The Marketing Mentress: LinkedIn Tip # 16 - How Do You Connect Without Being Connected?

The big secret to LinkedIn is in the groups; not in the discussions.

Do you like a little challenge? That is what we have with LinkedIn.

It is like a big networking meeting on the internet...the biggest in the world!

I get invited to join lots of "copy cat" platforms, but when I check them out, I discover they are nothing close to the power of LinkedIn. LinkedIn is the most powerful professional platform on the internet, bar none!

Let's compare networking on LinkedIn with real live networking.

You have 30 seconds to make a great first impression at a live networking event.

On LinkedIn you only have 3 seconds to make a great first impression.

1. One second to look at the headshot

2. One second to check the name.

3. One second to check the headline.

If the profile of the person you are checking out passes the three seconds, the next thing they will check out is the summary.

What does your summary tell people? Does it share what inspired you to do what you do and your "why"? Sharing your "why" is the beginning of building a great relationship with people you want to know and do business with. Your summary is a crucial part of building a "killer" profile.

With a "killer" profile, you are set to start getting down to business with LinkedIn. This is no different than how you prepare yourself for a live networking event.

Except they cannot smell your perfume. :-)

Asking the right questions makes a big difference from the first time you meet someone. Is there something you have in common? Is there something you can collaborate on?

Use F.O.R.M as we discussed in an earlier post.

The same thing happens with LinkedIn. You meet someone that you would like to create a conversation with in the groups. Then you check out their profile and search for the "Contact" tab on their profile. Their email address is in that tab.

Now you can send them a message telling them that you hope it is ok to send them a direct email, and then explain how their profile caught your eye because you noticed something special about it, and wondered what inspired them to do what they do.

Ninety-nine percent of the time they will respond positively.

Remember that the biggest secret to LinkedIn is that you build the relationships online, but real business gets done face to face.

If you are looking for help with how to connect without being connected on LinkedIn, Join us on Tuesday, February 9th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm MST at https://linkedinptbutter.eventbrite.ca

Fired at Fifty: Stop Looking For Work and Discover What You Were Meant to Do.

http://bit.ly/FiredatFiftyKindle

Got a LinkedIn question? Feel free to email me and I will answer it in my next blog.

Christine Till