Mel K.
Thought leader and speaker helping companies find and retain the best frontline employees and their managers
Looking for advice on how to use LinkedIn most effectively
If there was one piece of advice you would give someone who was new to LinkedIn or had not really been effective at using it. What would you tell them or show them,
Good Answers (3)
Jeff B.
Technical Sales Consultant, SharePoint Services at AT&T Hosting, Cloud and Managed Applications
Best Answers in: Business Development (1), Professional Networking (1), Enterprise Software (1), Using LinkedIn (1)
The "one" piece of advice I would offer is to use it fully, which has many subtasks, some of which follow:
1) Fill out your profile completely. LinkedIn will tell you when you hit 100% completeness.
2) Use the Contact list integration so you connect quickly to everyone you know who is on. Connect only with people you truly know. The value of the service gets watered down quickly for everyone when people just invite people they have zero real-world connection to.
3) Raid your connections' connection lists for other people you know and have worked with. You'll notice that you can simply add people in your friends' lists. Be judicious. ONLY add those people you actually know.
4) Join Groups either by seeing what your colleagues have joined, or by searching in the Groups area. ONLY join groups in which you have some actual reason to be there. The goal is not to have the most groups possible, but the most appropriate selection of groups. In particular, join alumni groups for organizations you've worked with.
5) Update your home page to include portlets for categories of Q&A that you are interested in/expert in. Link your blog, maybe post your reading list.
6) Participate regularly in Q&A to demonstrate your expertise. Be genuinely helpful to those asking questions, without any thought of direct transactional reciprocity. Think of your answer as a way of sending good professional karma.
7) Update your status fairly regularly to talk about what you're working on. Now that LinkedIn has added commenting on statuses, it gives your friends something to respond to.
8) When your home page flashes a message that an old colleague has taken a new position, send them an inbox message to congratulate them and ask about their new gig. Only do this if you're genuinely interested.
9) Ask a question in the Q&A about a specific topic related to your area of expertise. If you work at a car dealership, for example, ask "What kind of incentives are you most interested in right now when it comes to buying a new car?" When you get responses, thank the respondents personally with an inbox message. Let them know you would be happy to help them if they should ever need your services. Select one of the respondents as "Best Answer" -- it will give their LinkedIn reputation a boost.
10) Last, but far from least... All those connections you've made? Some of those people are people you merely got acquainted with, but some of them saved your day, project, career, life... Give them something back by proactively sending them a Recommendation. It will enhance their LinkedIn reputation.
If you're wondering how any of this directly leads to new business, a new job for yourself, that next sale? It doesn't lead directly, and that's the whole point. LinkedIn does not, in and of itself, create opportunities. But, when opportunities arise, the time and energy you spent building and maintaining a healthy, thriving network will be there to support you in seizing it.
Best of luck to you!
Octavio B.
Global Thinker ★ Corporate Strategist with focus in 2.0 Technologies
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Hi Mel:
I will share with you the top 3 issues that should be considered when making pleasant and successful networking in Linkedin, that may be easily extrapolated to real-life networking.
1. Define clearly your mission and your goals as an active networker:
You should define clearly your mission as a networker and the goals that you want achieve being an active networker. You could be an active networker to know significant persons for your professional endeavors or your personal life, for having fun, to learn from the collective intelligence of the network, to identify new professional opportunities and to make new businesses among other motivators to make networking.
Linkedin has provided me the rare, but valuable opportunity of getting in touch with professionals belonging to multiple disciplines and to different cultural contexts. I have realized that in India, there is a growing concerns for themes of knowledge management and outsourcing; in UK and Netherlands the focus may be placed in themes of organizational Development, particularly Change Management while that in USA there is a growing interest about themes of Innovation and Leadership, and in these days, about themes related with economic recession.
When I have posted questions that have been well-crafted and developed about themes that passionate me such as Leadership, Organizational Development, Innovation or Change Management I have gotten many answers from respondents with different professional profiles and experiences. When I compare the strategic value from the answers I have achieved with the equivalent value obtained of face-to-face meetings with business experts, I must realize then, that by being active in Linkedin, I have better opportunities to get a meaningful multidimensional analysis of a given business perspective.
