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Linkedin Offering, Are you missing out?

December 12, 2009 By Randy Schrum View Comments

Today I want to ask you a simple question?
Are you missing out on utilizing LinkedIn’s capabilities for your business?

These additional questions will tell us more:

  • Do you generate leads or opportunities from LinkedIn for your business?
  • Have you generated any joint ventures from LinkedIn?
  • Have you secured a job or employment from using LinkedIn?
  • Have you received advice to your tough business questions on Linkedin?
  • Have you secured top talent for your company using Linkedin?
  • Have you gained appointments through LinkedIn?

If you did not answer yes to at least one of these questions you may be missing out on LinkedIn’s offering.

I will not be able to cover all of LinkedIn’s offering in this article, but I will share a snapshot to each question I asked.

  • Generating leads and opportunities can be done through various avenues on Linkedin. One way is through asking qualifying question through your status updates with links to your site or blog.
  • Joint Ventures can be created through participating in groups with people of similar interest and taking the discussion past the group with a personal message or phone call.
  • Securing employment can be achieved through your connections- connections via introductions, participating on groups, or status updates to name a few.
  • Expert advice is no longer a major task to secure. Using Linkedin’s Questions application you can get highly educated answers from the worlds experts in over 270 industries.
  • Top talent is no longer so tough to find with LinkedIn. You can view profiles, comb resumes, and reach out to thousands of candidates.
  • Securing appointments is truly an amazing way to use Linkedin whether you use the status updates, introduction forwards, or meeting prospects in group’s. After an initial dialogue the logical next step can be asking for a face to face.

These are just some of the ways to benefit from Linkedin’s offering. Feel free to contact me directly to ask questions or join us for this LinkedIn Power Users Webinar this Thursday at 4pm EST w/ Live Q&A following. Don’t worry if you can’t make it, go ahead and register for the playback. Get your spot here

Just getting started with LinkedIn? Grab my Fast Start Guide to LinkedIn Success Grab it here

 

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Filed Under: Linkedin Tagged With: , , ,

Three Little Known Ways to Use Linkedin™

October 17, 2009 By Randy Schrum View Comments

Three Little Known Ways To Use Linkedin

Here is what we will cover:

1. Advanced Search- Building a targeted network & finding decision makers
2. Events-generating buzz for your tradeshows, presentations, public events, etc…and track interest.
3. Get expert advise to you’re most pressing business questions at “no cost”!

 

By using the advanced search you can grow a targeted network by entering one of these simple terms LION, Opennetworker, or Toplinked. Next you can choose to only search through groups you already belong to for your search. These search terms stand for people who are open to accept invites, by doing an advanced search you can then identify those people in your target groups (market) that you would like to be directly connected to. This allows you to still build a massive network, but extremely more targeted. You can also use the advanced search to find key decision image020 201x300 Three Little Known Ways to Use Linkedin™makers in companies by entering title specific keywords and the company.  I use this tool all the time to get new business.

The events application can be a powerful tool and resource to drive attention to your next public event along with the opportunity to measure interest. What I love about this application is that you can promote events on your Profile, in Linkedin Groups, Status Updates, Emails, Websites, and Blogs with a direct link tied to this application.

Next, when it comes to needing expert advisors. I have found no better place than in the Linkedin Question and Answer section. As long as you truly utilize this resource and post your questions with as much detail as possible you will often find a long list of experts in your field standing ready to offer their advice. Here is the best part, it does not cost you a dime!

 

3 Bonus Resources:
~ Get your free copy of the Fast Start Guide to Linkedin Success: Grab it here
~ Join me on the Linked Strategies Group on Linkedin to access more tips. Join Here
~ Join us for one of our “Complimentary” Linkedin Power User Webinars: Count Me In

Filed Under: Linkedin Tagged With: , ,

Are you a believer in Linkedin Groups?

July 22, 2009 By Randy Schrum View Comments

Five Person Business TeamThis is a big question that I am sure will generate a ton of response. So are you a believer in Linkedin Groups? I will tell you that I am without a doubt a strong proponent of Linkedin groups.

