of Linkedin:

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Commit to Becoming an Active Linkedin Member

If you pay attention to your update feed on Linkedin, you?ve probably noticed that you seem to see the same handful of individuals quite often. These are the people who are doing what you need to.

I?m not saying to be obnoxious about it and go on a non-stop posting spree. Instead, set aside 15 minutes a day for your Linkedin regimen - and stick to it. Check in at strategic times, post updates, comment on the updates of others, join a few industry Groups and contribute to the conversations that are occurring.

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Join Groups - and then participate!

The Groups are where Linkedin?s engine really starts to hum. Organized and tightly-focused digital gatherings dedicated to discussing the finer points of particular business topics. Some members of the group offer knowledge by publishing links to their content. Some members of the group ask questions pertinent to the group topic.

Be sure not to make it all about self-promotion. Give before you expect to get. Build relationships. Be helpful. Be fun. Share what you know.

Once the active members of the group get to know who you are, then business becomes a byproduct of your activity in the group.

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Build your Networks - Build your Visibility

First - make sure you are connected with all of your current business and professional contacts on LinkedIn. They make this part easy by allowing you to search your email contacts, connect with people at companies where you?ve worked, connect with people you went to school with and they even take a guess at ?People You May Know? based on the connections and communities you are already active within.

Be sure to regularly request connections from new business contacts you make as you move through day to day life. Clients. Colleagues. Conference-attendees.

As you begin to meet and interact with new people in Linkedin Groups - be sure to connect with them, as well. These are people from your industry - and nobody knows what the future holds. The more industry relationships you develop, the better off you?ll be.

Reminder: Don?t just attempt connecting with people you don?t know and haven?t interacted with. The Linkedin algorithm contains a threshold of "I don't know" responses you can receive before you are required to enter an email address when sending invitations. Because Linkedin serves as a repository for lots of personal information, many users will only connect with people they actually know. Bug too many of them, and your capacity to make future connections will be restricted.

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Take these first few steps and you?ll be shocked at how easy it is to attract the notice of other like-minded go-getters interested in your company or brand.

When people visit Linkedin, they tend to be in a business networking frame of mind. The site puts them right where you want them. They?re reading industry news. They?re looking at updates from colleagues. They?re open to discussing industry ideas and concerns. They expect people to connect with them on Linkedin with the intention of talking business...that?s what the site is for, so take advantage of it.

Looking to move beyond the basics? Check out Jeff Korhan?s comprehensive article, ?10 Linkedin Tips for Building Your Business? on Social Media Examiner.

...and we?d love to invite you to follow Pomegranate Digital Agency on Linkedin!

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Written By Eric Taubert - @erictaubert

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