Real Reasons and Real Action Steps to Better Utilize Linkedin for Any Professional

Over the past 60 days, I have generated over a dozen new leads who have contacted me directly from some of the top companies in the world. I have educated businesses about Yaymaker and how we can create custom virtual events for their teams to boost morale. I have connected with hundreds of new CEOs, CMOs, CROs, COOs, VPs and Sales Professionals. My Linkedin content has parlayed into new opportunities including an article published in Forbes and being featured in an Entrepreneurship class on Udemy. I have also connected dozens of former colleagues and friends to help with new job opportunities from my Linkedin network.

I think most professionals underestimate the power of Linkedin. I also think most professionals do not have a strategy or plan on how to use Linkedin. So I wanted to share a few compelling reasons why you should use Linkedin more and some action steps that will help.

Reasons to utilize Linkedin more:

1. It can help you generate new revenues and clients. If you and your company have a strong presence on Linkedin, you will be more top of mind with other professional decision makers. If you can share content that is valuable, there is a better chance it will convert to sales.
2. You can stay more current on industry news. Staying active on Linkedin and paying attention to updates and articles, can help you learn more what's happening within your industry. Things are evolving and changing so rapidly, it is important to stay in the know.
3. Build your brand - the more you share on Linkedin, the more followers you have, the more value you give your followers - the more you are building your brand. Why not be a thought leader in your industry or an ambassador to your company on Linkedin?
4. Networking - In my opinion most people stay too much in their comfort zone and within their bubbles (and not networking enough). Linkedin may be the most powerful vehicle to connect with thought leaders, clients, partners, prospects, future employers, mentors and colleagues. Every day I send at least 10 requests to connect with different professionals I am interested in being in my network.
5. Ability to help others - Don't underestimate your own experience, insights, ideas and connections. What seems like common sense/industry standard to you, may be valuable information to someone else. Also, introducing different connections of yours can strengthen relationships and help your network with new opportunities.

Action Steps to utilize Linkedin:

1. Make an active choice to post at least once a week some content on Linkedin. Ideally share interesting/valuable information about your company or industry. If you can't think of anything to write - then at least share an article that's relevant or comment on someone else's post.
2. Join at least three new groups on Linkedin. You can join groups about your company, competitor groups, industry groups, your job title groups, networking groups. I promise there are many groups that will be of interest and value to you. Here are the steps I Googled to join a Linkedin Group. Tap into the Search bar. Type keywords or group names into the search bar and tap Search. In the search results page, filter the results by tapping Groups on top of the page. Tap the group name you're interested in to learn more. Tap REQUEST TO JOIN.
3. Write out what you want you want for your professional brand. Do you want to be known as a great marketer? A sales leader? A thought leader? An expert on customer retention? An industry expert in a specific vertical? Your brand can be many things and not everything you post needs to be 100% on brand. There are different ways to engage people and I am believer in mixing up your content - whether it be posts, articles, videos, polls or comments. But take baby steps at first and continue to get bolder in your posts and content. But be mindful of what you post. This is your professional brand - Linkedin is not Facebook or Instagram.
4. Make a goal to add people to your network every week. There are pros and cons of a "quality" versus "quantity" of a network on Linkedin. I know many professionals who are very particular with who they connect with on Linkedin. If they don't personally know that person well or if they don't believe that person will elevate their network/brand they won't connect with them. I take more the quantity route - I try to vet anyone who requests to be a Linkedin connection, but as long as they are a professional and we have a mutual connection -I tend to accept their requests. I believe the larger the network the more powerful and you never know when you may want help or an introduction from someone in your network. I believe in not underestimating anyone even if you think you are more advanced in your career than an entry level employee. I recommend professionals to make it a goal to add at least 10 new contacts a month.
5. Make it goal to help others. There are so many ways to help others on Linkedin. You can reach out to someone you know that has been laid off or furloughed and send a helpful tip, job posting or article. You can connect two people in your network that could be good partners for each other. No one becomes successful on their own, find a few minutes a week to help others with their professional journey.