I have felt true satisfaction of having been helpful to provide mentoring and advice to young professionals and students to help them to make crucial decisions in favour of their professional development and personal growth.
2. Make networking with a clear personal branding strategy in mind:
Linkedin, has been instrumental in building a personal branding strategy where you show your individual ambition while building carefully and step by step your well-earned reputation. This has been the motivation that has justified my active presence in Linkedin.
Personal Branding is the conscious and systematic process where people and their careers are effectively marketed as brands in virtue of their competences, distinctive personality traits, abilities and skill sets that all together are helpful in promoting and building a solid reputation and a well-gained prestige.
3. Be a good citizen in your network:
Being a credible and trustful networker, helping to others to solve their problems or doubts, being sincere and showing to others like you are in your personal life are important factors to build trustful relationships where mutually beneficial relationships may be built with other networkers who share your interests, hobbies and expectations.
Being active on Linkedin Answers, participating actively in blogs and forums and being collaborative with other networkers you will have the opportunity of building an excellent professional reputation about you that talks loud regarding to the kind of person who you are and will be helpful to achieve the goals that you have previously defined as an active networker.
Linkedin has been a fundamental resource in building a positive reputation as a collaborative and knowledgeable member of the networked community and has strengthened my own personal branding strategy.
Relevant to your question, I am including links to 3 questions that I have posted in Linkedin Answers:
1. Are you satisfied with your Online Life?
2. What will be the impact, if any, of social networking in the enterprise?
3. How do you use Linkedin to build your Personal Branding?
Octavio
Links:
Paul S.
Franchise Management, Marketing & Development; Social Technology; Interim & Turnaround Management; Private Equity
Best Answers in: Franchising (1)
The most important piece of advice I would share is defined in my own "Triple P Tripod" plan. A tripod as everyone knows, stands on three legs. If one leg isn't as strong as the others, is different in length, or is missing altogether, the tripod falls. At best, it precariously stands when leaned against the wall only to fall at the slightest movement. The triple "P" refers to three words, Personalization, Participation, and Patience.
Personalization - Just as when you enter a room full of people, it's your personality and how you handle yourself that gets you noticed. On LinkedIn, the same holds true. Starting with your profile, make sure it reflects you as you want to be perceived.
Mispellings and poor grammar are akin to an open fly or a skirt tucked in pantyhose at an in-person event. Yes, you'll be remembered, but for the wrong reasons. Enter discussion groups with grace. In other words, without being obnoxious or obtrusive. Develop your own style, your own points of view. Just as when you leave an in-person event and thank your host and say adieu to the people you have been conversing with, also thank individuals that took the time to answer the questions you posted in a LinkedIn group. Keep in mind, as in anything that is written, your words will last forever as they become your personal stamp.
Participation - It's important to participate in various groups on LinkedIn. Be proactive in groups you're directly interested in as well as "collateral" groups that touch on your areas of interest. For instance, if you're interest is in franchising, you would most likely join several franchise groups. Now, look at entrepreneur, small business and marketing groups.
When posting a question in one group, post it in the others to gain a different perspective. For example, the question, "How would you define franchising/" is answered much differently in a franchise forum than in an entrepreneur forum. Certainly, much different in a marketing or sales forum.
At first, I would recommend responding to posts to get a feel for how it's done and more importantly, a feel for the group. It's always best to test the waters with your toe than it is to just jump right in. Yes, there may be sharks in the LinkedIn waters and they'll attack at the first sign of weakness.
Next, post simple discussions and remember to respond to and thank each person that has taken the time to participate in "your" discussion. As you're comfortable, start your own group. If you're very interested in a particular group and are unhappy with participation or feel membership is lacking, contact the group owner and offer to to help recruit members as a manager of the group.
Patience - At first, a newcomer to LinkedIn will feel overhelmed. Actually, that may be putting it mildly especially if you're less than experienced in social networking, or texting and sending instant messages by phone. Take a deep breath and understand this is not rocket science. Take it one step at a time.
