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Rocket Science Behind LinkedIn

Written by: Devesh Dwivedi

Article Overview: How I managed to get a full-time job when I needed and dozens of clients for my businesses; here's the rocket science I use... A quick list of what I do to make Linkedin work for me.

Rocket Science Behind LinkedIn

Who would not like to sell more, find more customers, and find the next project or job all via LinkedIn!?! Well, let me share all the rocket science of how I landed a full-time job and got (and still get) all (more than 70%) my clients from LinkedIn.

Before I tell you the secrets, let me tell you that my philosophy of networking is pretty open yet pretty selective and in traditional argument of quality versus quantity i.e being connected to more people versus being connected to relevant people, you’d always find me somewhere in the middle of the road because I personally invite to connect people when I see a synergy where either I can help them or they can help me however, I accept almost all invites as an open networker unless A. the profile smells like a spam and B. the profile smells like a spam ;)

Another, ongoing argument is that the networking gurus tell you to have a “give to get” approach of networking, where you keep giving and expect it to come back, I think it is the sure shot way of setting yourself up to be disappointed. I believe in “give to give” and by that I simply mean is, accept the fact that you may never see a return on your efforts and do not expect anything in return. “Give to give” and you will be very pleasantly surprised with what your efforts will unfold…

So, without further ado here are the 'nine' that will help you shine, and remember most of these can be applied to other social and professional networking platform as well.

1. Fill out your profile completely and correctly to earn trust. Usewidgetsto integrate other tools, such as importing your blog, slideshare or twitter stream to enrich your profile.
2. Do market research and gain knowledge with Polls. Ask questions in Questions and Answers to get an idea on what customers and prospects want or think of your product, services and or industry. Spot their problem and solve that problem with your product/ service.
3. Answer questions inQuestions and Answers. Show your expertise but stay away from OVER self-promotion. This one is my favorite and most used one.
4. Publish your LinkedIn URL on all your marketing collateral, including business cards, email signature, email newsletters, web sites and brochures, so people can learn more about you.
5. Connect more. Browse your first-level contacts lists and ask for introductions to their first-level contacts in your target market. Find experts in your field and invite them as a guest blogger on your blogor speaker at your event. Join industry and alumni groups related to your business. Start, join and manage a group for your product, brand or business to directly communicate and connect with people who are interested in your product/ business/ industry but are not connected to you.
6. Update your status with recent work, sales, News, articles etc. Link your status updates with other social media accounts. Or use ping.fmto save time on updating status across the board. Share useful articles and resources that will be of interest to customers and prospects, to break the ice and start a conversation.
7. Request LinkedIn recommendation from happy customers willing to provide testimonials.
8. Buy a LinkedIn DirectAdthat only your target market will see.
9. Nobody wants to be sold yet everyone wants to sell. Be ready to be a customer too. It’s a two way lane, so stay respectful and open to ideas of buying from and helping the connections as well. Remember by becoming a client, you will develop a strong relationship with that connection and can ask for favors like warm introductions in future as well.

If you enjoyed this article, please help me improve by sharing your feedback and if you found it helpful, please help me spread the word by sharing it, tweeting it…

Happy Networking!

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Article Tags: Linkedin, Networking, Tips



Related Forum Posts
Re: On Which Social Media Sites Are You Most Active? - I'd be curious to hear how you guys use LinkedIn. I have close to 3,000 connections and never use it. I've been told the secret is to use groups (which I don't) so I'd love to hear how you guys are benefiting from LinkedIn.
Re: Twiiter an sales - [quote="soldlab":1ycb8vnm]I guess though LinkedIn is better for actual leag generation and personal contacts. What do you think?[/quote:1ycb8vnm] I've had a lot more success (thus far) with Twitter than LinkedIn or Facebook.
Re: Social Media Effectively? - Personally, I use social media to build my company brand in order to get awareness of the various franchises I work with. I am active on LinkedIn and Twitter (@DougSchadle), always posting information about the franchise opportunities I work with. I have started discussions and basically just try to get the word out there. Also, I turned one of my clients to social media as well. I work with Doctors Express, the first national urgent care franchise, expanding their franchise base. They are quickly spreading throughout the country and I told the founder to jump on to Twitter and LinkedIn as well. He just started a few weeks ago (Twitter handle @Doctors_Express) and tells me he is loving it. He is posting different medical issues he sees and is tweeting about Doctors Express. He is joining medical groups on LinkedIn and trying to connect to other doctors. So in short, I do think franchises can be very successful with social media, they just have to put in the time to do it.
Re: 15 Ways You Can Look Amazing on LinkedIn - I agree with GT in that this advice can be applied to more than just LinkedIn. Excellent tips!
Re: On Which Social Media Sites Are You Most Active? - Definitely Facebook and also somewhat on Twitter and LinkedIn. I'm a member of IMFaceplate and several others but not very active on them.


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