LinkedIn is more than just a digital CV; it’s the best place for professionals to network, develop, and succeed. However, are you making the most of it? You’re in the right place if you’re prepared to use LinkedIn as a tool for generating leads and closing deals.
Greetings from LinkedIn, the largest business network in the world with more than 900 million members. (Yes, it has somewhat expanded since its infancy.) Don’t assume that creating a profile is the only thing you can do on LinkedIn. It’s time to go pro after you’ve mastered the fundamentals of a strong profile. Here’s how to make the most of LinkedIn.
Understanding How to Use LinkedIn Premium Searches
Making the right connections is more important on LinkedIn than simply making connections. This is where the sophisticated search features of LinkedIn Premium really come into play. With a little strategic know-how, you can target the decision-makers who could purchase your product.
Here’s how to accomplish it:
Get More Specific with Filters:
You can use LinkedIn’s Premium search tools to narrow down your results by industries, job titles, seniority levels (such as director or higher), and even company sizes. If you work in SAP services, for instance, aim for positions like “ERP Manager” or “Director of IT” at companies with 5,000 or more workers.
InMail Like a Pro:
Send tailored InMails to introduce yourself to possible leads after you’ve located them. Instead of making a sales pitch, concentrate on connecting with people who have similar interests or groups.
Make Use of LinkedIn Groups:
Direct messaging with prospects without InMail credits is frequently possible if you share a group with them. To increase your visibility, join groups that are pertinent to your industry.
Pro tip: Approach InMail as though it were a first date; nobody enjoys someone who constantly talks about themselves. Be genuinely interested in the needs and difficulties of the prospect.
Your Contacts on LinkedIn: A Treasure Mine Awaiting Exploitation
Consider your connections on LinkedIn as the seeds of opportunity, already planted but awaiting growth. Professionals all too frequently fail to recognise the potential that lies within their own networks. To unlock it, follow these steps:
Get Your Contacts Here:
You can export your connections on LinkedIn, including their names and email addresses. Personalised campaigns or email outreach can benefit greatly from this data.
Go to Settings & Privacy > Privacy of Data > Obtain a Copy of Your Information. After choosing “Connections,” export the file.
Utilise the Data:
Make use of this list for:
• Email Campaigns: Craft focused email sequences that offer useful information rather than commercial pitches.
• Direct Outreach: To preserve connections and look into opportunities, get in touch with former contacts.
Be Respectful:
Always make ethical use of this knowledge. Nobody wants to experience spam in their inbox. Instead of destroying bridges, concentrate on value-driven communication that builds relationships.
Pro tip: To keep your outreach up to date and relevant, export new connections every three months to refresh your contacts.
Developing Connections with Present Clients
Your present clients serve as brand ambassadors in addition to being a source of income. Building these connections can result in valuable referrals, positive reviews, and repeat business. However, a lot of professionals fail to take one easy step: establishing a LinkedIn connection with their clients.
Here’s how to maximise these relationships:
Find Your Current Clients on LinkedIn:
Send them customised connection requests to establish a connection. A straightforward statement such as “I truly appreciate our collaboration and would love to connect here as well” can have a significant impact.
Give Before You Ask:
Compose well-considered suggestions for your clients that highlight their advantages or the fruitful results of your partnership. After you have provided a recommendation, kindly enquire if they would be willing to write one for you in exchange. Most people are glad to return the favour.
Encourage Trust Through Engagement:
Participate in your clients’ LinkedIn activity on a regular basis by leaving comments on their posts, congratulating them on their accomplishments, and sharing updates when suitable. Without being too promotional, this keeps you at the forefront of people’s minds.
Pro tip: Sincere communication fosters trust. Consider LinkedIn as a relationship platform rather than a tool for transactions.
Write Articles to Become a Thought Leader
Lead the conversation on LinkedIn instead of just joining it if you want to make an impression. One of the best methods to become recognised as a thought leader in your field is to write articles for LinkedIn. It’s your chance to demonstrate your knowledge, impart wisdom, and gain the trust of your network.
To begin, follow these steps:
Select Problem-Solving Topics:
Consider the difficulties that your target audience encounters and produce content that tackles those issues. For instance, write a guide on how to avoid common pitfalls if your audience has trouble implementing ERP.
Give Up the Sales Pitch:
Direct sales are not appropriate on LinkedIn. Rather, concentrate on being approachable and helpful. A hard sell will never win more hearts (or leads) than authenticity.
Consider Your Audience When Writing:
Speak in plain, conversational terms. To make your points stick in people’s minds, incorporate a little storytelling. Make sure your articles are clear and useful.
Involve Your Readers:
Every article should conclude with a request for readers to consider or use what they have learnt. A straightforward question like “Which of these tips will you try first?” could be used, or “Have you encountered a comparable obstacle? Here’s how to approach it.”
Pro tip: It’s important to be consistent. Regular article publication, whether monthly or quarterly, helps your audience remember your expertise.
Make a Statement with Strategic Status Reports
Being influential is more important than simply remaining active when posting on LinkedIn. By providing regular, considerate updates, you can maintain your network’s interest and establish yourself as an authority in your field.
Here’s the proper way to do it:
Distribute Unique, Thought-Provoking Content:
Don’t merely reshare articles or quotes. Write posts that tackle particular problems your readers encounter.
Examples:
• Emphasise a recent project’s lesson learnt.
• Provide practical guidance along with industry insights.
• Offer brief solutions to common problems.
Contribute Your Viewpoint to Shared Content:
If you’re sharing someone else’s post, personalise it by adding your own ideas. Explain why it’s relevant or how it applies to your audience.
Continue to Promote Yourself Minimal:
While sharing sporadic updates about your accomplishments or offerings is acceptable, concentrate on adding value. The 80/20 rule—80% helpful, 20% promotional—works effectively.
Be Regular but Not Obtrusive:
To maintain visibility without bothering your connections, posting once or twice a week is sufficient.
Pro tip: Use questions, polls, or images to increase engagement. A well-written status update can start discussions that open up new possibilities.
Making the Most of LinkedIn
LinkedIn is more than just a networking site; it’s an effective tool for developing your professional brand, generating leads, and cultivating meaningful connections. You can realise its full potential by utilising advanced searches, connecting with your current network, cultivating enduring client relationships, producing thought-leadership content, and publishing strategic updates.
Keep in mind that consistency and genuineness are the keys to success on LinkedIn. Instead of just promoting yourself, concentrate on adding value to your network, and observe how opportunities present themselves.
Pro tip: It takes time to become an expert on LinkedIn, so allow yourself time to try new things and improve your strategy. Over time, modest but persistent efforts will produce significant outcomes.
Cheers,
Thomas Michael
Thomas Michael is the CEO of the Michael Management Corporation, the company that creates online SAP training that people actually enjoy taking. Tom lives in New York City, just returned from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and is writing this article in Hamburg, Germany. Oh, and he enjoys traveling.
Other Articles by Thomas:
Is every customer a good customer?
I’m not coming in today (how to take a mental health day)
Learn SAP or be left behind
3 Reasons Why I Get More Done Than You
