A lot of people set up a LinkedIn account but many do not actually use it to its full potential.

Here is a post that I hope will give you a little more insight as to how you can use this wonderful business development tool. As with all social marketing tools, integrating content consistently will help you add value to your followers. Consider integrating and using the “Applications” that are available to you through LinkedIn.

If you are looking for an easy to follow daily process to get more customers using LinkedIN, check out my latest course => Learning LinkedIN

“Using LinkedIn.com as part of your Social Marketing strategy will enable you to identity, connect and develop relationships with your potential customers – Fast!”

1. Build A Contact List: LinkedIn enables you to target and identify business contacts that you would like to do business with. Also, LinkedIn is one of the only social media programs that will enable you to export out your contact list. No need to purchase lists though list services, build a list based on relationships you have established through LinkedIn.
2. Drive Traffic: Post “Status Updates” with links to articles, blog posts, presentations, etc. that you have created and presented online. Make sure you use Tiny URL’s –www.bit.ly is a good program to help you with that.
3. Build A Strategic Profile: Your profile determines if people want to connect to you or not. Make sure your profile is up-to-date. Also, think strategically about who you want to appeal to. Use “Keywords & Phrases” in your profile description information that are search relevant to your audience. LinkedIn holds a lot of weight with Search Engines such as Google, Yahoo, etc.
4. Join Groups: There are many “Groups” on LinkedIn where you will find potential customers. You need to join the groups and start reading the discussions. The more you know about what’s going on with your potential customers (problems, challenges, industry changes, etc.) the better off you will be.
5. Add To Discussions: GET INVOLVED. Add to and comment on discussions in the Groups. This is a great way to establish relationships with others in the Groups. People want to read what you have to say… add value to the discussion and people will do the same for you.
6. Start Discussions: Once you have joined a few Groups, start your own discussion. One of the best ways to quickly and consistently add discussions is to repurpose your blog posts. Your blog posts, if written to add value to your target audience, will provide great discussion material. I recommend that you only put part of your post up in the discussion and provide a direct link back to the post on your blog. This will help drive subscriptions to your blog and will enable them to browse your other posts.
7. Start A Group: Now that you have been around the block a bit on LinkedIn, you need to think about creating a Group of your own. The objective of your Group should be to add value to your market & industry. You want to make sure that the people that you invite to join or who elect to join are also going to add value. The advantage of being a Group Founder is that you are the one that runs the show. You can see full profiles, make introductions, reach out and offer advice and assistance to other members. Remember, the point in using Social Media tools is to establish relationships and trust. Helping others is a great way to do that.
8. Establish Credibility: Being single minded with your Profile, Content, the Groups you have joined and your own Group, you have set your-self up as an expert in your field. Don’t drop the ball now… keep it up. Keep providing valuable content and commenting on the discussions of others. Don’t EVER sell.. Educate!
9. Generate Interest: By now you are probably wondering “why would I do all of this work if I can’t promote my products, company or services?” Well, people buy from people they know and trust. If you have done your job well, they will be contacting you and wanting to work with you. You have shown everyone that you know about the industry & their challenges and are willing to be someone they can turn to. That is the type of person that everyone wants to do business with.
10. Impact SEO: As I mentioned earlier in this list, LinkedIn holds a lot of weight with Search Engines. When you are developing your content for your Group, Discussions, Profile, etc. try to use the keywords & phrases that are being used by your target audience when they are searching for your products or services. The more your write & post with the right content, the more searchable you become.

I hope this information will give you a new or better perspective on the benefits of LinkedIn. If you are interested in learning a proven process on how to get new customers using LinkedIn.

Check out this online course

Please leave a comment and share your LinkedIn success stories.

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About the author

Norman Wright Jr.

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Nancy Scott 5pts

Hi Norman,
Thank you for the tips. I took a Linkedin class and found the information very helpful. As I read your too the advice is similar. I hope you are connecting with the right people.

Stay Connected!
Nancy Scott

Norman Wright Jr. 5pts

Hi Nancy, It's nice to see business leaders such as yourself engaging in LinkedIn. Is LinkedIn part of your sales and marketing strategy or are you using it for other reasons? If you get a chance, please comment and share how you have benefited from LinkedIn :-)

Lisa Ghaffari 5pts

I would like to ready more of your comments and posts. Thank you.

Lisa Ghaffari 5pts

Thank you Norman for that article. I gave me a lot of information in a clear and concise manner. I really don't have a lot of time to read these types of things but I know now that I must make the time in order to improve my business and sales results. Thanks. Lisa

Norman Wright Jr. 5pts

Hi Lisa, I'm very happy that you found value in my posts. I know that it is hard to find time for social engagement... everyone is so busy. But you may want to set aside a half hour a day (maybe first thing in the morning or at the end of the day) to get involved. There are a lot of opportunities out there and a lot of great people that can add value to you and you to them.

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Take care