Linkedin is a great tool for research and communication. Before you get serious about it though, take the time to sit down and think about what you really want from it. To get the most out of it, take a Goals, Strategies, Tactics approach and stick to it. For example, if you want to grow your network then add 5 new connections a day. If you want sales leads, get active in groups and events. Remember one thing that you always need to remember; Take the time to thank your connections and do selfless things for them. If you have to include that as a tactic, then DO IT! You may have heard it a thousand times, but the value is always in execution.
Optimize your profile
Lets get the basics out of the way. Fill every SINGLE form out thoroughly. Don’t be afraid to list your accomplishments. People want to know that your confident in what you do. It’s tough writing about yourself, so if you have trouble, consult someone that knows you well or look for inspiration on other profiles.
Utilize groups
Groups are a fantastic tool because they allow you to connect with people you’d otherwise have no connection with. Join as many groups as you can related to your industry or interests. Make a goal to reply to two posts a day and start your own topics. Groups are an excellent way to get to know people locally, in your industry, or industries you want to break into.
Request recommendations
If you do amazing work and your clients tell you, ask for it a recommendation Linkedin. Start the old fashion way. Give them a phone call and ask if they would be willing to write you recommendation. Then tell the person what you would like them to say about you (in a humble manner) Then tell them you’ll be sending them a request so they can respond to it by writing you that recommendation. (This way they won’t forget.)
Utilize Applications
One way to get passive updates to your connections is through your apps. Take time to browse the apps (there aren’t that many) and choose ones that fit you. If your not sure which apps to start with, use the Blog Link app to sync your blog account and the Recent Tweets app to sync your Twitter account. The Amazon reading list is another great app.
Update your profile status at least once a day
The status bar is another great way to keep top of mind to your network. But don’t abuse it by syncing it with your Twitter account. Try to post info that would be of value to your target audience. You need a strategy. If you have to resort to posting the same content that you have on your twitter feed, take the time to post it separately. Just make sure not to include hashtags or @replies. They get really on any platform other than Twitter.
Always include a personal message when adding/connecting with people
A personal touch goes a long way. Your new connections will appreciate it now more than ever. If it’s someone you don’t know ask him or her why they want to connect with you. Ask them what they are looking to get out of Linkedin and they’ll probably ask you back. Now you have one more person looking out for you!
Pay attention to people’s updates
Use updates as a chance to keep in touch with people. If someone got a new job or a promotion, take the time to send him or her a personal congrats message. MAKE SURE you get your facts straight first though. They could just be changing their job title.
Make sure your profile sections are reordered to benefit you.
A new feature allows you to move your profiles sections up and down.
Depending on who you are, you can take advantage of this new feature to give people interested in your profile, exactly what they are looking for.
For example:
Student: Education, Experience, Resume, honors and awards
In transition: Resume, Experience, summary and contact info
Entrepreneur: Summary, Contact Settings, Recommendations, Apps for a presentation from slideshare or a white-paper on your expertise.
Employee: Summary, Experience, Recommendations
Networker: Summary, Recommendations, Groups, Social apps (e.g. blog and twitter feeds)
Check out my full post on reordering sections here
Make it easy for people to contact you
Everyone has their preferred method of communication. Make sure to put yours under the “Contacts Settings” section. Many people don’t like to use Linkedin’s mail systems so include your email address or business number as a preferred method of communication.
Don’t be stingy with your public profile
You want people to find you right? Include as many pertinent details as possible on your public profile. At least include your summary, experience and most important additional information.
I’d love to connect with you on LinkedIn at
http://www.linkedin.com/in/joelwidmer
Let me know why you’d like to connect and I’ll be sure to reply!
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09. Feb, 2010
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by allwebdesign: 10 tips for getting your next client on Linkedin http://bit.ly/924Rn8...
Brian
30. Mar, 2010
I can see from your suggestions that there is a lot of scope for properly establishing relationships with people on ‘Linkedin’ providing you take a professional approach to it.
There is definitely a difference to this social bookmarking site than some of the others that are around, it really is for professionals seeking to make contact with other professionals.
