Each week, you probably get about 5 emails asking you to join LinkedIn or accept someone’s connection invitation. Annoying, we know.
But if you’re deleting these emails and ignoring the invitations, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity for both yourself and your business.
This entry isn’t about the top ten ways LinkedIn can help you personally (because it’s already been done). Rather, MGH is here to make sure you know how much it’s growing, why it’s changing the business world, and how to you might be able take advantage of its potential.
Growth
In a recent report on US social networking sites, Nielsen reported that LinkedIn’s unique monthly audience has increased over 300% from just a year ago to almost 8 million. This positions the business network as the fourth most popular social network in the nation, trailing behind MySpace, Facebook, and Classmates Online.
How LinkedIn is changing the business world
LinkedIn is the new way to network. Rather than attending local networking events – packed full of 30-somethings who uncomfortably stand around and sip on their apple martinis – business professionals are using the site to connect with those who matter most to their corporate life.
The site holds particular potential for those directly involved in sales, as LinkedIn offers the opportunity to look up prospects, businesses, interests, connections, etc. It’s a more efficient and targeted means of cold calling.
How to take advantage
- Sign up, build your profile, and encourage coworkers to join
- Grow your network by connecting with LinkedIn’s top connected individuals
- Feel free to ask for introductions (through mutual connections) to people you wish to connect with
- Get noticed:
- Ask/answer questions in the Q&A section
- Write recommendations for former business associates
- Update your status on a regular basis
- Check out prospective:
- Employees – find out who they worked for, what their recommendations say, and if you have any mutual connections
- Clients – determine what you have in common, explore possible business connections
Also note that in the time that it took you to read those suggestions, you’ve probably missed 3 to 4 new LinkedIn connection emails. So go get on the site and start connecting.
And for more LinkedIn tips, feel free to email or IM us at any time (AIM: mghwom).
