Get into LinkedIn – Are you there yet?

Social Media is the HOT topic for business in the down economy. From marketing to customer support, from research to training services, social media is the platform known to reach large audiences at a minimal cost. One of the most widely used social networking sites for business is LinkedIn.com.

On LinkedIn individuals create profiles that are like dynamic resumes. From the profile an individual creates connections with other individuals. There are 4 main components-data areas-on LinkedIn: People, Jobs, Answers, and Companies. In addition, there are Groups that people can join and Applications that can extend the capabilities of LinkedIn. LinkedIn has become an interactive, professional environment that enables individuals to share information and best practices, to collaborate to solve problems, to conduct research, develop joint ventures and extend business development opportunities.

How you use LinkedIn will depend on factors such as your role (Owner, Manager, Sales, HR), your industry (retail, professional services, entertainment, manufacturing) your needs (statistics, access to decision makers, feedback from a target niche, expertise of others) and your goals (acquire new clients, gather information for presentations, hire qualified employees, raise venture capital, get publicity, explore foreign markets). The most important element needed for effective use of social networking sites is a well-defined strategy.

To begin developing your social networking strategy:

• Review your business goals. (1 month, 3 month, 6 month, 1 year)
Tip: If you haven’t written them down for 2009, do it now.
• Determine what kind of business relationships are needed to meet those goals: breadth, a large audience of acquaintances or depth, a small but trusted network of people you know. It can be both but you will need to be intentional in your interactions.
• Determine the types of people you need in your network to achieve your goals. (For example: corporate decision makers, experts in an industry, prospects in your target niche, 30-50 year olds in your geographic location, etc.)
• Determine the kind of data needed to achieve your goals.
The data you need may be found in the Answers section of LinkedIn, Groups or in the myriad of new applications available for installation.

Use the information you compiled from the above activity to drive the actions you take on LinkedIn and other social networking sites.

To get a better understanding of the value of social networking, take the concept offline. Envision yourself at an on-going business card exchange or trade association meeting that allows you to come and go at your leisure. The attendees are from all over the world and from all industries. Some people know each other and some don’t. You can ask for introductions. You can take charge and introduce yourself to new people or invest in relationships you already have. Social networking sites provide exactly this scenario online. Opportunities abound for those who invest in people by developing connections on LinkedIn and other social sites. Get started today by creating profile on LinkedIn.com.

Want to learn more?
Sign up for the Boot camp on June 5th? If your not local, look for the online boot camp in mid-June.