The reason why I am a strong believer is because you have a professional community coming together for like interest, goals, experiences, and networks. This makes it the perfect place to collaborate within a “targeted market” with your real investment being the time you put into it.

As a sales and marketing professional myself, I see this as a perfect place to build brand image, be a resource to potential clients or customers, and find solutions! Whether you are in sales, construction, accounting, unemployed, lawyer, doctor, engineer or any other field you can find value in the Linkedin Group communities. Through the group’s directory you can view already established groups or even pioneer a group as you may discover a need to fill on the Linkedin space. The group’s directory will allow you to easily find the right group by both category and keyword. This is a great tool because you then just determine your target audience you want to be in front of by relevant keywords and search to join those “liked minded” individuals

So here are some do’s and don’ts:

~ Be a resource to your group and bring value.
~ Respect the group rules.
~ Ask quality, thought provoking questions.
~ Give well thought out answers.
~ Do not promote your service as a new discussion without the group manager’s approval.
~ Be respectful of the members and when others may be less than professional be slow to respond and careful not to lash out. The community is watching to see how you respond. Respond well and win a valuable connection forever.

As an added interactive, I have posted the question to the Linkedin community on July 21, 2009 @ 8pm central. Here is what I asked, “Are you a believer in Linkedin Groups & Why?” click here to see the live responses.

Finally here is a group for All Linkedin Members, Linked Strategies offers strategies, tips, collaboration, and resources with the Linkedin community on how to be successful with Linkedin. You can join here today, as a way of saying thank you the owner has graciously agreed to host a “no cost” Linkedin Power Users Webinar that you can sign up for here. Strategies Webinar is hosted every thursday with different times emailed to you.  As well as access to the previously recorded.

Randy Schrum

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159474347442426021 Are you a believer in Linkedin Groups?

Filed Under: Linkedin Tagged With: , , , ,

The 7 Habits of Highly Successful Linkedin Members

July 14, 2009 By Randy Schrum View Comments

e7d60b79409a674c The 7 Habits of Highly Successful Linkedin MembersSo what makes a highly successful Linkedin member? Here is what I have discovered as not only habits, but also "secrets" of the treasure chest on Linkedin.

1. They invest their time strategically by putting fresh content on Linkedin when it’s the best time to do so. Let me explain, for me weekends are times to prepare Linkedin content, but as you will notice most collaboration does not take place on weekends. So hold the great Q/A’s, the awesome discussion topics, or the great status updates until Monday and never late Friday. Think about what your audience is doing and be strategic.

2. They use their status update to post something new every 24 to 48 hours and 80% of those updates include a link that gives a call to action. Such as signing up for your next webinar, promotions to visit your blog, or visiting your corporate website etc…

3. They answer target specific questions that are related to their target market. This is great exposure for your business that Linkedin Pros are doing everyday!

4. They change their Picture profile every two months. This creates dialogue and interaction with your network. This is another way to keep your brand in front of everyone. Pictures are worth a thousand _ _ _ _ _ (fill in the blank)

5. They answer every Linkedin email/inmail. Maybe not timely, but they never waste an opportunity!

6. They post their company events on the events application provided by Linkedin and use this as a way to measure interest and involvement for such things as conferences, webinars, or seminars.  The events application has only been recently used by Linkedin Elite, but many are beginning to wise up to its amazing potential.

7. These highly successful members have identified their target markets on Linkedin, their goals on Linkedin, and are executing their plan every single work day. Social Media can be measured, but most don’t understand how to begin measuring their Social Media efforts because they have never identified their goals for using the Linkedin space. Once you have identified your goals then you can build a measurable matrix to anaylize your efforts. I hope you enjoyed these highlights that will help in your Linkedin efforts.

Be sure to grab our Complimentary guide to getting started in Social Media which includes 50 Twitter Power Tips & Social Media Updates. 

