It's been around for a decade, yet roughly 70% of LinkedIn members are passive users of this social media tool. Business development types like myself never seem to get tired of touting its value, but if LinkedIn is so superior to traditional networking, why isn't everybody using it?
Apparently I'm not the only one asking that question. If you can still find it, your local bookstore will have several titles in the business section on best practices, including "LinkedUp," "How to REALLY use LinkedIn," and Jason Alba's "I'm on LinkedIn—Now What?" These books all pretty much tell you to do the same six things:
- Make sure your profile is 100% complete.
- Use status updates to promote relevant activities to your network.
- Join groups and participate in discussions.
- Connect with people you know (using a personalized message).
- Don't connect with people you don't know.
- Search for people you want to meet and ask for introductions.
I can't underscore this last point enough. If you want to meet more prospective clients, simply type their title into the search field for a quick list of leads. CEO, Founder, President, CFO, GC. They're all in there.
I've personally closed two pieces of business from proactive LinkedIn usage. But none of my clients have found me through LinkedIn. Based on my experience, this is one tool that only helps those who help themselves.
What's your experience? Have you gotten any business through LinkedIn yet? Have you tried to?
