I am a massive Lover of LinkedIn! My affair began with the platform back in  2008. Using LinkedIn almost everyday has paid dividends for my business. Back in 2010 I started running training courses and showing other SME’s how I leveraged the platform. Over the years we have seen the birth of so many LinkedIn experts – my view is that no one is an expert. The platform changes almost daily and it is not about working one system its about finding a path that works for you.  Software has been developed to allow you to auto connect but I am a firm believer in building your network with care and attention.

Here are some reasons why every business owner, regardless of size should be leveraging LinkedIn.

1. SEO

Google loves LinkedIn as much if not more than I do!  So one huge benefit is the ranking it will give you. Do a search for my name ( Debbie Gilberrt) and my LinkedIn profile is on page one of Google. Company pages on LinkedIn can often rank higher than your own website. This is a major benefit. So make sure your profile is complete and you have links to your site and you have a company profile.

     2. Thought Leadership

If you want to be seen and heard as a leader in your field then use LinkedIn to post and share articles. If you are an expert then show it! Make sure you contribute to posts on a regular basis and give your opinions and advice. Publish good and well thought out content. This is not the place to share your pictures of your dinner in a posh restaurant.  Create posts which provoke discussion, share expertise and add value to the reader.

     3. Build your Network

You can use the search facility to find people in your industry, new clients and people local to you. Then from here you can build your network Each time you connect with someone and they become your 1st degree connection everyone they are connected to becomes your 2nd Degree, and their connections your 3rd. So you are building a network with so many opportunities. Move the connections from LinkedIn onto a phone call – just send a message and a calendar link and explain why you think it would be good to talk. You can also join groups and interact with people in your industry or area. They are seeing a resurgence and I think will become more heavily utilised again.

     4. Warm leads

LinkedIn can help you warm up a prospect. Users allow LinkedIn to deliver messages to them unlike an email which could get stuck in junk.  You also have the name of the person you need to speak to you which is invaluable. So you can start building the relationship on LinkedIn before going for a phone call.

These are four very compelling reasons to use LinkedIn – there are many more. The functions they are offering now really mean you have access to millions of people at the touch of a few keys. You can use it for competitor research, promote events, share video, photos, brochures and gain recommendations from clients.

There are no negative aspects to using LinkedIn. To get results complete your profile, create a plan, decide on your objectives and be consistent.  Make sure you can be found and use it to find people you want in your network.

Why not connect with me here 

Email and find out when the next training course is planned – debbie@vivabusinesssupport.co.uk