[User Link:10 tips for getting your next client on Linkedin] | Tips for Designers and Developers | tripwire magazine
29. Apr, 2010
[...] 10 tips for getting your next client on Linkedin [...]
dava
29. Apr, 2010
Nice tips. I’ve always floundered a bit with Linkedin and the reason is sort of silly. Here it is: I clicked the link to connect with you and was totally stumped when I got to the part where it asks how I know you. I never know what to do there. We aren’t colleagues in the traditional sense, I don’t know your email address, we didn’t go to school together.
This happens all the time. I attend a conference or seminar and want to keep up with those professional connections through Linkedin, but then hit this same dilemma. What to do?
CSS Brigit | 10 tips for getting your next client on Linkedin
29. Apr, 2010
10 tips for getting your next client on Linkedin…
Linkedin is a great tool for research, communication, and booking clients….
190+ Useful Fresh Articles for Web Designers | tripwire magazine
01. May, 2010
[...] 10 tips for getting your next client on Linkedin [...]
10 tips for getting your next client on LinkedIn | Design Newz
03. May, 2010
[...] 10 tips for getting your next client on LinkedIn [...]
Web agency Wype
03. May, 2010
Thanks for posting those tips. It’s a good thing to take care of our linkedin, a great way to find clients or partnership.
Jonathan Patterson
03. May, 2010
@dava you just need to get their email address! You should at least already have that if you’re trying to connect with them.
This is a good post. I’m already exercising most of your suggestions!
Patrick Hazard
04. May, 2010
Thanks for the tips, I’m always at a loss as to what to do next with linkedin. It doesn’t really seem to have the functionality to just connect with other designers and peers in your industry the same way that other online networks do.
I suppose it’s like most online activities, you get out what you put in!
190+ Useful Fresh Articles for Web Designers — The Rawk Shop Literal
06. May, 2010
[...] 10 tips for getting your next client on Linkedin [...]
jwidmer
06. May, 2010
Very true about getting what you put in! I think it’s even more true now then ever with Linekdin. Now that Linkedin is a lot more like Twitter, there’s a lot more noise to fight through. BUT it’s also more dynamic. The one thing to keep in mind is that you NEED to dominate whatever you choose or no one will have a reason to pay attention over the noise. Here’s a couple things I would explore (I’ll write a full post in the future on these)
- Target decision makers with the keyword search. Follow their companies (with LI’s new feature) and make sure you know who you need to connect with so you don’t waste your time.
- Offer to pitch them some design work completely free. If they like it, they’ll use you. Why? Hopefully your choosing honest companies. You have nothing to lose if you look at the time you spent as a way of marketing yourself. Thats the #1 way I kickstarted my biz.
- Monitor updates, especially questions of target clients your going after. Work to become a resource for them. If they post something, reply back with a useful link or article that may help them. It goes a long way.
jwidmer
06. May, 2010
Like @Johnathan said, a good way to connect is asking them for their email address. That also gives you an excuse to follow-up with them and earn their permission to connect with them. Just send a message through Linkedin asking for their email because you’d like to stay in touch through LI. Also, when your at networking events, make it a point to ask for a biz card and confirm that the email address on there is the right one to use while connecting on Linkedin. Hope that helps!
jwidmer
06. May, 2010
@Brian Definitely. Thats why I like LI, Because it’s (mostly) only professionals connecting with each other. And the thing I like best is that you don’t have to master all aspects of it. You can choose what you enjoy doing the most and stick with that. (e.g. answering questions, researching companies/clients/prospects/competition, Hunting for jobs, following up with new contacts, leading a group, posting relevant updates… and the list goes on)
Claudia Baier
26. Oct, 2010
Hi Joel,
I learned a few new tricks thanks to you. Keep them coming! I will connect with you on linkedin.
All the best,
Claudia
Brett Widmann
17. Nov, 2010
I’m not very involved with Linkedin, but this article was very helpful and has me thinking more about using it to my advantage. Thanks for staying.
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11. Feb, 2011
I am not that familiar with this Linkedin thing but I think that this site can be useful. I want to register on this site for the future research I may do later on.
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12. Feb, 2011
Great article, thanks for sharing this. I have subscribed to your RSS feed and am looking forward to reading more from you.
Keep up the good work and don’t stop posting please.