are you using linkedin effectively

I signed you for my LinkedIn account years ago, when I was looking for a job but I never really used it. It’s already hard to manage Facebook and Twitter and adding another social network in the mix seemed overwhelming. How does anyone manage EVERY network and how do you choose which is the most important for your business.  As a woman in business not utilizing LinkedIn was probably one of my biggest mistakes.

Neilson Online called LinkedIn, “The world’s largest audience of affluent, influential professionals.”

Since my business is helping businesses build a professional presence online – it makes since to mingle with the 80 million people using LinkedIn today.

I am so happy I stumbled on this article in Website Magazine, Linked in Secrets to Success.

Over 60 percent of users are decision makers in their companies or have direct influence over key decisions related to product or service purchases.

How to Engage on LinkedIn

• Update your status message daily – provide informative information daily, not what should I eat for lunch, updates
• Start debates within Linkedin groups – start a debate in one of the many groups available.
• Consistently provide tips, tools and resources to groups you belong to
• Answer questions on the Q&A boards – show others your expertise by offering help and advice
• Host monthly training teleseminars in your industry and add them to LinkedIn Events
• Have a complete profile – don’t forget to add your blog rss feeds to you profile.

Take Advantage of LinkedIn Groups

• Participate in groups
• Join groups of potential clients not competition – There is nothing wrong with joining a community of web designers if you are a web designer but those aren’t your clients. If you are building websites for lawyers why not join one of their groups and participate to see how you can help them grow their business online.

Some other things to consider as an entrepreneur on LinkedIn, create your own community and consistently create and distribute content.

To read more about the great LinkedIn tips for mom entrepreneurs, LinkedIn Secrets to Success. Want to join my network – Stephanie Elie