Small Business Marketing with

LinkedIn

In Your Packets

• Registration form and evaluation form

– Please fill out the Attendee Record Form

at the beginning of the seminar

• Copy of the presentation

About ASBTD

C

TrainingFor new ventures

and existing businessesRange of topics

ResearchSample business plans

Market research and analysis

ConsultingOne-on-one advisory services

Free and confidential

Agenda

• What is LinkedIn?• Setting Up an Account• Building a Personal Profile• Getting Connected• Sharing Content• Company Profiles• Useful Tools

What is LinkedIn?

• 300 M Professionals in 200 Countries

• 3 M Company Pages

• Executives from all Fortune 500

Companies are members

• Relationships matter – connect with people in a

new way to prolong professional relationships.

Professional Networking

• http://www.linkedin.com

• Have your most recent resume

• Company names, dates, education

• Summary of experiences gained

• A professional headshot, or recognizable photo• Don’t be too casual with this photo, this is a professional

social network – NOT Facebook

Joining LinkedIn

Questions to Answer

• Why are you interested in social media?

• What do you want to accomplish with LinkedIn?

• What is your value proposition?

• How is it used in the industry?

• How much time do you have?

• How does it fit with your plan?

Completing Your Profile• Current Position and last two positions (minimum)

• Educational Background

• Profile Summary - Short paragraph about yourself with professional aspirations (keywords)

• Professional Profile Photo (headshot)

• Specialties – Helps with endorsements

• At least 3 LinkedIn Recommendations

Connections are Key

Finding Connections

• Search for contacts

• Import e-mail address book

• Invite people to connect

• Start with your communities

• Introduce yourself to other professionals

Share Your LinkedIn URL• Include your LinkedIn presence on all professional

materials.

• Reach out to your clients in a professional way.

• Edit your URL to make it easy to remember!

Your LinkedIn Toolbox

LinkedIn Mobile

Share On LinkedIn Button

Status Updates• What do you share?– Latest projects or events – Your latest specials, deals, or news– Tips for your customers/support info– Links to your business online:• Facebook page• Twitter account• Website

What is Good Content• Educates• Informs• Entertains• Provides value

• Builds trust• Creates relationships• Sells last

How to Spread Content• Video• Images, pictures, etc.• Articles• Infographics• eBooks/White Papers• Webinars• Podcasts• Coupons/discounts/special offers

Company Profiles

• Follow other companies – local, industry, or partners.

• Search for local companies who are already set up on LinkedIn.

• Set-up your own company profile – only one person needs to do this!

• Get your employees who are active on LinkedIn involved with the company profile.

Setting Up Company Profiles

• Read the directions

• Use your work email

• You do NOT want to attach a personal email to the Company Profile

• Shrink your logo – 100 x 60 pixels

• Pick the BEST company type and be honest about the size!

Don’t Forget…

• Keywords, Keywords, Keywords!

– Company specialties are really important

• Discuss the company description with your owner and fellow employees.

• No essays! Be direct, professional, and simple.

It’s a first impression, so make it count!

Don’t Give Up

• Don’t just create a profile and walkaway

• Get involved with group conversations, actively add contacts, and respond to messages.

• Seek out those who would recommend you, too!

• Update your LinkedIn Status – share your professional news!

ASBTDC Is Here to Help!

UALR College of Business

Donald W. Reynolds Center for Business

and Economic Development

www.asbtdc.org

501.683.7700