Filed Under: Linkedin Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Five Linkedin Power Strategies

July 8, 2009 By Randy Schrum View Comments

Five Linkedin Power StrategiesI have been asked a lot lately to name just a few strategies that I use on a regular basis. So today we will discuss five of those “Linkedin Power Strategies”.

 
 1. Responding to invitations & how.
I believe that creating a small two to three bullet message response for accepting invites is a goldmine. Be sure not to make it long as people will tend not to read it. Also if you have website or blog include that as a link. Key is KISS, keep it simple stupid.

2. Group participation while knowing your objective
If you are not participating in groups you are missing a great opportunity to be in front of your targeted audience. Simply go to the group’s directory and keyword search terms that match your target audience then review the results of your search such as size of group and length of existence. You don’t want to join a group that, one is not your target market and two does not have momentum. Key to the group participation is to offer meaningful discussion and news articles that can be a resource.

3. Updating your status
24 Five Linkedin Power Strategies My recommendation is to set a 24-hour perimeter around your Linkedin account. Okay maybe I miss the season of 24 and wanted to throw that in there. Seriously update your status of what you’re doing or going to do “business” wise. After all Linkedin is a business professional social site. You can promote a corporate article, a non-profit,  event, or even a webinar. This way your connections see what is going on with you and maybe what you have is what they are looking for. You can even use this to post a request for assistance. You will be amazed at the response.

4. Participating in the Q/A with great questions and answers.
You can review my last article on Your answer awaits in Linkedin Questions. Participating in the Q/A of Linkedin is a great way to extend your brand and be recognized as an expert as your answers can be voted as the best answer. The key is to answer questions specific to your category experience or answer questions in the “target markets” you are after. Just be sure if you are not an expert, to research your answer well before putting it out.

5. Be a resource and then ask for the recommendation.
Finally be a resource to the Linkedin community and when people are impressed with what you provide then kindly ask for a recommendation based off that interaction. A person with quality recommendations shows a creditable Linkedin member.

To learn more about being a LinkedIn Power User, join this complimentary Webinar this coming Thursday at either 4pm or 7pm EST, can’t make it? Register for the playback. Grab your spot here: http://bit.ly/3wzq9Q

Grab our complimentary eBook: How Your Company Can Begin to Profit Using Social Media

~Randy

***Need to grow your connections? Here is how

Filed Under: Linkedin, Sales, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Your answer awaits in Linkedin Questions

July 7, 2009 By Randy Schrum View Comments

answers Your answer awaits in Linkedin QuestionsOkay you already know that Linkedin has 43 Million members in over 200 countries, right?  You also know that Executives from all Fortune 500 companies are on Linkedin. 

Some would say why should I ask questions on Linkedin? My question is why would you not?  Linkedin members are the best and brightest you can find anywhere.
 
So why struggle with life’s toughest business challenges, without asking for answers from the worlds brightest from Linkedin? 

Linkedin has so many benefits such as branding your professional appearance, meeting potential clients, collaboration, finding potential partners, closing deals, and posting your own unique offerings.  But the Answer/ Question section could just be the most valuable as you get to ask the worlds foremost experts your question and guess what?  They respond!   
 
Your questions can be categorized and drill downed through Linkedin’s unique filter system to get the best answers and post the most strategic questions.  This is important because those who have experience in your question category automatically gravitate to your need.    
 
Few tips on posting great questions, 

  1. First, be sure you post a good question headline that grabs the audiences attention, otherwise they will look right over it. 
  2. Second, be sure to describe the question effectively…don’t leave out the important details. 
  3. Third, be sure to respond if the community asks for clarification. 
  4. Last, always and I mean always be sure to rate your answers you receive after the question is closed. 
     

Here is a snapshot of a question I posted about asking questions on Linkedin, click on the pic to see the response.

 linkedin qa

  

Learn more about Linkedin and how you can benefit below.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, small business owner, an employee or looking for a new opportunity, LinkedIn is a virtual prospecting goldmine – offering an endless supply of warm leads, high value networking sources, and multiple income streams.

As the #1 “zero cost” Business Networking Site, you will not find a better ROI for your marketing efforts!

