Introducing. . .2009, the Year of Social Media!

MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin, to name a few, are moving full speed ahead! Are you on the Social Media highway? Are you thinking that Linkedin and other Social Media sites take too much time to maintain? Join us on the fast track to gaining new business through the most popular business connection site, Linkedin. We recently attended an IABC (International Association of Business Communication), Orange County, (http://oc.iabc.com/) luncheon and seminar to find out how Linkedin we really are. The speaker, Kathy McConnell, VP of Marketing at BandCon, Inc. (http://www.bandcon.com/) was the best expert we've seen. We had a few "ah-ha" moments during the presentation and began to ponder, "Were we REALLY allowing our profiles to work for us and our business?" Whether you are a client looking to make new connections to increase business or a candidate/consultant looking for a new job opportunity in 2009, here are some of our take aways that might help you get "Linkedin."

• Download the Outlook and Browser toolbars at the bottom of the HOME page. It only takes a few minutes and WOW! it instantly increases your connections. Using the Outlook toolbar, each email you receive will have an INFO button at the top right-hand corner that will allow you to instantaneously send an invite to a contact that you would like in your network. It's quick--and now Linkedin is working for you!
• Get and give recommendations. Recruiters use Linkedin recommendations as a source for references; prospective clients can review your recommendations prior to proceeding with business negotiations.
• Become a recognized expert in your field. From your Linkedin HOME page, click on the ANSWERS tab at the top of the page. Here you can answer questions that are directly related to your industry and business. Your answer can then be selected by the administrator of the question as the "best," and "ta-dah!"--you are viewed by others in Linkedin as an expert. The more questions you answer, the higher your rating gets. What a fabulous way to share with your network that you (or your business) are knowledgeable in your field and can immediately start building rapport with a potential client and/or hiring authority.

One last tip that from another Linkedin guru and Interactive Media Maven, Rebekah King, (http://rebekahking.com/). Personalize your Linkedin invitations. Sure, the standard is provided, but sharing something about a specific conversation you had, or complimenting the color of his/her suit, is just a simple way to show them that you are serious about your invitation, connections, and network.

Welcome to 2009, the year of Social Media! Have a fun and prosperous year!

Feel free to comment on additional Linkedin tips and pointers that are working for you.