Want to learn to use LinkedIn more efficiently?

For the past five years I have been coaching and mentoring individuals on how to, not just get on LinkedIn and have a presence, but also on how to make the most efficient use of it.

It never ceases to amaze me the number of business owners I speak to who admit to having a profile on LinkedIn, but then say "but I don't do anything on there" or, more often, "but I don't know how it works."

I do also comes across "yes, I'm on there but I've forgotten my password so don't know how to update my profile."

If you are reading this post I will assume (although that can be fatal in business!) that you at least have a presence here.

But, are you making the best use of this wonderful platform?

When I am working with my Launchpad clients (individuals who are either out of work or facing redundancy), LinkedIn is the very first port of call. I generally spend a couple of hours with them exploring the functionality of the site and getting them signed up if they do not already have a profile.

We search for people from their past - old work colleagues or bosses generally.

Then I guide them on how to get back in touch.

The key thing here is to imagine you have just bumped in to 'Fred' who you used to work with 5 years ago for the first time since you left the company you both worked at. Perhaps at a bar, restaurant, or networking event.

He may not remember you.

He may not recognise you.

So if you launch in to "Hi Fred it's Bert I'm out of work, do you have any jobs?" you will not make the best impression!

However, "Hi Fred, it's Bert, do you remember we used to work in the sales department at Universal Widgets?" will generally elicit a positive response on the lines of "oh yes I remember, how are you keeping?"

At the appropriate time in the conversation Bert can drop in, "I'm in the market for a new opening at the moment, do you know anyone that may be recruiting for someone with my experience?"

And that is the approach to adopt on LinkedIn.

The same applies whether you are recruiting, looking for suppliers, or customers, or just catching up with old connections.

The soft approach is always the best.

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If you want to learn more about how to make best use of LinkedIn either drop me a message or keep looking out for future posts here - or email me on [email protected]

I'll be putting some thoughts together on groups soon - I run the largest charity related group worldwide here - Charity UK.