Seven steps to mastering LinkedIn

When it comes to mixing social media with business on a platform like LinkedIn you can’t afford to adopt an exclusive networking approach; there is no point in only connecting with people that you already know.

Part of social media’s enormous value is that it facilitates connections with people, and networks, whom you haven’t yet met as well as enabling you to enhance the relationships you have with current connections. It is geographically impossible to reach out to another country/industry/individual on a daily basis without venturing outside of your personal sphere which is why LinkedIn is a tremendous resource. There are over 225 million LinkedIn users; how can you be a part of this new business world?

Here are the seven steps to start high level connecting on LinkedIn:

1. Create a knockout profile. This starts with a smart and savvy title. Try and avoid being generic and cultivate a name that is recognisable but will also standout.
2. Research. Look at other professionals in your industry and take note of what they’re doing. What works well? What doesn’t sit right with you? Make a list.
3. Choose the right picture. LinkedIn is like online dating for business. They need to see what you’re about in one carefully selected snapshot. Review a selection with your colleagues or mentor and consider having the right one professionally taken.
4. Review connections thoroughly. Take the time to look at every profile you add and consider how you may be able to work with them in the future. Pinpoint what they are about and then figure out how (and with what) you will approach them with now and in the future. Sometimes it is worth waiting until you learn more about their offering.
5. Consider upgrading – For a reasonable monthly fee ($39.95 with 25% if you sign up for 12), you can have full access to LinkedIn including viewing everyone that has checked your profile and the ability to InMail to persons with whom you aren’t connected to.
6. Send a person of interest an InMail. Ask yourself – What can you do for them? It’s important to treat every connection as a person, not a potential business sale. You’ve got every right to contact a connection in a sincere and well thought out manner.
7. Be active. Don’t let your profile lie dormant for any amount of time. Contribute daily to discussions and share your knowledge. Ensure you post relevant updates regularly.