strategies for a successful linkedin experience

“Let’s get social” Workshop Series

© 2012 Thomas Marketing Consulting, Jessica Thomas

Strategies for a Successful LinkedIn Experience

Social Media Marketing February 28, 2012



Today’s Agenda

• Self Introductions

• Introduction

• Goals

• Workshop Rules

• Potential Objections

• The importance of having a plan

• Top 10 Strategies

• How to speak social, not just sell

• Etiquette: A few content No No’s

• Etiquette: A few general social media No No’s



@jessiet09 @tmcusa



Goals: • Reach new levels of comfort with our

LinkedIn efforts

• Dissolve frustrations and fears

• Ask a lot of questions

• Have fun!



Workshop Rules • Keep an open mind

• Be as creative as possible

• Ask a lot of questions

• Be nice to your neighbor

• No man (or woman) left behind



Potential Objections • I don’t have time

• LinkedIn is for job seekers



4 Main Objectives

1. Stay connected with colleagues

2. Follow up with networking contacts

3. Reach out to potential clients

4. Get introduced



The Importance of Having a Plan

• Gives you focus

• Tangible objectives and milestones (i.e. Connections)

• Specific deadlines and timetables

• A baseline to measure success

• Weekly timetable and goals

• 30 day editorial calendar



LinkedIn Demographics



Top 10 Strategies for a Successful LinkedIn

Experience:



1. Complete your profile



2. Write to be read



3. An extension of your networking



Personalize your invitation

Table challenge!



4. Join Groups



5. Post relevant content



Content is still King!

• What are your connections looking for?

• What resources are key to them?

• What are effective ways to soft sell them?

Table Challenge!



6. Get involved in the conversation



7. Position yourself as a thought leader



8. Recommendations



9. Be responsive



10. Develop a strong personal brand



Research other profiles



Goal:



Don’t be a robot!



Don’t SPAM!



Get Introduced



The Ideal Client • Who are they?

• Age?

• Male? Female?

• Industry?

• Job function

• Location?

Table Challenge!



How to Speak Social, Not Just Sell

• It’s all about people

• Be conversational, don’t yell at your connections

• Speak with them, not at them

• Position yourself as a resource




• Share information

• Build your reputation

• Learn to listen

• Social networks contain a lot of information about your client

• Understand your client’s needs




• Say more with less

• Limit yourself to one sentence, one thought

• Social media is a pull system (Do not push)

• Know your audience

• Remember to bring value



A Few Content “no, no’s” • Bathroom thoughts

• Drunken inspirations

• Angry retorts

• Late night ramblings

• If you’re having a bad day, avoid the “Send” Button

• Politics

• Controversial subjects



A few Social Media “no, no’s” • Do not link your social media accounts

• Do not post the same message on all of your social media accounts

• Do not SPAM

• Do not be negative

• Keep your audience in mind



Measure your

performance



InMail



Advertising Targeting • Geography

• Company (specific or category)

• Job Title

• Group

• Gender

• Age



Questions?



Thank you! Thomas Marketing Consulting Jessica Thomas, Owner 904-651-7976

[email protected] www.ThomasMarketingUSA.com www.facebook.com/ThomasMarketingUSA www.facebook.com/JessicaRThomas00 www.linkedin.com/in/JessicaThomas10 Twitter: @jessiet09



Next Workshop: • “Twitter for Business”

• Tuesday, March 27

• 8:30 am – 11:30am

• Shop.ThomasMarketingUSA.com

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