Ways to Use LinkedIn for Business

Excerpts from an article by Meryl Evans, 13 July 2009

Linked-in is a whole lot more than simply looking up contacts; you can sell products, expand your networks, grow your business and gain free publicity.  It’s growing in popularity as a business to business networking tool so here are 17 ways to use LinkedIn more effectively.

1. Fill out your profile completely to earn trust.
2. Answer questions in Questions and Answers: show expertise without a hint of self-promotion.
3. Ask questions in Questions and Answers to get a feel for what people want or think.
4. Publish your LinkedIn URL on all your marketing collateral, including business cards, email signature, email newsletters, web sites and brochures, so prospects learn more about you.
5. Grow your network by joining industry and alumni groups related to your business.
6. Update your status examples of recent work.  You can even post your recently presented presentations.
7. Use the search feature to find people by company, industry and city.
8. Research your prospects before meeting or contacting them.
9. Share useful articles and resources that will be of interest to customers and prospects.
10. Write honest and valuable recommendations for your contacts.
11. Request LinkedIn recommendation from happy contacts/colleagues willing to provide testimonials.
12. Ask your first-level contacts for introductions to their first-level contacts.
13. Interact with LinkedIn on a regular basis to reach those who may not see you on other social media sites.
14. Set up to receive LinkedIn messages in your inbox so you can respond right away.
15. Link to articles and content posted elsewhere, with a summary of why it’s valuable to add to your credibility.
16. Post job listings to find qualified talent.
17. Look for connections related to a job you want.