Using LinkedIn More Effectively

The businessdictionary.com defines “effectiveness” as the degree to which objectives are achieved and the extent to which targeted problems are solved. It is the capability of producing the desired result, so much so that organisations have renamed it professional competence as it relates to employees. Whether effectiveness or professional competence, result seems to be the crux of the matter. It is all about getting things spot on from the get-go. LinkedIn in itself is designed to be an effective online business networking platform for professionals. Run by a team of tech-savvy, trade-conscious intellectuals, it is designed to offer the best in social media and business experience. You can easily get started on the website by setting up an account, creating a distinct profile, grooming your network and being part of the conversation.

These features should seem familiar, but unlike most other social media conveniences, LinkedIn is adequately equipped in terms of safety measures to present a most-reliable virtual business rendezvous. How do I mean? Rightfully, you can only request to connect with someone with whom you share an experience. However, my aim is to go beyond the basics of managing a LinkedIn account. Here are five tips on how to use LinkedIn more effectively:

Be grouped in: With so many groups to choose from, you don’t want to miss out on this incredible opportunity; that sounds like a popular jingle. LinkedIn groups exist to bring common minds together in a bid to achieve common goals. In the words of American football player, coach, and executive, Vince Lombardi, “individual commitment to a group effort — that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilisation work”.

Having been an active LinkedIn user for a few years now, I have discovered the merits of enlisting in professional groups. You have access to loads of information, take part in active discussions, review products and gain access to other business leaders across the globe. For the young at heart though, there is great wisdom in the tweet of Rev. Gbeminiyi Eboda of Harvest House Christian Centre: “There is no way a man will walk with giants, eat what they eat and remain a dwarf. Inspiration grows or goes via association.”

Follow companies: The list is endless — from top financial institutions to technology firms, media outlets, health establishments, etc. It is the corporate world out there. By using this tool, you are guaranteed access to the latest information at the helm of these companies that cut across new products, policies, investments, acquisitions, mergers, job openings and lots more. Likewise, you get to shadow captains of industry, more popularly called thought-leaders, on LinkedIn, and learn from them first-hand about growing your business into a world-class organisation. Tap into the hidden job markets: I have read that in this new media age, a large percentage of job openings are no longer being advertised via the traditional media. I strongly believe that a huge number of jobs out there are no longer publicised in prints. Even when they are, quite a number are still filled by recommendations and head-hunters. Indeed, a close friend was invited to two interviews and he secured a full-time job with a multinational venture via head-hunting on LinkedIn.

It has also been said that the proportion of jobs not advertised increases with the level of the position. It follows rightly that this is so because intelligence goes beyond acing aptitude tests.  Whatever the case, LinkedIn offers it all — from paid job adverts to corporate head-hunting. Find your selling point: Whether it’s your brand you are promoting or product you are advertising, LinkedIn stages an enabling environment. Users post product descriptions in their home pages and get feedbacks in no time. Besides, you can send inbox messages directly to your contacts, telling them all about your brand or product. This, for me, is more targeted and reliable than postings in the home page. Be a premium subscriber: LinkedIn offers three premium accounts for subscribers, ranging from business to business plus; and finally, the executive account in ascension. Being a premium subscriber offers myriads in services. Unlike basic accounts, premium accounts provide users with in-mails that can be sent across the LinkedIn network, with a guarantee of reply. More so, you get to view profiles of people not in your network and a complete list of people who have viewed your profile.

Source: http://www.punchng.com