LinkedIn operates the world’s largest professional network on the Internet with more than 135 million members in over 200 countries and territories. Executives from all 2011 Fortune 500 companies are members, and there are more than two million businesses with LinkedIn Company Pages — including millions of small businesses.
As a small business owner, you might have a LinkedIn page for yourself and for your business. It’s a very valuable social networking platform, but are you using it to its full potential? Here are five ways to use LinkedIn for increased small business networking:
1. Share Knowledge (and attract new business)
LinkedIn offers the “Answers” forum that enables you to share knowledge in your area of expertise. Join in on the conversation and show prospective clients that you’re a leader in the field by sharing what you’ve learned about your industry. This is a great way for savvy small business owners to get in front of potential clients from across the country – and around the globe.
2. Keep An Eye on the Competition
Dive into your competition’s public profile pages to uncover a wealth of “insider” information: key stats, employee comings and goings and other useful insights that you can use to your advantage. Keeping an eye on your competitor’s pages will also help you stay abreast of trends and emerging thought leaders in your field.
3. Find Vendors
As a small business owner, you might often outsource services that you don’t have time to take on yourself. LinkedIn makes it easier to find vendors through your network of peers—and you can check out their recommendations in advance.
4. Network with Industry Peers
You likely use LinkedIn for new business prospecting, but it’s also a great tool to help you network and keep in touch with your industry peers. Use LinkedIn to align yourself with peers that will enable you to grow your business.
5. Build Your Industry Contacts On and Offline
There are a multitude of groups you can join within your specific industry on LinkedIn. Easily build your industry network by searching the Groups directory to find industry associations and networks that fit your industry – and that often host offline events. This is a great way to bridge the online-offline gap. Think about the industry related events you’ll be able to find that are filled with prospective clients, influencers and possible partners.
As a small business owner, remember to get the most out of LinkedIn for small business networking. Drop AdMix Social a line to find out how we can help.
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