It seems that new social media sites pop up almost on a daily basis, with a variety of quick-hitting pages appearing on the small business radar and then moving on just as fast. However, several stalwarts remain, including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
The latter is one of the best websites out there to connect with other professionals, build up the strength of a financial plan and expand the reach of a small business. Due to these benefits – and many more – you may want to either create a profile here, or upgrade your existing one for the most possible benefits.
In order to help you with that important goal, here are three useful tips to take full advantage of LinkedIn:
1. Include every valuable detail
In a society of oversharing, it may be tempting to leave out vital personal and professional information on LinkedIn. However, when it comes to increasing exposure for your small business, it can be best to include as much as possible. According to Entrepreneur magazine, fill out all sections relevant to your company, explain what it is and what you do, who your clients are and what products and services you offer. This way, anyone who comes across your page will know exactly how you can benefit them.
2. Demonstrate industry expertise
As a small business owner, you no doubt have a significant amount of industry expertise. This is great, and with LinkedIn you can show that in-depth knowledge to the rest of the world. For example, consider writing articles and posting them on the social media site, the news source noted. Doing so will position you as an expert in your field. It can also help to post any awards or honors you have received, and seek out recommendations from fellow users. The end result should be an increased following and more respect from your peers.
3. Don't waste time
One of the beautiful things about social media is its ability to connect a wide range of people. However, it has also bred a fast-paced culture where many people are looking for instant gratification. According to Careerealism.com, you will want to get to the point quickly when networking on LinkedIn. Avoiding the real issue can send up red flags to the person you are connecting with, and it is instead better to be open and honest. That way, they'll know exactly what you want and they won't have to guess what your true intentions are.