Sign up for our complimentary LI Power User Strategies and save yourself from floundering through the LinkedIn learning curve.  Find out exactly what the LinkedIn Power Networkers are doing so you can experience immediate results!

This free invite is going out to over 147,745 business professionals and space is limited so 

LinkedIn Power User Strategies –

Every thursday at 4pm to 5:00pm EDT.

Webinar Registration Page

During this webinar, you will learn about

  • Understanding LinkedIn as a Marketing Tool
  • The REAL POWER of LinkedIn Networking – And it’s not connecting with old friends and co-workers!  
  • The 3 LI income streams every business can tap into
  • Master LinkedIn Strategies and Tactics that can increase your business by thousands of dollars each month

This program will be hosted by: 

Your answer awaits in Linkedin QuestionsNathan Kievman, Author of Linked Secrets, Co-Owner of Linked Strategies on LinkedIn, and Host of the acclaimed “Inside the Mind of a Master” Podcast Series

 

 

pete Your answer awaits in Linkedin QuestionsPeter King, Co-Owner of Woovertise.com and Internet Marketer        

 

     
The lines are limited, so grab your spot here:

Webinar Registration Page

See you on the call

~Randy Schrum

Filed Under: Facebook, Linkedin, Sales, Social Media, Twitter, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

Why Accept Invites to Connect on Linkedin?

April 10, 2009 By Randy Schrum View Comments

Why Accept Invites to Connect on Linkedin?

Over the last several months I have seen a wide variety of people make comments on “invites to connect” or “join my network” on Linkedin. If we are to deliver a verdict on receiving invites to connect as whether good or bad. We should at least understand the power of a connection as it pertains to Linkedins design for the business professional.

When someone accepts an invitation to connect the first thing to bring to our attention is the opportunity to accept that invite and more importantly “respond” to the invite after accepting. I have developed a short 3 bullet response that I have made as personal as I can that drives the person to view me and my brand. This aspect alone has yielded me business.

Next, when you accept an invitation to connect you not only gain that connection you also have the potential reach now to your connections connections. (no, your eyes are not crossed). Let me explain, in my current role at Centimark one thing I do is Business Development. I basically find key contacts/ decision makers of Fortune 500 companies and introduce Centimark. More specifically the people I am looking for are in strategic sourcing & enterprise procurement to name a few. When I want to find the key “strategic sourcing manager” at XYZ company one thing I do is search Linkedin on the search bar for “Strategic Sourcing XYZ company” or whatever other keywords I may use. My search will return with the results. Most of the time those people are in my extended network of my connections.

“In other words my search is actually powered by the size of my network of connections.”

Of which I am allowed to see their name since they are in my extended network.  Where otherwise they could be on Linkedin and I would not be able to see them unless I subscribe to the Linkedin “premium” service.  This allows me to develop a strategy to contact that person. Where as before I did not have the persons name, now I do. If it goes no further on Linkedin that’s okay, but it could as my connections may be able to introduce me.  If not I can then move to other third party resources such as www.jigsaw.com to maybe get the other contact info. While my search strategy is “specific” to me, yours could be for other target specific people.  If you are ever in the job market and search the jobs on Linkedin wouldn’t it be nice to have some people in your network who work at the companies you may be applying for?  Today more than ever companies view your online presence as a plus for your resume as well.  I often say “Your Profile is Your Resume”, but thats another article.  Almost 50% of Linkedin is made up of business professionals who are considered decision makers. Nearly 7% are considered to be either Presidents, EVP’s, or VP’s.

The power of connections is truly remarkable. While we may think we have nothing in common with a potential direct connection. I hope this sheds some light on the subject. Take time to consider the potential reach that connection may have for you no matter how indirectly it may be.

If you find yourself with more questions and not sure how to be successful with Linkedin join the “Success With Linked n” Group here   We collaborate together on how to be successful using Linkedin.

Randy Schrum
www.twitter.com/randyschrum

*Now available Randy’s “Fast Start Guide to Linkedin Success” eBook click here to learn more

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