These days there are so many social media platforms it is overwhelming. Each service caters to a specific social activity. When it comes to doing business, LinkedIn stands out at the top of the pack. If you already have a LinkedIn profile, you know it serves as a kind of online resume. But if you just hope someone is looking at you, then you are missing out. No matter what business you are in, using the site to form connections can be a great benefit. So how do you increase engagement on the site to become a LinkedIn leader? Try these steps.
- Request connections/send messages regularly. Spend at least 30 minutes each week searching for new connections to build your network. Ask your current connections for introductions to relevant people in their networks. Also look to join groups that will drive the type of connections you are looking for.
- Send 'thank you' messages when you make a new connection. Make the communications personal. It is easy to use the pre-filled verbiage that LinkedIn provides, but you find better results if you personalize your messages. Respond in a timely manner. The longer you wait, the more likely they will move on to something/someone else.
- Use LinkedIn's publishing platform to get your content out there. About a year ago the platform starting allowing users to self-publish. Media studies show that over 70% of consumers learn about companies from articles over ads; and over 60% of US consumers have made a purchase based on a blog post. Publishing your content will get new people to look at you.
- Come up with your focus. Create a series of content posts around a narrow topic. Become the expert and write about it.
- Publish regularly. You can start slow, but make it consistent. Since LinkedIn is geared around business, most users view posts during normal Monday-Friday working hours. Publish during that time. Use LinkedIn's post statistics to see how you are engaging with your readers.
Networking is a key to driving business in your field and LinkedIn does a great job in making it easy to connect with potential customers.
Written by: Van Pappas CFP®
Vice President and Private CFO™, oXYGen Financial, Inc.
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