I have a confession to make.
In the world of social media I came to LinkedIn rather late. I’ve heard LinkedIn described as the ‘buttoned down, suited up version’ of social media and after working for more than twenty years in corporate environments – was keen to pursue what I felt were more innovative and relaxed forms. Facebook, Twitter, blogging and LinkedIn are just a few of the social media platforms which facilitate your strategic marketing by enabling engagement with customers via one on one conversations, listening and authenticity. It’s all about building relationships! LinkedIn fosters those – in spades.Here are some LinkedIn stats*: * LinkedIn has over 55 million members across 170 industries and 200 countries around the world. * A new member joins LinkedIn approximately every second, and about half of all members are from outside the U.S.
*Executives from all Fortune 500 companies are LinkedIn members
Yes it is a slightly more serious form – you post your professional background/resume as a profile and can request recommendations from those with or for whom you’ve worked. But this is just the start – it is so much more! For a Business to Business marketing tool – LinkedIn can be really useful. The following are just 5 features of LinkedIn relevant to growing your business.
1. Networking Follow Up
LinkedIn is fantastic way to follow up those connections made at networking events. Instead of forwarding the ‘it was nice to meet you’ emails, you can connect via LinkedIn and in the process still send a message. The person with whom you’re connecting will immediately receive your background and profile.
2. Research
LinkedIn has tools enabling to search and identify companies within an industry and location. Extremely useful!
3. Brand Personality
LinkedIn enables you to connect your twitter and blog feeds. You can attach documents and presentations – and even provide book reviews which provide further insight into you and your brand.
4. Groups
Joining groups of interest on LinkedIn provides a wonderful way to network, expand contacts and cultivate useful information.
5. SEO
Being active on LinkedIn will also help your SEO. You can include your website details on your profile.
So don’t be a late LinkedIn bloomer. Start lovin’ LinkedIn now. Your business will be glad you did!
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Anne Sorensen is Director of Marketing Is Us, a specialist marketing consultancy dedicated to facilitating business growth by providing strategic marketing solutions. She holds a Bachelor of Business (Marketing), MBA and is a Certified Practising Marketer with the Australian Marketing Institute. E: anne@marketingisus.com.au
