LinkedIn. If you’re not on it, you should be. LinkedIn is Facebook with a tie. It is a meeting place for driven go-getters and accomplished executives who build solid business relationships, generate leads and solicit and secure new business through it.
LinkedIn Groups is where it happens. Get involved in those online meeting places that have a synergy with your business and goals. It could be a group associated with an industry other than yours that is of interest, or one in your very field in which you would like to belong. Join those that are moderated and have clearly defined guidelines. You want to be engaging in those that offer a productive exchange of information. It’s called Social media for a reason!
Ask intelligent, group related questions. You’ll be amazed at the various differing points of view. A great way to be perceived as a thought leader is to weigh in with your commentary and provide your ideas about a question that has been asked. Be generous with your advice and information. This is social currency. Over time members will become familiar with you, and further engagement is likely, leading to positive word of mouth, sharing of content, new connections and most important, referrals.
Looking for a resource? Have a concept in development that you’re not quite sure about? Consult with all your co-members; your “mastermind focus group”. Keep your mind open. You’ll gain valuable new information, resources and tools.
LinkedIn Groups are online networking groups. Want clients? You may have to forget the rubber chicken lunch but opportunities exist to connect with new clients through gentle persuasion by offering your expertise. Take those follow up conversations private though, as nobody needs to see you in business development mode.
LinkedIn has hundreds of millions of active users with a plethora of industry specific groups. You should be leveraging its vast resources.
It’s all right there! Go see for yourself!