Preview the LinkedIn tutorial and refer to it again and again. Use the 'Help" section. Search online for articles and tips on using LinkedIn. Explore all aspects of LinkedIn as a kid in a candy store. You'll find things you never knew existed about LinkedIn that can help you achieve your objectives. After considerable time working with LinkedIn, I'm still amazed when I discover something new, either by accident or by learning from others.
To this day, I'm excited by signing in to LinkedIn and exploring new groups, uncovering new opportunities, seeing who responded to my last post and who commented on my last response, and most importantly, meeting new people and developing online relationships that over time turn into rewarding personal relationships. I've actually connected with one of my boyhood heroes, a former ballplayer turned marketing executive, on Linkedin, that I now communicate with on a regular basis!
Happy networking!
More Answers (16)
It all depends on your goals. Are you seeking employment opportunities? Are you seeking networking for social or business purposes? Are you seeking a forum for discussion of various topics? Your goals determine how you want to use the networking sites. If you or anyone you know is seeking additional income with either a part-time or full-time commitment, please contact me at nis1@bellsouth.net. We'd like to talk with you.
Thanks,
Bob
More and more interaction will take you to your goal
Jo L.
Web Marketing Services and Training
Best Answers in: Web Development (5), E-Commerce (2), Search Marketing (1), Nonprofit Management (1), Computers and Software (1)
Hi Mel. There are many good points in Jeff's answer, so follow his advice, although I'd disagree on one point and say that direct opportunities can and do come through LinkedIn. People post for jobs all the time, through Questions and groups in addition to formal paid listings, and someone is getting all those gigs.
In January I wrote a piece on my web business strategy site specifically for folks new to LinkedIn, you can read it at the link below. The post includes screenshots to illustrate the various tips and recommendations.
Best, Jo
Links:
Rick R.
21st Century Sales Growth for Founders & Entrepreneurs, RainMaker Maker, Social Selling Guru, Sales Evaluation
Best Answers in: Business Development (3), Sales Techniques (1)
By coincidence, I posted about this yesterday. The link is below.
Links:
Bryan C W.
Seeking a new opportunity in B2B technology; global experience
Best Answers in: Using LinkedIn (1566), Customer Service (58), Job Search (25), Staffing and Recruiting (24), Education and Schools (16), Business Development (15), Professional Networking (12), Small Business (11), Manufacturing (9), Project Management (8), Business Insurance (7), Resume Writing (7), Software Development (7), Web Development (7), Regulation and Compliance (6), Internet Marketing (6), Wireless (6), Sales Techniques (5), Quality Management and Standards (5), Ethics (5), Accounting (4), Government Policy (4), Personnel Policies (4), Exporting/Importing (4), Criminal Law (4), Advertising (4), Business Analytics (4), Corporate Governance (4), Labor Relations (4), Organizational Development (4), Planning (4), Supply Chain Management (4), Enterprise Software (4), Computers and Software (4), Databases (4), Telecommunications (4), Facilities Management (3), Event Marketing and Promotions (3), Economics (3), Government Contracts (3), Contracts (3), Public Relations (3), Change Management (3), Career Management (3), Energy and Development (3), Green Products (3), Blogging (3), Commercial Real Estate (2), Purchasing (2), Air Travel (2), Certification and Licenses (2), Mentoring (2), Occupational Training (2), Government Services (2), Compensation and Benefits (2), Public Health and Safety (2), Work-life Balance (2), Corporate Law (2), Employment and Labor Law (2), Events Marketing (2), Lead Generation (2), Search Marketing (2), Equity Markets (2), Nonprofit Management (2), Packaging and Labeling (2), Business Plans (2), Franchising (2), Starting Up (2), Biotech (2), E-Commerce (2), Computer Networking (2), Car and Train Travel (1), Business Dining and Entertainment (1), Hotels (1), Travel Tools (1), Freelancing and Contracting (1), Budgeting (1), Corporate Debt (1), Mergers and Acquisitions (1), Risk Management (1), Health Care (1), International Law (1), Internationalization and Localization (1), Offshoring and Outsourcing (1), Antitrust Law (1), Tax Law (1), Guerrilla Marketing (1), Graphic Design (1), Customer Relationship Management (1), Writing and Editing (1), Commodity Markets (1), Currency Markets (1), Retirement and Estate Planning (1), Wealth Management (1), Branding (1), Market Research and Definition (1), Engineering (1), Interface Design (1), Product Design (1), Communication and Public Speaking (1), Information Security (1)
You will get out of LinkedIn what you put into it, thus:
- Complete your profile so others can know you better.
