LinkedIn: Five Simple Ways to Maximize your Profile

Small business professionals are always hearing about how Facebook and Twitter can change their life. While we certainly use these networks and have written a lot about them, there is another network that is growing in strength: LinkedIn.

With only about 80 million users, LinkedIn is the shy stepchild of the social media family. However, it has a very different consumer base than the other flashier networks. More than eighty percent of LinkedIn users have a Bachelor’s degree or higher, and more than sixty percent are decision makers in their companies. Here are few tips for reaching the people that comprise this more professional, more affluent network.

1. Be a team player.

As with most social networks, people are not going to look for you. That means you need to look for them. The best way to do this is to join groups that are relevant to your interests and your line of business. LinkedIn allows you to join up to fifty groups—that’s a lot of contacts, especially if you choose the largest and most active ones!

2. Choose friends wisely.

A common mistake that many small businesses owners make on LinkedIn is joining groups or making friends with people who are similar to them—too similar. Honestly, it won’t do any good to be friends with your competition. Instead, identify and seek out people who are potential suppliers, potential customers, or otherwise can contribute something concrete to your business.

3. Stay active.

Many people join groups but never actually participate. No one is going to buy from you simply because they see your name occasionally on the group roster. Regularly post content and status messages. Be an active member with opinions and information to share. Don’t just throw out random details about your life; be a consistent source of factual information.

4. Be your professional brand.

Posting is important, but make sure you are posting in a way that will maintain your professional brand and image. Provide informative content in a tone that is consistent with the brand that you are trying to build. Answer questions on the Q & A boards and within the groups that you belong to. The goal is to establish yourself as an industry expert and to get your business name out there.

5. Build followers.

If you are regularly posting informative content, you probably will begin to build a community. However, there is another way to gather fans: by creating a community. Start your own group, dedicated to a subject that is related to your customers’ interests and your business. This will allow you to get your message heard and to have a little control over the conversation. Many LinkedIn users routinely check in with their groups, so this is a great way to build you brand and get a little additional exposure.

LinkedIn may be small, but their members are among the most powerful in the business world. Don’t ignore this underrated network like so many of your competitors likely do. Instead, use it as an integral part of your social media marketing plan.