Working Social Networking - LinkedIn For Entrepreneurs
April 15, 2008 – 7:09 pmIf you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
If you think that the social networking space revolves only MySpace, FaceBook, Multiply and Friendster, you’re dead wrong - especially if you’re an owner of a small business trying to tap onto the vast potential of the Internet.
While the above social networking sites are great for connecting with friends, business-minded LinkedIn works a bit differently - it targets adults with are interested in building their professional networks. In fact it’s a great site to meet a future employer!
For entrepreneurs, sthe professional networking site can serve as an invaluable resource for networking with potential partners, sales prospects and even employees. Julie Chiang, owner and director of local boutique public relations firm Asia PR Werkz, recently created a profile on LinkedIn to explore how sites such as these can help drive business growth. “It will be interesting to see how a digital networking platform can value-add to business owners”, she mused.
Wired has a great post on how to work LinkedIn for job opportunities, but most of the advice also make sense for those trying to promote their businesses online.
Here are two of my thoughts on this:
1. Your Profile
Just as how jobseekers post up their most updated resumes for the purview of potential employers, business owners should provide the most up-to-date information on their business - such as the products or services you provide, for example. You don’t have to put up pricing, but make it easy for people to find out key business details.
2. Build and Maintain Your Network
In the real (business) world you need to grow and cultivate your network - it applies here as well. Continue to engage them in conversation on a regular basis. LinkedIn allows you to write recommendations for others - do so! Be genuinely nice, and people will reciprocate.
Marketing guru Guy Kawasaki suggests ten ways you can use LinkedIn. Small Business Trends also has a great read on why entrepreneurs should have both FaceBook ad LinkedIn.
Tags: Business, entrepreneurs, linkedin
7 Responses to “Working Social Networking - LinkedIn For Entrepreneurs”
A friend of mine just emailed me one of your articles from a while back. I read that one a few more. Really enjoy your blog. Thanks.
Jason Whitmen
By Jason Whitmen on Apr 15, 2008
I agree I use linkedin to connect with past co-workers, clients, and their networks.
By Justin on Apr 16, 2008
I shall side-track a bit here (if you don’t mind). What do you think of entrepreneurs using Facebook as a networking tool for their business involving prestigious or luxury products? Will the whimsical high school feel of Facebook devalue their brand image?
I mean, is Facebook or whatever book an absolute must? Are there more ’serious’ online alternatives that entrepreneurs selling branded stuff can tap into without tarnishing their reputation?
By Commentator on Apr 16, 2008
Hi Commentator,
Sure, it’s a great question and I don’t mind the sidetrack.
I think most people fail to remember that social network sites, as far as marketing is concerned, represents another channel or platform - but the fundamentals of marketing is still the same.
All products are different - and so are luxury products. The question is: who is your target audience? Is FaceBook a place that they congregate, and where you can communicate with them? Will FaceBook integrate well with the rest of your go-to-market strategy?
And you’re right about being concerned of your brand… FaceBook just won’t work for certain brands.
By Daniel on Apr 16, 2008
great post! *joins LinkedIn*
By nadnut on Apr 17, 2008
Hi nadnut,
Welcome to LinkedIn!
Thanks for dropping by my blog!
By Daniel on Apr 17, 2008