- Use the Outlook Toolbar to LinkIn your existing contacts to grow your network.
- Play around with "Account and Settings" to see what is best for you.
- ALWAYS personalize an invitation to reflect where/when/how you met or the common ground or reason you wish to connect.
- Get active in Q&A so that folks understand you better. This may lead to actual business if your expertise shines through.
Angil T.
Author at Quick Guide to Understanding Medicare, Medicaid and other payer sources
Join groups related to your field. This gives you the opportunity to connect with people, knowledge, and resources within the group. Actively participate. Check the goup for updates, news and discussions daily. I have found people on linkedin to be very helpful, and welcoming.
Hello Mel,
I would say:
Be interactive, read all yours connections profile, understand deeply what are you looking for and be focused until you reach it. Try to netwroking with your contacts because they are not just virtual connections, so find your way to share your ideas, projects and anything may be helpfull for you. Learn how to use linkedin in all its functions.
All the best,
M
Linda D.
CEO at Strategic Growth Concepts / DAIMAR Enterprises, Inc. and CEO, Mobile Technology Assn of MI
Don't "sell"; provide lots of useful information in your specialty area which others in your various groups will find useful. Your expertise will be evident in your postings and will do the "selling" for you.
Couple other hints: 1) I try to respond to everyone who comments on one of my postings thanking them for their contribution and I add a comment indicating that I would be happy to provide assistance if they ever need my services, and 2) I join the maximum number of groups and put my postings in all appropriate groups, and 3) I keep tabs on the activity in my groups - if very few seem to be participating, I leave that group and go in search of one that is more active and will provide more benefit.
For research I find their adcanced search function including references pretty interesting and effective. I would also like to learn how to use it more effectively in a "mining" sense.
Michael H.
Speaker - Author - Talk Radio Host - I teach people how to get massive free publicity for their business and products
Reach out to people instead of waiting for them to reach out to you
Mel,
I would probably say to be active and visible. While I do not consider myself to be an expert on LinkedIn, I have found that the more active I am, the more leads, contacts, etc... are generated.
Amy F.
Founder & CEO, Impact Instruction Group – Custom learning experiences for business impact
Best Answers in: Mentoring (1), Communication and Public Speaking (1)
Mel, I look at LinkedIn as one part of my overall networking strategy.
To suggest one thing for someone new (and even for experienced users) - to consistently do something daily or weekly with LinkedIn.
Otherwise it can get overwhelming. Just like with other forms of networking, it takes time to build a quality profile, join the groups, answer questions, etc.
I've included a couple of blogs for you that I've found helpful.
Good luck! - AF
Links:
Hi Mel,
My advice is to start searching for people from your past experiences or connections. Build your connections. Also, be sure to use it when you are seeking employees, advice, etc.
Best, Lonnie
Rodney Smoczyk PHR R.
Global Director of Talent Acquisition at EDG
Best Answers in: Staffing and Recruiting (4), Personnel Policies (1)
Manage thy contacts!
Sure it feels good to have a gazillion contacts but what are they good for if you can't use them? I understand that a network screams for numbers but don't dilute the effectiveness of this tool by adding just anyone. Be selective and insure that there is some value in adding someone to your network. Otherwise it will take you quite awhile to reach the true potential of this valuable tool.
Hope that helps
-Rodney
Amanda H.
Founder, CEO, Speaker Talent Revolution Inc. Marketing, Employment Branding, Workplace, Social Media Consultant
Exactly how you did right here. Bravo.
I would tell that person to get connected to Mel Kleiman.
