Secrets To Using LinkedIn To Generate Leads and Customers

This social network site has over 80 million users, attracting the affluent, ambitious and influential professionals.

Over 50% of these users represent some level of senior management.

If you are starting a home business, you definitely want to be a LinkedIn user and take advantage of the valuable opportunity to connect and grow your business.

The saying, “It’s not what you know but who you know “, rings true in this instance.

 How to use LinkedIn

• Large businesses-use LinkedIn to positions their company in the marketplace and let customers know about products, services or new products being introduced.
• Small businesses- use LinkedIn to get exposure, find new clients and get referrals from other businesses where they have built relationships
• Consultants, coaches and trainers- use LinkedIn to showcase their expertise and services and connect with prospective clients.
• Entrepreneurs – use LinkedIn to build awareness of their company through building relationships and providing informative content that converts to leads and customers.
• B2B Marketers – use LinkedIn to introduce products, new products or services.

Integrate LinkedIn into your social networks.

1) Complete your LinkedIn Profile 100%

In order to begin leveraging the power of LinkedIn, you must first build a solid professional profile and presence; establish yourself as a professional in order to build your influence, generate introductions and referrals. Having a complete profile is the most effective way to showcase your talents, experience and expertise.

2) Connect Your Twitter Account with LinkedIn.

LinkedIn makes it easy for you to connect with Twitter right from within LinkedIn. Just above the Public Profile link is the Twitter link. By giving LinkedIn permission to link with your Twitter account, every time you update or post, a Tweet goes out. This is a great way to connect with your customers through another social media site.

3) Grow Your Network.

Growing your network in LinkedIn is the same as with other social networks and in real life. Go out and introduce yourself.  Ask to be included, join in the conversation and make a contribution. Look to join groups that are industry related, have similar interests and groups where you can share your expertise. Just go to the upper right hand side of the menu bar and click on the link that says”People”. Drop down to “Groups” and type in a subject you’re interested in.

So, how does this all lead to lead generation?

5 Ways to Use LinkedIn to Generate Leads. 

1) LinkedIn Answers:

This is where people go to ask questions and get advice. Here you have the opportunity to use your knowledge to help others and establish yourself as the expert. What better way to make friends and build relationships.

2) LinkedIn Groups:

I mentioned earlier that you should join several groups, but the secret is not just groups in your industry but join groups outside your industry.

Why would you do that?

Think of people or businesses that could use your services, expand your reach outside of your immediate circle.

3) LinkedIn People:

For anyone in sales, B2B businesses or those looking for jobs; this is a great place to get their foot in the door at certain businesses. Just do a search in the upper-right-hand box for the company you’re looking for. Determine who you are connected to within that company and ask your connections to introduce you via LinkedIn to the people at your target company.

4) LinkedIn Direct Ads:

LinkedIn has an advertising program similar to Google Ads. You can use this method to drive new prospects to your landing page, LinkedIn group or other destinations.

5) Linked Mobile:

If you have a smart phone, you can download a free LinkedIn mobile app. When you are out and about meeting up with people, you can transfer your contact information between phones using Bluetooth instant transfer of information.

The secret to making LinkedIn work is consistency so that you can build up a following and an audience.

Once that happens, you’ll have a steady stream of inbound leads.

As you learn more about what LinkedIn has to offer, you’ll find more ways to help you improve you results.

Here’s a great resource:  Learn.LinkedIn.com.

You will find tutorials you can use to help you supercharge your LinkedIn experience and generate high quality leads for your online business.

This article was originally posted by me in startingahomebusiness.smallbizincubator.com group project blog

To Your Success,

Pam McKeen

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