LinkedIn is a business networking and social media marketing tool with over 100 million members and a growing office in Dublin!

It is a very effective tool for building your network, generating sales, hiring and much more.  The following are some tips to make sure you get maximum value out of using LinkedIn:

1.      Complete your profile

When you start filling out your profile on LinkedIn, by default, your profile is indexed on Google.  Do you know that a lot of people will search your name on Google before they meet you and your LinkedIn profile will generally appear first.  So if you are filling out a profile make sure that when you read it you sound impressive!   Give a good detailed description of what you do, include a professional picture and connect to some people!

2.      Get testimonials

The statistics show that after people read through your profile the next thing they do is look for your recommendations to see what people are saying about you.  So request those recommendations and impress people even more!

3.      Network with people

LinkedIn only gets powerful when you start using it to stay in contact with people that you meet.  When you go to a networking event and exchange business cards these cards generally end up on shelf somewhere and you are forgot about.  After your networking event when you go back to your office take out your cards and connect with your new business contacts on LinkedIn. 

4.      Communicate with your network

Once you connect with people on LinkedIn continue to let them know you are still in business and available.  They may not need you immediately but when they do need a product or service you supply they are more likely to consider you.  So use the internal e-mail and on a monthly basis and send them a LinkedIn e-mail.  Not many people use this facility so you will stand out if you do.  Don’t do the hard sell.  It’s a social network so provide some interesting, useful, valuable information that they will share. 

5.      Ask Questions

As a business person you don’t always have all the answers.  LinkedIn members are generally very helpful.   Ask them for help if you’re stuck with an issue on your business, ask them to provide a report you’re looking for, ask them for an opinion of what they would do regarding a business problem you have.  You are not only getting valuable information and networking with new people but you’re also communicating with your network.

6.      Use Status Updates

You have the facility to give your network a regular update regarding what you are currently doing.  Most people don’t this so you should!  When you do give that update many of your network will see what you are doing.  It’s a great way of staying in touch.

7.      Be Helpful

Too many people focus on self promotion on LinkedIn.  You should aim to be different and you’ll stand out.  Be helpful by responding to questions, provide valuable information, demonstrate your expertise. 

LinkedIn  can be a very powerful and effective tool for your business, please don’t ignore it!