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LinkedIn Communication with Connections

As mentioned earlier, users’ goals for using LinkedIn will determine what type of communication they send to their connections, and in what manner they will communicate. One thing is certain, the opportunity for exposure on LinkedIn is great, so the more users communicate with their connections, the more successful they will be.

With that being said, there are many tools in LinkedIn that can be used to communicate. As mentioned numerous times already, the first step is optimizing the profile page.

Optimizing a Profile

A profile is optimized when it is filled-in completely and when it offers information others are seeking. This not only includes using keywords but creating content on the page that is interesting to others. This takes place in the hobbies/interests section, as well as in status updates.

Status updates on LinkedIn should not be used the same as on other social networking sites. Unlike social sites, LinkedIn status updates should be used to announce exciting business-related news, whether it is a new product offering or the announcement of a new job opening. These updates are seen on users’ network home pages, as well as the connections of everyone in their network’s networks.

Asking and Answering Questions

Not only does asking and answering questions give people credibility and exposure, but it is also a means to communicate with prospects and potential connections in a forum where they are actively seeking to gain and give knowledge. Questions can consist of the following: business owner seeking marketing or investment advice, someone looking for a referral, or someone who needs clarity on the definition of a new product or service. Asking and answering questions connects people, and that is what LinkedIn is all about.

Blogging and Posting Articles

Erik Qualmann asserts the following key points about blogs:

• Currently, there are over 200,000,000 blogs
• 54% of bloggers post content or tweet daily
• 25% of search results for the world’s top 20 largest brands are links to user-generated content
• 34% of bloggers post opinions about products & brands

Moreover:

• 15% of bloggers spend 10 or more hours each week blogging
• 70% of bloggers are organically talking about brands on their blog

These statistics show how viral communication is changing the way businesses sell their products and services. More and more consumers are looking to consumer-generated content to gain information on products and companies. Not only are their voices heard in the article or blog itself, but in their comments as well. Additionally, LinkedIn provides a valuable tool to link a blog on a business’s website to its LinkedIn profile page. Once the posting appears, it is automatically disseminated to the business’ network of contacts.

Inviting Connections to Join Groups

Inviting connections to join groups is another avenue to utilize in order to reach a desired market. Not only should users join groups, but they should also encourage others to do so. This not only helps the invitee, but it also positions the individual as one who is actively trying to assist their connections, as opposed to just looking to gain something from them.