Marla says, “All too often I receive resistance when I suggest to a client that she utilize LinkedIn to build vendor, partner, and prospect relationships. But what might first feel like an intimidating pilgrimage into foreign land can result in a journey of growth, connection, and prosperity. All it takes is a little know-how—and the willingness to put yourself out there.”
LinkedIn keeps getting better and better. And that’s why I like sharing these updates. Have you used LinkedIn’s Card Munch App, updated event interface or the group statistics feature? If so, I’m interested in your impressions. Tell me – what did I leave out?
LinkedIn’s Card Munch iPhone app Digitizes Paper
Am I the only one out there who misplaces business cards? Maybe I have too many pockets. It’s time-consuming to search and rescue all the cards I pick up at events when I get back to the office.
Cards play hide and seek in my business card case, in my pockets, in my briefcase, in my car – and sometimes even in my wallet!
I love to meet people and exchange cards, but if we don’t continue the connection, what’s the point?
How quick would it to be scan one and you’re done? That’s what you can do with the free Card Munch iPhone app.
When to Use . . . While You’re There
at networking events – scan while you’re there and either toss or return the card, preferable, while you’re there
on appointments – scan, impress the client and send them a LinkedIn invitation, while you’re there
at a trade show – input new connections right away, while you’re there
Why to use the Card Munch iPhone app
automatically adds to your contact list
shows how you’re connected via LinkedIn
lets you recycle paper and preserve information
Side, but Big, Benefit: You don’t have to worry about whether or not you mistype when you input contact information on your iPhone.
I love the look of LinkedIn’s new event interface and I like the comment section. Now the event dialog can start before the event begins.
But, I do miss the option to confirm whether you’re a presenter or an organizer. Now you can only be an organizer. Since I set up events for clients and often add events where I’m speaking, I’d rather not be listed as the one in charge.
Also – it looks like, right now, that there is no way to delete an event.
Have you found any other kinks in the new interface?
While we don’t use LinkedIn as a primary registration site, we do use it as a promotional outpost. Why? It’s easy to set up, our event is in LinkedIn’s search and we can easily share – to twitter and Facebook – and invite people from LinkedIn.
Your event will stand out because there’s less competition for listings. In fact, the number of events that have a listing here is much lower in comparison to what’s really going on in Chicago. How do the number of listings match what’s happening in your area?
How to set up a LinkedIn event page:
Go to the more tab on the top nav bar. Click on events in the drop down menu. Click on create a group in the box at the top of the right column.
You’ll need the basics: time, date, place, registration site
Compose an event description that starts off with the most important details first, like names of speakers. You only have 200 or so characters to work with in the preview section, but you can add more detail in the complete description.
Write a great headline or event title that includes keywords.
Think about industries and titles: you’ll include those in the listing.
Add an image or a logo
Share the event via email, on networks, etc
Invite key people to visit the page and click attend so that they show up.
LinkedIn Group Statistics Reveal Dynamics
These beauties popped up on the eve of one of my LinkedIn webinars. That’s why I always check the LinkedIn blog right before I go on. It’s fun to “break news.” People love being the first to know – and I like to be the first to tell them.
To find statistics in groups you already belong to, click the more tab in the vertical nav bar. Look for statistics in the drop down menu. It should be the last item.
For groups you’re checking out, but don’t belong to yet, look for the group statistics icon on the right hand side of the page. Click on it and you’ll see them.
smc-chicago-linkedin-group
What you get with LinkedIn group statistics:
Demographics snapshot of the members by level, role, location, and industry
Growth over time
Activity shows what’s going on inside the group
Information about groups your group can connect with for cross or co-promotions, event invitations and broader community discussions.
What do you find most interesting about group statistics?
Why you need group statistics:
Decide whether or not to join a group based on demographics
Target communications: to execs or entry level to save time and be direct
Track growth: if you’re the owner or manager you can see how your group is shaping up and how activity is flowing
Thanks for sharing your thoughts – how do you use LinkedIn as a marketing tool?
It’s the time of year when you have more buying power than ever. You can choose where to spend your holiday budget: big box or small business.
Thanks to American Express, Saturday is being declared “Small Business Saturday. President Obama is a big promoter:
“From the mom-and-pop storefront shops that anchor Main Street to the high-tech startups that keep America on the cutting edge, small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstones of our Nation’s promise. Through events such as Small Business Saturday, we keep our local economies strong and help maintain an American economy that can compete and win in the 21st century.” President Obama via ABC News
On November 15, I’ll be presenting a LinkedIn and Recruiting webinar for Ragan.com. If you’re looking for ways to increase your recruiting results using social media, you’ll want to check out this two day, four session, program.
I’m pleased to be presenting with Mike Dwyer of CruiterWorks on day one. Anthony Scarpino, Senior Director, Talent Acquisition at Sodexo and Brad Warga, Vice President of Corporate Recruiting at Salesforce.com will present each company’s case studies on day two. Thanks to Kristin Hart-Maravich, Ragan’s webinar content producer and marketing manager for inviting me to present. Here’s what we’ll cover.
On LinkedIn, you can start by importing your email address book and sending invitations only to people you know. If enough people click on “I don’t this person,” your ability to add connections may be limited.
To shape your network’s regional and industry access, you can check your network statistics in the contacts section. Then, search for new people to connect within the areas where you’d like to grow, and invite them to join your professional network.
To send an invitation from a profile, click on add this “person to my network.” LinkedIn will ask you how you know this person. You can send a standard greeting, but adding a personal touch only takes an extra minute or two and improves chances of your invitation being accepted.
21 Ways to Get Connected on LinkedIn by Sending Invitations to
1. Contacts in your email address book
2. Colleagues – former and current
3. Classmates – former and current
4. Group members
5. Business contacts
6. Twitter followers
7. Facebook friends
8. Email recipients, include LinkedIn in the signature
9. Friends and family
10. People you may know as suggested by LinkedIn
11. Networking contacts
12. Conference speakers and attendees
13. New prospects
14. People found using LinkedIn’s search toolbar
15. Key people on company sites
16. Professional or trade association colleagues
17. Bloggers you like
18. Real life contacts
19. Chamber of Commerce associates
20. LIONs [LinkedIn Open Networkers] who agree to accept invitations
Image: SOBCon opening party hosted by SMC Chicago copyright Phoebe Svoboda for thesociallens.com
Excerpt from “Success Secrets of the Social Media Marketing Superstars” published by Entrepreneur Press with Contributions from World-Class Social Media thought leaders: Keith Ferrazi & Tahl Raz: Relationship Strategy; Brian Clark: Psychology of Social Media; Mitch Meyerson: Online Marketing; Ann Handley: Creating Content; Gary Vaynerchuk: Building Mega-Followings; Andy Wibbles: Personality; Chris Brogan: Building Communities; Joel Comm: Success Qualities; Craig Valentine: Communicate with Impact; Starr Hall: Building Profits; Dan Janal: PR Strategies; Michael Stelzner: Go Viral; Denise Wakeman: Business Blogs; Julie Perry: YouTube; Paul Colligan: Podcasting; Mari Smith: Facebook; Deborah Cole Micek: Twitter; Dave Evans: One Hour a Day; Chris Garrett: Social Bookmarking; Kim Dushinski: Mobile Marketing; Shama Kabani: Online Video and Barbara Rozgonyi: LinkedIn.
How about YOU? Where do you find people to connect with?
Thanks so much to my friend Marla Tabaka for inviting me to contribute to her inc.com column. It’s exciting to be featured in “Unlocked Secrets on LinkedIn” on inc.com.
