Dave Watt (CEO of the Institute of Directors Scotland) invited LinkedIn Success Systems to run a LinkedIn learning session for their Edinburgh members and non-members on Thursday 25th November, so directors could further understand the importance of their online presence.
Dave Watt said “while LinkedIn is used by so many in business it is really under-utilised as a business tool because so many don’t know or take advantage of its full potential. Miles – using practical experience and tips expanded the potential enormously!”
With nearly 25 million members now on LinkedIn in the UK (560 million globally) and 58% of all professionals; this is a business development and marketing tool (database) you need to be using daily.
You can’t ignore the potential value LinkedIn could bring to you and your business.
90% of decision makers don’t responded to cold calls…. but do respond to relationship builders
75% of buyers use digital media to be more informed about you and your services
Buyers are 57% of the way through the buying process before they contact you
Buying decisions are taken by on average 5.4 people
A topical question I have been asked over the last couple of weeks is ‘do I change my default setting to Connect or Follow? Which has been a very recent update from LinkedIn. The answer really depends on your LinkedIn Strategy.
‘I can see where LinkedIn are going with this as it lends itself to individuals sharing qualified content (repurposing) that others feel is useful and relevant. The more appropriate and useful the content shared the better the follower ratio.
The Follow button is a much softer engagement path, as it means there is no need to send a connection request (no rejection either). So, I can see it being a popular setting.
(one down side to consider is that people who do want to connect with you, may not realise the connect button will be in the [More …] reveal menu.
So, it could be said with individuals that have a small first-degree network this could really help in raising visibility. However, the Follow setting means a follower would only see your direct posts.
I also think it is important to increase your first-degree network too, so you can engage at much deeper level. A proactive connection strategy should be ongoing.
One strategy could be to opt for the Follow setting, but also invite anyone that follows you, to a 1st level connection, by sending a personalised connection request. If you are logged into LinkedIn, you can see you followers via this link https://www.linkedin.com/feed/followers
They key is to have a strategy for LinkedIn which then drives your actions.
Your first introduction these days is likely to be digital, is your digital first impression your best?
In this digital age, prospects, clients and referrals will seek out your digital image to form an opinion on whether they will buy your product or use your services. Online presence has never been more important, and for new business, the networking opportunities that LinkedIn can offer are invaluable.
Therefore, our LinkedIn training courses and one day masterclasses in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Denmark, Dubai and Hong Kong are very popular.
My one day masterclasses are coming up in December 2018 (Glasgow 12th & Edinburgh 13th) you can find out more details here https://www.b2bsuccesssystems.co.uk/workshop
Miles Duncan
CEO & Founder, LinkedIn Success Systems
Please connect with me and extend you digital reach HERE
LinkedIn Success Systems are business development systems for business growth and brand building. Designed for businesses of all sizes – all sectors – by business development experts. A combination of 30 years’ experience and many, many clients has perfected these systems.
LinkedIn Success Systems is in no way associated with LinkedIn Corp. We are a third-party organisation helping companies and individuals to improve their performance of using LinkedIn through online training and face-to- face coaching. All trademarks recognised
