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Have you been sitting on the sidelines or perhaps just dabbling with social media, maybe wondering what all the buzz is about? It can be overwhelming, with so many options from which to choose-LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, etc. With more than 800 million users worldwide, Facebook appears to be the tool of choice in the B2C sector. However, in the B2B space, LinkedIn has unlimited networking and marketing potential, and businesspeople around the globe appreciate the highly professional nature of the site. Here are 10 reasons why you and your company should jump on the bandwagon.
1. 140 million and growing. Yes, LinkedIn has 140 million users, and one million more are added each and every week. There are 500 million businesspeople on the planet, and that means almost one-third of those people have a LinkedIn account. Using keywords and other search criteria, you are able to find new customers, vendors, employees, and partners. Before cold calling, you can attempt to find the name of the person who holds the position you are looking for. This is done with Advanced People Searching-LinkedIn's #1 tool for growing your organization's top line revenue.
2. You already have a great network. Your network is one of your most treasured assets. It includes people from every area of your life-your community, industry, personal interests, etc. These people have helped you personally and professionally throughout the years. With LinkedIn's "3D capability," you can now see who your friends know and who their friends know. You may be just one introduction away from the person you or your salespeople, purchasing personnel or HR team are dying to meet.
3. The more you know, the more you grow. Most of us are pretty confident that the more we know about a company or the people within the company, the better chance we have of accomplishing our goal as it relates to that company or person. Well, step right up and access the largest keyword searchable professional database in the world. See what I like to call "resumes on steroids" for the people you want to meet. We would have paid big bucks for this database just ten years ago. Now it's virtually (and I mean virtually) free.
4. Your competition is waiting for you to look at them. Well, not exactly, but you really can see more about them and their people than you have ever had the ability to see. You can view their products and services, watch their slide shows, and view their customer testimonials. LinkedIn helps you see who has recently been hired and who has left the company. Reading the recommendations your competitor's employees have received from customers will give you insight into not only who their customers are but why they are satisfied customers. This should give you plenty to talk about at your next company strategy session.
5. Got a question? Just think-you and your staff can communicate with the world's foremost experts in your industry by accessing LinkedIn's Answers feature and Group Discussions. People are just waiting to meet you and discuss your most pressing issues. Getting involved in ongoing group discussions and lending your expertise will build your credibility with people who may then become your customers, vendors, strategic partners or employees.
6. 140 million and growing. I know I said this before, but this time I want you to think not about your searching 140 million resumes to find the right people and companies but about your company and your people being found by someone else. By strategically crafting your company page and directing your people to have the right keywords and information on their profiles, you can not only be found by people who are searching for your products or services but also improve your chances of being contacted by those potential customers or clients. I wonder how high in the search rankings your company and your people come up when people are searching for your products and services on LinkedIn. Developing and executing a strategic plan for your company's LinkedIn use will undoubtedly improve your visibility.
7. Your favorite nonprofit is counting on you. By this time in your career, you probably care about, support or volunteer for a number of nonprofit organizations. Maybe you even serve on a board or two. If you are interested in helping them grow and expand, there are parts of your profile that can be used to highlight your involvement and their mission as well as letting people know how they could be involved with the organization. In addition, if you have embraced LinkedIn and strategically grown your network, you should now be able to use LinkedIn to find people who may be interested in joining you in supporting your favorite nonprofit group.
8. Your staff is waiting for your move. In every area of your business, your employees look to you for leadership. Social media is a fundamental change to how we communicate with outsiders. If you do not engage at some level, your lack of interest may turn into a lack of interest throughout the company. Your enthusiasm for this exciting technology could be just the fuel your employees need to jumpstart your company's social media program, and LinkedIn is the obvious starting point.
9. Are you listening? Whether it is LinkedIn or other social media channels, people are talking about your company, people, products, and services. The company that puts together a consistent strategy for answering, helping, and educating the public will have a superior reputation over those that fail to engage. The world is waiting to hear from your company and all of your people. You are smart, your employees are smart, and your expertise is needed. If you don't provide it, your competitors will, and they may already be doing just that.
10. It might be fun. When was the last time you had a rush about something new you learned, something that took some time and effort, but once you accomplished it you had the proverbial top-of-the-mountain high? Well, maybe, just maybe, this is one of those times you should climb the mountain. Put on your boots, grab some water, and hit the trails. Oh, and by the way, I am sure you will find a few friends in your organization who would love to hit the trails with you. Have fun!
Wayne Breitbarth was once a skeptic and now is an outspoken proponent of LinkedIn, "LinkedIn Guru" Wayne Breitbarth is passionate about helping business professionals--from entry level to CEO--learn how to combine their previous experience and relationships with this innovative tool in order to more successfully brand and market themselves and their businesses. Wayne's diverse professional background uniquely positions him to assist not only individuals but corporate entities as well. With thirty years' experience in the areas of operations, finance, management, consulting, and business ownership, he is able to "put it all together" for his corporate and individual clients. In addition to his consulting work, Wayne is a dynamic speaker. His practical yet entertaining presentations have inspired audiences both locally, at many of Milwaukee's most prominent companies and organizations, and nationally, at conventions, industry association events, and corporate training sessions.
You can download a free chapter from his upcoming book "The Power Formula for LinkedIn Success" Kick-start your Business, Brand and Job Search" along with other free LinkedIn resources and weekly tips at: http://www.powerformula.net/.