Of all the social media sites, LinkedIn is probably the most natural fit for baby boomers. It’s more professional and more formal. The rules for using the site are more structured which I think makes it a little easier for us boomers to navigate. But in spite of this, may be aren’t getting the most out of their LinkedIn account. Here are seven ways you should be using LinkedIn.
Help with purchasing decisions
Not too long ago I was trying to decide between two options for some software I was planning on buying. Since I couldn’t think of anyone who had used either piece of software, I turned to my LinkedIn network.
Using the Answers section, I posted a question asking for feedback on these two software programs. Within a day I had about a dozen thoughtful responses. Included was a third option I hadn’t been aware of. At the end of the day, I ended up choosing option three. I got a better product at a better price but I would never have found it without the help of my LinkedIn network.
Solving technical problems
Whenever I have a computer problem that I can’t readily solve I go to my network for help. Again, using Answers often nets me a quick response with very good suggestions. If I can’t get an answer from LinkedIn, it probably can’t be done.
Finding experts
Many of the guests I’ve had on my free teleseminars – Andrea’s More Effective Marketing Podcast – have come from my LinkedIn network. If there’s a topic I want to cover I just need to search my network for an expert. I can look at their profile and quickly see if they have the expertise I’m looking for. Not only that, I can usually see at a glance if they’re going to be a good speaker.
But you don’t need to be doing teleseminars to use LinkedIn this way. If you’re looking to hire a virtual assistant, a web designer, an accountant or any other professional, LinkedIn can be a great source of names.
Checking references
Whether you’re hiring an employee, hiring a supplier or taking on a new client, check out that person’s LinkedIn profile first. Recommendations on LinkedIn are actually written by the person making the recommendation and can’t be altered by the receiver. This means you know any recommendations on LinkedIn are valid and true.
Get recommendations
Just as you can check other people’s references, they can check yours. Having recommendations on LinkedIn increases your credibility. If you don’t have any recommendations, don’t be afraid to ask for them. And these recommendations don’t have to come from customers. Do you have a colleague who worked on a project with you? Ask them for a recommendation. Volunteered with a connection? Ask for a recommendation. Anyone who can honestly attest to your skills and integrity can give you a valuable recommendation.
Another way to receive recommendations: give them! Remember that colleague you worked with? If they did a good job on that project, recommend them. In many cases, that will spur them on to return the favour.
Connecting with industry leaders
If there are high profile people in your industry you would like to meet, LinkedIn can be the best way to do it. It’s often easier to connect with people on LinkedIn then via phone or email.
If you belong to the same groups you can “meet” via the group. If you don’t have any groups in common, check out their profile and join one or more of the groups they belong to. Start participating in group discussions to get visible. Then send your target a message or an invitation to connect. Even very high profile people are often very receptive to this type of meeting.
You can also request an introduction via a mutual connection. LinkedIn is very good about showing how you are connected to different people and lets you know who the intermediaries are. Just send the request stating why you want the introduction. Not everyone on LinkedIn will pass along introductions however. A good way to ensure that yours is one that gets passed along is to send a private note to the mutual connection first. Let them know why their connect would benefit from being introduced.
Promotion
You can promote yourself and your business on LinkedIn in a number of ways. First of all, make sure you have a complete LinkedIn profile. Be sure the summary includes keywords your audience will be using when searching for the products or services you offer.
Join LinkedIn groups that are populated by your potential customers. Participate in discussions, reply to other people’s comments and become visible. Don’t spam the group by posting promotional items. Instead be interesting and visible. If people like what you have to say, they’ll check out your profile.
Be visible in the Answers section. Give thoughtful answers to questions related to your field. This shows off your expertise and presents you as a person who is willing to help. Again, if people find what you say interesting or helpful, they’ll check out your profile. I’ve made several valuable connections as a result of answering other people’s questions.
Ask your own questions then start conversations with people who answer. This is a great way to network and build relationships with people on LinkedIn.
These are just some of the ways you can use LinkedIn. If you have a LinkedIn account but haven’t been getting the most out of it, give some of these tips a try.
Andrea J. Stenberg
Has being on LinkedIn helped your business? Leave a comment and share your experiences. And if we’re not yet connected on LinkedIn, send me an invitation to connect. If you tell me you’re a reader of The Baby Boomer Entrepreneur I promise to accept your invitation.
