7 LinkedIn Tips to Establish Better Conversations

Using LinkedIn is an excellent way to connect with colleagues, peers, competitors and thought leaders. The key to being successful is to be sincere; bringing relevance to your connections.

Here are my tips along with a video example of process:

1. 1. Sign up for the advanced business feature of LinkedIn
   2. Track companies, people, groups and questions
   3. Create folders and label them accordingly, i.e., hot prospect, current client, thought leader, etc.
   4. Use notes under people, and add notes that highlight your relevancy to that person i.e., if I’m targeting a VP of Lead Demand, and I am moderating a Focus Roundtable; Social Lead Gen and Its Impact on Revenue – then I’ll  invite VP to connect with me and offer executive insights to quote during panel discussion
   5. When researching people, look for synergies between you and person or company. Notice title, role and accountability. Read recent dialogue person is having ; ie., groups, questions, twitter, etc. Notice if someone is attending an upcoming conference or that you belong to the same group. Figure out how you are connected to individual, and use to bring relevance to your dialogue
   6. Start following companies, view company data, i.e., universities attended, current employees, newly hired, employees recently departed. Notice similar company profiles being viewed similar to the current company profile you are viewing
2. Send a request to an individual to add to your network, and add a note that explains purpose of your invite/inquiry – i.e. if you are inviting a Dir of Inside Sales to join your network, and you are attending the AA-ISP.org’s Leadership Summit, mention you’ll be attending summit and want ask for an opportunity to introduce yourself

Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn

Enjoy!