LinkedIn To Do/Not To Do

With the continued morphing of social media there is often confusion about how best to use LinkedIn for Business - Following are some ideas about how to use LinkedIn and recommendations on what to avoid.

Do connect with people you have met at Tradeshows, Networking Events, Business Meetings and through correspondence. It is great to grow your network!

Do Not shotgun an invite to every person who shows up in your LinkedIn feed as “people you may know”.  

Do create a personal note about how and where you met the individual you are trying to connect with; this approach reminds your pending connection that you did actually meet and you are not a virtual stranger.

Do Not use the form message that pops up or simply hit the connect button, it is impersonal and tends to be less accepted (this can impact your future requests).

Do post educational material, consider writing your own “LinkedIn Post” (an article format works best), share articles you have found useful and make comments on other posts.

Do Not CONTINUALLY post FaceBook type posts – it is okay to be personal once in awhile; however, if you consistently share what you are eating or your grandchild’s picture, it is likely you will be removed from your connections LinkedIn Feed.

Do help your circle of influence – learn about a job opening, share it!

Do Not bash people in your post or comments – the old adage if you have nothing nice to say……

Do share appropriate business information. This is a place to keep people informed, be consistent about sharing information and keep your newsfeed relevant.

If you are a Twitter user DO link your LinkedIn account to Twitter for increased exposure among your connections.

Do use LinkedIn for learning about potential clients, growing your circle of influence, educating yourself and job searches.

Do not avoid using this important tool – if you are unsure about how to start, take a class at any number of our industry events, ask a colleague who is LinkedIn savvy or go online and search for A GAZILLION articles about how to use LinkedIn.