Above I've linked a quick article about the do's and don'ts of using Linkedin. The article appears on Revenflo.com, it may contain only common sense pointers, but it's short and relevant. To start, if anyone has ever heard me speak about networking (some like to call it "preaching"), they know I love using a particular gardening metaphor I first heard years ago at a networking event in Chicago. It goes something like, "your network is like a garden, you need to water it from time to time to make it grow." I wish I could remember the origins of the metaphor to give it proper recognition, but not only has my memory failed me, so has my trusted Google search. Regardless, I love what this stands for. It's about building relationships and growing those relationships.
The article uses a similar metaphor by noting "the value of planting seeds and tending them through relationship for, perhaps, but maybe not, a harvest that may come down the road." It must be my central Indiana roots, but the agricultural metaphors perfectly portray my views on networking. If your goals in networking are to build a relationship, add to that relationship, and then perhaps gain from it down the road; then Linkedin is an excellent tool. I've incorporated my favorite quote from the article as the title of this post, "Linkedin has incredible value to those who are seed planters."
I use several social media outlets, but I find myself using Linkedin more than any others. For one, it's relevant to my business, and I've found it easy to tailor my updates to only those with potential relevance to me. Some people misuse Linkedin, and some people don't use Linkedin as it was originally intended, to foster new connections. I've discussed the benefits and how to use Linkedin in the past in a few pieces: What's Your Online Footprint Saying?; Social Media Not Your Thing?; and the Second Degree of the Network. There's a lot of material available on how to use Linkedin. Regardless of what your take is, the article above keeps it simple and has rules everyone should follow.
(1) Don't collect connections. Do connect with more people. Make meaningful connections. Don't try to out-connect everyone by stockpiling connections with people you don't know. Instead, make connections with "a purpose of wanting to help someone in promoting their business."
(2) Don't pre-script your invites. Do make it personal and specific. I'll admit, I don't live by this rule. I have no problem with using the pre-script when connecting with someone I already know fairly well. However, if you are using Linkedin to make a new connection, or you do not know that person particularly well, then use a personalized introduction.
(3) Don't hard sell. Do be authentic. Anyone who has been active on Linkedin has probably seen the hard sell. It's best to avoid brazenly pitching your products. Rather, find discussions that relate to your expertise and add to the discussion.
(4) Don't group gather. Do join relevant groups. This mirrors the first point. It's pointless to blindly join as many groups as possible. I like to join groups that are particularly relevant to me or my practice, and I contribute to those groups when I can. It would be impossible for me to accomplish this goal in a plethora of groups.
(5) Don't be a taker. Do add value. This point is great advice. Remember that there a lot of real people out there that have fallen on hard times in the last couple of years. A lot of these professionals are working hard in avenues such as Linkedin to find opportunities. Don't be insensitive to those efforts. The article suggests finding one connection a week and offering to help them with whatever they are seeking through Linkedin. This is a reminder that Linkedin is a tool for real people, and it helps focus on building relationships through networking.
These pointers may come as common sense to some, but nonetheless I believe they are important reminders.
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