LinkedIn for Graduates
With the presence of social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Myspace taking over the world, it seems only natural that the power that comes from business networking, would be transferred onto our computer screens as well. Coming into contact with like-minded people to develop mutually beneficial relationships allows us as business professionals to exchange ideas and open new opportunities. With over 85 million members in over 200 countries, and a new member joining every second, LinkedIn is now the ideal way to build current relationships, re-kindle old ones and realise possibilities for the future.
In layman’s terms, LinkedIn is a Facebook for professionals – it’s all business, and put simply, you should use it because everyone else is! Getting set up with an account is straight forward, and the relationships you can build will efficiently reap in the rewards as you gain exposure. These online connections are a great supplement to lunch meetings and cold calls and in some cases are even replacing them!
Whilst it easy to sign up for an account, (and many people do sign up) few people utilize it to its full extent. SO what are the best ways to make sure your gaining as much value as you can?
9 Seconds to Impress!
No one is going to spend hours looking at your profile. You have a limited time to impress a reader with your profile – let’s say 9 seconds. So be realistic – sell your best points about why someone should want to be connected with you and even meet you! If you don’t see the information you display as being credible and valuable, the chances of someone else being impressed are slim. The best way to develop a unique profile is to actually complete it with specific specialties and summaries – reach that 100% completion!
Share & Publicise!
You never know where useful information will stream in from so start by adding people from your address book and re-connect! Publicise your profile everywhere you can to ensure your picking up opportunities from all sources.
Get amongst it!
Now that your profile is starting to bulk up, look out for interest groups that are relevant not only to you but to potential clients. It is another way to meet and network online with groups supplying discussion groups.
Ask for a recommendation!
If you’ve had a positive networking relationship in the past with a LinkedIn member, ask them to boost your credibility by providing a recommendation. They will usually be more than happy to, and when you return the favour you gain exposure on their page.
Be an expert!
Ask questions, and answer other queries when possible. This establishes a point of contact and is a great way to kick-start conversation.
Follow Companies of Interest!
This can give you insight into new hires in key positions, promotions, and who has left the company. Also considering following your competitors; as sure as anything they are probably following you!
Don’t be a passive observer, get involved and inject some personality into your profile – don’t let the opportunities slip by that could really impact on your sales!
In short, LinkedIn can help support the entire sales lifecycle if you utilise it right: Search for specific target prospects, search titles and companies and use it as a lead generation, and most importantly make sure your profile is complete so people can find you!
Of course, connect with us at ProGrad – share your experiences with people you’ve met through our process, and connect with like minded people!