One of the most popular questions I am asked is, “To be part of Social Media, what site should I start with?” This question usually comes at the end of my Social Media Marketing Seminar or after a one-on-one consultation.
Since I work with business owners to expand their current marketing plan to include social media applications, my answer is always the same…start with LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com).
Through my experience, the basic concept for LinkedIn is…connect with people you know to meet people they know. Sound simple enough?
The registration is easy, sign up and then get started. You will begin by building a profile and then upload your contacts. The profile building process will take a couple hours to do correctly, so give yourself enough time. After you build your profile, you will upload your contacts and start connecting.
LinkedIn has a lot of great features. Here are some of my favorites:
1. Growing your circle. Look at who your connections are connected with. You will find that every person you know, knows someone you would like to meet. For example, if you know Steve Smith and Steve has 120 connections, who are they? Look at his list and start shopping for your next connection. Look at the names, titles and profiles. When you find someone you want to meet, call Steve and ask him to introduce you. Steve will be happy to help because he already knows you and likes you. Before you know it, you will meet face-to-face Steve’s connection. Be sure to return the favor and connect Steve with someone on your list.
2. Looking for Titles. If a good business alliance or referral for you is a particular position/title, then the system will tell you who they are and how you can find them. For example, if you are looking to meet Financial Planners, simply go to the “people” section and insert Financial Planner in the keyword search. Also make your location selection for “located in or near” so you can select someone near your location. Magically, a list will appear with Financial Planners located near you.
3. Get recommended and receive referrals for being active on LinkedIn. How would you like to get recommended or receive referrals just for actively being part of a network? Notice I said ACTIVELY! If you start this relationship, don’t bail out after 2 weeks. Stay active and referrals and recommendations will come your way. The reason is because people ask each other for online referrals. Plus, people like to help each other. If you are not actively helping, then you will miss out on a lot of business. After all, LinkedIn has over 43 million users. Are you LinkedIn?
Jennifer Hampton, CEO
Superior Virtual Services, Providing Social Media Training and Management Solutions
