LinkedIn just cashed in for $26.2 billion in an historic merger with Microsoft. The social media network is becoming more popular among professionals, yet so many fail to understand just how to do business and make money on the site. Implementing a few strategic tweaks and practices can help you and your business cash in on LinkedIn’s growing popularity.
Microsoft Bets on LinkedIn
When news broke last earlier this week that Microsoft is buying LinkedIn, the blogosphere lit up with opinions about what this means for Microsoft. Adding a vibrant social media platform to their fleet is a big step for Microsoft. But few have stopped to think what this merger means for LinkedIn.
It’s true that LinkedIn has had a checkered past with a few stumbles along the way. Yet it remains the most popular social media platform for business professionals serious about their careers, their businesses, and actually doing business. This is where your ears should be perking up, because this merger means LinkedIn will now be integrated across multiple dimensions as a Microsoft division. Its placement will be more prominent and access to its features will be far more convenient.
In short, LinkedIn is about to be everywhere.
Put Your Own Chips on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is clearly the winner in this game. When the news broke, LNKD stock soared. So the question that should be on your mind is: how can you cash in on LinkedIn when it comes to your own business and lead generation?
To give you the inside scoop on how to make money on LinkedIn, here are few tips you should implement immediately:
Custom URLs: If you don’t have one, get one. This is your handle, so customize the default string of confusing characters with your own name or brand name.
Groups: Here’s a secret – LinkedIn is all about the groups. In order to build your thought leadership and interest people in what you offer, post helpful information and leading questions in relevant groups. In other words, mingle and help others. If someone develops an interest in your services, take the conversation private or to the phone and sell.
Connect: It’s all about networking. So connect with everyone you know, especially your customers. Don’t just sell to them and then run. Keep the relationship going. It’s just good business to keep the door open for future business by nurturing an ongoing social media relationship on LinkedIn.
Follow Companies: Want strategic intel on when to call or what to offer? Follow the companies of your customers to watch their updates and see what’s going on in their lives. What do they need? When do they need it? This is how you sell on LinkedIn.
Be Serious: LinkedIn is not the place to share pictures of your crazy weekend. Save that for Facebook. People on LinkedIn are serious about doing business, so it’s the perfect place to generate leads and make money, since people are already in the mood.
Add Value: People will follow you (and thus do business with you) if there is value in doing so. Create and share valuable content like a blog. Keep your connections coming back for your insights, ideas, and industry news. This is how you grow your following on LinkedIn and cash in on this amazing crowd of professionals looking for the kind of solutions you can provide.
It’s time to get serious about this powerful social network and start generating revenue from your strategic efforts there. If you believe these insights will help others on LinkedIn, please share!
