Breaking In and Entering … Linked In.

Linked in is a great way to make connections.  It’s more than just having a profile. You can connect with people through Linked In groups. Once you’re in a group, you can search the others in it and they will search you as well.  It’s getting on more sets of radar than ever before.

All the CEO’s of the top 50 companies in the US are on Linked In.  That means they are accessible in some form.

One method that has often worked for me when “linking in” with someone, is to erase the system’s automatic message and put in your own … like, “I’ve done business with so and so at your company”…. something  more personal to tell them it’s okay to connect with you. Once they’ve accepted, you have access to each other’s contacts.   Just make the connection.  If they are interested, they will check out your profile.

When you approach someone on Linked In, or any social networking venue, don’t start selling yourself or your services. Occasionally, I get an email from someone who found me in a Linked In group. The email goes on forever about the company and all their services.  If the sender had taken the time to review my profile, they would see that I’m competition and not in the market for their services.  If you don’t like it being done to you, don’t do it to someone else.

For those of you who have already mastered Linked In, and for those of you who haven’t, another good resource to help you maximize your effectiveness on this service, is www.mashable.com.  Enter Linked In in the search box at the right hand top of the page.  It will bring up lots of good information to further help you “break in”.

Sandra Holtzman teaches CEO 035: Licensing.