Monday, October 20, 2014

Linkedin Networking

If you are reading this blog you may or may not have a LinkedIn account. If you don't I recommend getting one. You may be thinking I don't need to network or I am not looking for a new job or I am a stay at home mom/dad. Well no matter what your excuse you need a LinkedIn account and here is why......

LinkedIn is the largest professional social networking site, which allows users to connect with people they never thought they could connect with. If you know Bob well Bob may know 500 more people and so on, you can build quiet the group of connections on LinkedIn. With those connections lead to other life opportunities like new job opportunities, volunteer events, social events, you name it and LinkedIn can help you reach new opportunities that would have never been possible without LinkedIn. Here are some simple easy steps to help grow you network with LinkedIn starting form the beginning:

  1. Create a LinkedIn account for Free at www.LinkedIn.com
  2. Use a good picture that shows your face well (No family pictures, kissy faces, etc.) Keep it simple
  3. Update all of your information to the best of your knowledge. The more of your profile filled out the easier it will become to connect with people with similar interests.
  4. Log on to LinkedIn a couple times a week if not every day take 2-3 minutes to go over the LinkedIn feed. Lots of great simple article on the feed.
  5. Try to connect with 3-5 new people each day, in time you will grow your network to thousands of people.
  6. Don't be afraid to post something like a motivational quote that you like
  7. Don't be afraid to message people in your network if you have a question for them like if they know of any positions in their company or if they ever need your service to message you.
These are 7 simple things you can do to grow your LinkedIn network that will begin to benefit you year after year. It is so easy and simple and anyone can do it you don't have to be outgoing and a extreme people person to be good at LinkedIn.

So log on and get networking!

Thank you for Reading



SalesFinch

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Networking Tips


Have you ever been apart of a networking group or attended a networking event? If you have you may love it or you may get nervous about it. Networking groups or events can be a little nerve racking for a lot of people because it takes them out of their comfort zone and forces them to meet new people and talk about themselves. For some people it is just second nature to network, for those people you are lucky and keep up the great work. For those who struggle with networking her are some key points to help you succeed at networking so you can succeed at business.

Here are some key points to remember when networking:

  • You are building relationships that will last
  • You need to make yourself visible, Let people know who you are
  • Practice Networking, the more you try networking the better you get at it (Practice Makes Perfect)
  • Diversify your network, network with all types of people be as diverse as possible
  • Maintain your network, Make sure you follow up with your network by phone, or email.
  • Give to others, the more referrals you give the more you will get back
These are a couple of main points to help focus on when networking and building the networking relationships. I am part of a BNI networking group and it really is neat to meet other people and gain relationships and then give referrals as well as receive them. We are all in business to make money and we can all help each other in one way or another. If we work together we can all be successful.

Tip: If you are super shy and have no idea how you could ever network or strike up a conversation come up with 3 to 5 interesting points that you can bring up to talk about when meeting someone new. It can be something as simple as this is crazy weather we've been having and then talk about the weather. If you are prepared before hand it will help you become a good networker.

Networking all begins by opening your mouth and saying who you are.

Please check back next week for more from SalesFinch