Tap the Power of Linkedin, A Powerful Business Tool

By Melissa Stacey, Feeling Organized

Ten years ago I lost touch with a very good friend of mine. I'd tried, unsuccessfully, to locate her a number of different ways over the years. One day on Linkedin, I typed her name and college into "People Search." There she was! Just like that, I'd found her after a decade. I sent her an "invitation to connect" and now we're in touch again. I probably wouldn't have found her without the help of Linkedin.

Linkedin is powerful, as you can see, for personal connections, but it's great for your business as well. Using Linkedin can:

• Connect you to 16 million professionals all over the world
• Help you build a powerful network
• Improve your site's Google PageRank
• Enhance search engine results for your site
• Increase your visibility
• Help you assess your competition
• Assist you when researching companies or industries
• Enable you to do get reliable references
• Connect you to experts for advice and knowledge sharing

Here are a few important steps you can take to maximize the impact of Linkedin for your business:

Build a profile

Start by building a profile for yourself on Linkedin. I recommend filling out the executive biography completely and posting a public profile. Be sure to take the time to keep your profile current and updated.

Websites

Attach any links that pertain to your business, including your website and your blog. Links back to your sites can improve your site's page ranking and increase the likelihood of your business being found through an Internet search. These links will lead people directly to your website where they can find out more information about you and your services.

Add connections

After you have completed your profile, you will want to add connections. You connect to people with whom you have personal and business relationships. You can do this by:

• Downloading your Outlook address book.
• Conducting a people search.
• Using the finding colleagues and classmates function.
• Inviting people you know to join Linkedin.

When adding connections ask yourself, "Would I recommend this person"? It is not about the number of connections, it is about the quality of connections.

Remember you can "disconnect" with someone at any time and they will not be notified. They will never know that you took them off your connection list.

Endorsements

When you receive an endorsement on your Linkedin profile, you are building your reputation and establishing credibility. Ask business partners, clients or previous managers to write a Linkedin recommendation for you. Profiles with recommendations stand out and are more likely to receive business inquires.

Answers

This tool allows you to ask business related questions of your network and the Linkedin network. You can also answer questions that are posted. By sharing your knowledge you gain visibility which helps build connections.

Research

You can use Linkedin to conduct research and find:

• Prospects
• Company information
• Your competition
• Job applicants
• Reliable references

Premium accounts are available that expand the ability to research and contact people who are not inside your network. These accounts range in price from $20-$200/month.

Jobs

You can find a job or post a job on Linkedin.

Groups

You can join groups within Linkedin including professional groups, alumni organizations, industry conferences and corporate alumni groups. These groups allow you to make new business contacts.

© Melissa Stacey, Feeling Organized, 2007. All rights reserved.

Melissa Stacey with Feeling Organized specializes in organization for your home, office and small business. She works with each client to create a unique system that is geared toward their specific needs, lifestyle and/or work style. To find out more about her services, go to www.feelingorganized.com or melissa@feelingorganized.com or melissa@feelingorganized.com.