First Step to Rapidly Learn LinkedIn: Do a Brain Dump

Rapid Learning Mini-Course #2: Click here to watch the video.

Welcome back. Today we’re going to look at how to use agile selling strategies to quickly master LinkedIn. Now, we’re not going to turn you into an overnight expert. However, in just 30 days we can get you up-and-running, so that you’re getting some real value out of it.

Why did I choose to tackle LinkedIn? Because whenever I speak to a group or do a workshop, I discover that the majority of reps only use a small fraction of what’s available – and they don’t do it very well.

I believe that everyone needs to learn more about LinkedIn. It's a perfect opportunity to demonstrate how to use rapid learning skills.

But first, let’s talk about how most people learn today. There’s only one answer – sloppily and slowly. The exact opposite of what you need for success today. Remember, our goal is to get you ramped up and using LinkedIn to its maximum potential – so you can drive more sales.

Why haven’t you done it already?

Probably because of a couple things:

1. First off, you don’t see its value. If that’s the case, check out the articles listed below to learn what difference it can make.
2. The second reason is probably that the whole platform and all its capabilities is overwhelming. You don’t know where to start.

That’s where rapid learning comes in. I’ll be walking you through the process to master LinkedIn – or anything that’s new.

So where do you start?

When you’re focused on rapid learning, the initial step is to do a quick scan of the topic – what we sometimes call a 30,000-foot view. What do you need to learn about LinkedIn?

Do a Brain Dump

First off, write down anything that comes to mind. Literally anything. You want to get it out of your head. Neuroscience research shows that too much info rambling around in there really screws you up. Your brain bogs down and it takes longer to remember everything. So dump it out. Whenever you’re learning something new, never keep it up there.

Go Up to 30,000 Feet

After doing that, it’s time to check out what experts say is important to learn. If you look below, you’ll see a list of people who are really smart about LinkedIn. Go to their websites and do a quick scan, jotting down anything that wasn’t already on your list. Again, you need to dump it out.

At the beginning learning is messy. Your paper (or your mind map) quickly fills with a whole bunch of disparate data – like this: profile, sharing info, referrals, endorsements, monitoring, searching, headlines, connecting, using InMail, recommendations – and a whole lot more.

That’s what it takes to master LinkedIn – which makes learning it seem even more overwhelming.

Fortunately, it’s not. And, because it’s out of your head, we’ve freed up your brain to focus on what matters. Scan, then dump. Scan, then dump. Okay? So you’ve got your job cut out for you now. Take 30-minutes later today and get started.

In the next video, I’ll show you what to do with it all. I promise, it gets easier.
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Did You Miss These Rapid Learning Mini-Courses?

• Intro: Can You Learn How to Sell – Or Do You Need Innate Ability?
• Video #1: Rapid Learning is Critical for Sales Success
• Video #2: First Step to Rapidly Learn LinkedIn: Do a Brain Dump

Resources

LinkedIn Ebooks

• Cracking the LinkedIn Sales Code:
  https://www.jillkonrath.com/linkedin-sales-code

• LinkedIn Sales Secrets Revealed:
  https://www.jillkonrath.com/linkedin-sales-secrets

LinkedIn Experts

• Wayne Breitbarth www.powerformula.net
• Barb Giamanco www.scs-connect.com
• Miles Austin www.fillthefunnel.com
• Lori Richardson www.scoremoresales.com
• Sam Richter www.samrichter.com
• Viveka von Rosen www.linkedintobusiness.com
• Kurt Shaver www.thesalesfoundry.com
• Jill Rowley www.jillrowley.com
• Jamie Shanks www.salesforlife.com
• Celina Guerrero www.socialtosales.com

Jill Konrath is the author of three bestselling sales books: Agile Selling, Selling to Big Companies and SNAP Selling. She's a frequent speaker at sales meetings and conferences. Check out the tons of free sales resources on her website: www.jillkonrath.com/sales-resources.