Making Linkedin Network For You

I had a discussion with a friend the other day about Linkedin. She asked me if Linkedin was part of my networking strategy. This is how I used Linkedin.

• For keeping track of those people that I want in my network but maybe only have a need to touch base with them periodically. The weekly updates that I receive keeps me up to speed on those that maybe change companies or some particular info in their profile.
• Connecting to new people. I only connect with those that I know personally, but I do take the opportunity to meet new people through my connections. Say if Sally (who I am linked to) is connected to someone that I would like to meet, I ask them to introduce me.
• I post events that I am organizing. It has been a great way to "get the word out".
• It allows me to share books that I have read or am reading and I don't have to call 100+ connections to share the info.
  

Turning An Initial Conversation Into An Appointment

I attend several networking events throughout the week. I was at an expo this week and met someone that was a potential client. I called them the next day as a follow up and instead of asking for an appointment, I offered them information about an organization that I thought they may be interested in checking out for potential new business. They had heard of the organization and being that I was already involved with the group, I was able to provide them with some insight into the group. As the conversation progressed, I was able to share information about what I do....and then they asked ME for an appointment to discuss further the services that Nextrio offers. Now I know that this does not happen every time and most situations are never that easy, but I really believe in the idea of giving first to people you meet. Being a resource is a great way to meet people and to start building a relationship with.

Rethink and Refocus

The New Year is a time that we tend to set new goals and take on new endeavours. It is also a great time to take a look those things that we have been doing in the past and rethinking them to measure the success of those efforts. A few years ago I actually left a leads group because the group had turned into a business to consumer group rather than a business to business group (which is my target market). I really liked the people, but it was in my best interest to leave the group. Sometimes we just keep attending certain events or belong to certain organizations that provides no value to us nor to our business. I challenge everyone to rethink where we spend our networking time to make sure that it is a good use of our time. Also, take a moment to see what else may be out there since the last time we checked. It may just surprise you.