Maximize your LinkedIn profile and get more business

You probably heard about LinkedIn from a friend or business partner. You joined, looked around and left and while you did hear that it was a powerful app to use for business networking, you’re wondering why it’s not working for you. However, I can tell you right away that you probably did not upload a photo, or fill out the rest the information. Here are some ways you can maximize your LinkedIn profile and start making strong connections that will yield more leads and business partnerships.

1) Fill out your entire profile description, photo, past jobs and schools. This will help LinkedIn better connect you with people you with leads based on what you are doing today, where you went to school and other connections which might turn out to be worth reconnecting with today.

2) Join a group or groups that interest you regarding your industry, business and expertise. However, don’t just join, take part in them, share some of your expertise, ask questions and be a contributing member. This will allow others to get to know you and it will help you gain trust.

3) Create your business profile page. Fill it out to the fullest and be sure to share information updates regarding your business.

4) Show that you’re a great resource and connection by sharing information on your wall.

5) Comment on your contacts’ posts and give your opinion. Keep it interesting and professional.

6) Recommend people contacts you’ve worked with in the past. Show your appreciation for a job well done.

7) Introduce contacts to your contacts as potential power partners or let them know why you might think one could help the other. This allows these contacts to know that you just no thinking of yourself.

8) Have your partners join and do the same. Create a set of company guidelines for using social media and remind everyone that as a company, your involvement at LinkedIn could potentially yield a lot of business.

Finally, be sure to send thank you notes, or say happy birthday to your contacts. It is not about how many contacts you have, it is about how you nurture your connections to make sure that they remember you when they or someone needs your service. They will remember you because you have always been helpful, honest and trustworthy.

Frank Flores is a Senior Marketing Consultant at Hash Cloud Studio, http://hashcloudstudio.com, a marketing services firm in San Carlos, California. Call us for an appointment today at (650) 232-7103