Linkedin for Small Business

Get Smart: Tools to Master for Small Business

Attn. Tweeters: #OASocial

Sponsored by:

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Hi. I’m

Ilona.

Ilona Olayan ilona@socialstrategy1.com

@eyelona www.socialstratgy1.com

Greg Cory Greg.cory@officearrow.com

@gecory www.officearrow.com

I’m Greg Cory.

Today’s Topics

• Professional Networks for Small Business or Solopreneurs

• LinkedIn Profiles • Building a Network • Using LinkedIn Groups • Professional Social Networking

Etiquette • Integrating Professional Networks Into

overall marketing strategy

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Getting to Ponte Vedra, Florida

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The Mike Lewis Connection

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Small Business Survey

• Small Businesses need social media answers – 40% said they are not sure how to promote

their business online – 60% use social media for information and

knowledge sharing – ¾ of small business recognize there is an

impact but don’t know where to go

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Social Media Strategy

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In 2003, I got an invitation to connect to a former colleague on LinkedIN.

Making a match online

Web sites helping people find romance, friends and work are attracting investors.

Site Location Launch Invested Users

Friendster Sunnyvale, Calif.

March 2003

$13M 4M

Tribe San Francisco Jan. 2003 $6.4M 58K

LinkedIn Mountain View, Calif.

May 2003 $4.7M 50K

Source: USA Today 2003

Circa

2003

Getting the Most from

• Build and update your profile • Build network • Join Groups • Target Search • Track Profile • Analyze Results

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How Can

You Take

Advantage

of Your

Profile

Page?

Showcase your website

Add Links from

website bio

Promoting Webinar

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Leverage Connections

Who is Michael connected to?

Search

Building Your

Network

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ADD OA

Six Degrees of Separation (or even 3)

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Build a Company Page

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• Seek groups with activity rather than # of members

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Groups

Profile Best Practices

• Find who you know (and know well) • Personalize your URL • Add a picture to your profile • Ask to connect • The more you give, the more you get – “what’s

in it FROM me?” • Update your status • Learn Advanced Search • Install applications • Join industry groups • Don’t connect to people you haven’t developed

a relationship with.

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Refusing a Connection Request

• Your LinkedIn network should be useful to you and to your connections

• Option 1 - the "all-comers" approach • Option 2 - Polite refusals

– Ignore – Personal message with request to connect by

phone or in person

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LinkedIn Free or Paid Membership

Other Add Ons and Tools

• Add video into your profile - excellent way to stand out

• Use Google Presentation or Slideshare app

• How To Add Video To Your LinkedIn Profile – A Reel Tutorial

– http://www.reelseo.com/video-linkedin-profile/#ixzz1bFV98qfF

• LinkedIn Ads

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Connecting LinkedIn with

Facebook or Twitter

• Purpose: – Personal social

interaction – Professional

networking with colleagues, clients, referrals

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Within Edit Profile

Answers

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Skills Section

• Useful for job-seekers as a place to quickly summarize the skills and abilities that set you apart from others

• For young accountants who may be skilled in social media, you may find a firm looking for someone who can be the firm's social media presence.

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Back to Basic Etiquette

• Even if you’re not yet ready to jump into the world of social media and social networking, at least create those accounts to reserve your name—you never know when you might hit it big.

• Always fill out your profiles as completely as possible. Use those signatures and remember to link to your site or blog.

• When you ask to be connected or “friended,” take the time to personalize the message. Note - especially important if you’re approaching someone you don’t yet know personally (time and place for everything).

• Be respectful, not confrontational—be real, and don’t hide behind anonymity.

• If you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, don’t say it online. Remember, you’re not just you, you’re representing your business, your brand, and your products.

• Be relevant, on topic, and a part of the community—don’t be spammy.

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Q: Can Professional Network Participation Help You Grow Your Business?

A: YES!

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Sign up as a member to get smarter on social media and general business tools

Contact

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Ilona Olayan ilona@socialstrategy1.com

@eyelona www.socialstratgy1.com

Greg Cory Greg.cory@officearrow.com

@gecory www.officearrow.com