How to REALLY use LinkedIn by Jan Vermeiren
FASCINATING AUTHORS: Why did you write “How to REALLY use LinkedIn”?
Author: In the training courses and presentations of our team at Networking Coach the most asked question in 2008 was: I have a Profile on LinkedIn and some connections, but what can I do with this website? How can it help me in my professional life? And how do I do that without spending too much time.
Since we had to explain it over and over again, I decided to write a book so people who can’t attend one of our programs also can benefit from our insights and tips.
FASCINATING AUTHORS: What makes LinkedIn so special? Why did you focus on that website?
Author: My company Networking Coach is specialized in business networking and referrals. The most popular website for business networking is LinkedIn. So that’s an obvious choice. However I haven’t always been a huge fan of LinkedIn. For me it lacked interactivity. But since the introduction of Discussions in August 2008, people can share ideas, help each other and find each other. Since then it is my favorite networking website.
FASCINATING AUTHORS: What is the reason that most people have the feeling they don’t get many results from LinkedIn and (online) networking in general?
Author: The most important reason is that most people and organizations don’t have clear goals. As a result they don’t know how to choose between events, organizations, websites and groups on these websites. Most of the time they choose the more obvious ones like Chamber of Commerce events, but for many people these are not the most ideal ones. And then people loose lots of valuable time.
The second most important reason is that people and organizations who have a clear goal not always ask themselves: “Who are the people in the best position to help me reach my goal?” But if they do that, everything becomes so much easier: it becomes very easy to choose where to go and where not to go, which organizations to be member of and which (groups on) websites to join.
FASCINATING AUTHORS: Is there an approach that gets results without spending too much time?
Author: In “How to REALLY use LinkedIn” I describe a 3 step approach. This is the overview of the approach, how to do each step and tips about what to do and what not to do can be found in the book.
1. Craft a good Profile
2. Build your basic network
a. Import your contacts from your email program and connect with the people who are already a member of LinkedIn.
b. Reconnect with (old) colleagues and (old) classmates. LinkedIn does most of the work for you!
c. Join alumni Groups and Groups of peers (people with the same profession)
3. Expand your network (starting from your goals)
a. Connect with individuals who can help you reach your goals
b. Join the Groups where a certain type of people are member of, who can help you reach your goals
FASCINATING AUTHORS: Is LinkedIn truly a social networking website, on par with websites like Facebook and Squidoo?
Author: It depends on the definition of “social”, but I would say yes although I prefer the term “business networking”. If we compare LinkedIn to Facebook then you see that on LinkedIn 95% of the Profile is about business and Facebook 90% about personal things. LinkedIn is less active and interactive than Facebook, but for a business networking website that is OK. If you compare LinkedIn to Squidoo then you see that Squidoo gives you more flexibility to share with other people, but there are no forums or Groups.
FASCINATING AUTHORS: Do you have some small tips about LinkedIn that most people don’t know and that make a big difference?
Author:
• Use words to describe yourself that other people would use to find you and your expertise. Many times these are not the same words that you use!
• Your Professional Headline is the most important part of your Profile: it is shown in search results and when you comment in Discussions or Answers. This is what helps you build your personal brand. Most people just use their function. Add something more that triggers people to click and read the rest of your Profile.
• Use a professional picture, not a holiday picture. Mind the first impression someone has of you. Let it be a good one! A headshot with a smile will do.
• Being active in a Group helps to increase your visibility and credibility IF you have chosen the right Groups. Don’t know which Groups to join? Look in the Profiles of the people you are connected with to find out of which Groups they are member of.
• Don’t use the standard Invitation message! Firstly it puts people off and secondly you miss the opportunity to build a relationship.
FASCINATING AUTHORS: Where can we find out more about the book?
Author: On the website http://www.how-to-really-use-linkedin.com people can find the table of contents, testimonials from 50 top managers and thought leaders from all over the world. Even more: they also can get a free light version and free access to webinars!
FASCINATING AUTHORS: Thank you for taking the time to be part of this interview!
