Hello, Everyone:
It is great to reconnect with you. I am starting to see lots of companies beginning to integrate not only one social media tool into their marketing plans and processes but several at a time. This enables a company to find out who knows whom and also gather information about prospective customers, employees, vendors, etc. You should begin to be very strategic about how this might work in your world. I have an example of that in the Connection part of the tips this week. I will start this week with an idea that I think could differentiate you from your competitors.
Profile Tips
What do you do if you have a great recommendation on company letterhead but the individual who wrote you the recommendation is no longer at the company, is not on LinkedIn, or is not allowed by his/her company to post recommendations on LinkedIn?
There are a couple of things I would suggest. First, make a pdf of the recommendation and use the Box.net application to post it on your profile, using a description of that file which clearly shows what the file is. You might say something like, “Letter of praise from president of XYZ Company, talking about my ability to generate business from cold calls.” The next thing I would do is consider extracting a quote or two from the letter and putting that quote (along with the details of the person who said it) in the Summary section of my profile. Then let the reader know that he/she can scroll down to the Box.net files for a downloadable copy of the complete letter.
Connection Tips
Here is a great tip for not only finding people you want to connect with but also keeping track of what is going on with those people. Once you have identified specific individuals you would like to meet and you have them on a target list, perform the following steps to help you “zero in on” the connection and the important information you want to have on that person.
o Perform a People Search using that person’s name and see who in your network knows that person. Then make an attempt to see how you can best connect with him/her.
o Do a Company Search and get information on the company that may help you with your marketing into that company, but also take note of the people who are currently connected or have been connected with that company and look to see what level of connection you have with those individuals. Select "Follow" from the Company profile page to continue to get updates on new hires, firings/terminations, and promotions/changes.
o Go to Google and set up a Google Alert for keywords, including the person’s name, his/her company name, and any other project name or identifier. You set this up my going to http://www.google.com/alerts.
o Set the Google Alert to notify you periodically of any new internet postings that have those keywords in the article.
Wildcard Tip or Question
If you are having any kind of trouble with your LinkedIn account, I have found that the Customer Service Department is very helpful and pretty timely, considering I am not a paid account user. Here are the steps you should take if you have a problem or question:
1. Click on the “Help” at the top of the screen or “Customer Service” at thebottom of the screen.
2. Type in your question, and many times the FAQ will give you the answer you need.
3. If you don’t find the answer, you can put in a request by clicking the tab marked “Ask Customer Service.” Type in your question and attach any screen shots that may help them see what it is you are having trouble with. They will usually respond in a day or two.
4. If this doesn’t work, try e-mailing LinkedIn at customerservice@linkedin.com or calling 650-687-3600.
Miscellaneous News and Notes--
Some of the other resources I provide are:
• Customized corporate training classes
• Keynote and workshop presentations for conventions and association meetings
• Corporate social media strategy consulting
• For Sale: LinkedIn training DVDs for beginners and intermediate users
• For daily tips, follow me on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/WayneBreitbarth
Here is my upcoming schedule for teaching/speaking so you can share with friends, relatives and business associates. Follow link or paste into your browser for additional details and registration information.
Wed Aug 18, 2010 Wayne's LinkedIn Power Formula Training for Beginners
M&M Office Interiors; 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
http://budurl.com/auq5
Wed July 28, 2010 Wayne's Intermediate LinkedIn Power Formula Training M&M Office Interiors; 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
http://budurl.com/2ucd
I’ll talk to you next week. All the best!
Wayne
Wayne C. Breitbarth
President
M&M Office Interiors, Inc.
W233 N2833 Roundy Circle West Suite 100
Pewaukee, WI 53072
office 262-781-2600
cell 414-313-7785
I added recommendations to my Honors and Awards section which I placed just above my recommendations. Does the trick.