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Up to August 2019, There were 5,153,000 Linkedin users in Malaysia. which accounted for 15.7% of its entire population. Which we already know, Linkedin is also one of Social Media available nowadays such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram which allow you to do business networking and promotion, but they’re also used for fun and entertainment. On the other hand, Linkedin is all about making professional connections. You’re not going to post what you had for breakfast or watch kitten videos on LinkedIn. Instead, you’re going to connect with potential clients, customers, mentors, and referrers. As a result, you need to use LinkedIn differently than other networks.
Here are 6 tips for maximizing
LinkedIn to build your home business:
1. Create a profile that speaks
the client or customer you want to have.
Unlike the other social networks,
LinkedIn gives you a lot of space to toot your horn. But instead of giving a
laundry list of experiences, as you might do in a resume, create a
benefits-oriented profile that will attract potential clients. Particularly in
the summary, be clear on how your home business can help customers. Make it
easy for members to learn what you do and how you can help them by using
bulleted lists. For example, if you're a virtual assistant, you can have a list
that shows how you can free up time and maximize income for your clients.
With that said, also take
advantage of the other features you can have on your profile, such as a list of
books and publications you've written, media exposure, awards and recognition,
membership in associations, and more.
2. Use keywords to get found.
Search engines are not the only
place keywords are important. Keywords at LinkedIn will help your connections
find you when they need the product or service you offer.
Make a list of keywords related
to your business and use them in your personal LinkedIn URL (if you want to
brand your business or name, use them in your URL instead), headings and text
areas. For example, if you're a freelance tech writer, include writing and
technology-related keywords.
3. Make strategic connections.
Unlike Twitter and Facebook in
which the more friends you have the more important you appear, LinkedIn is
about quality over quantity. In fact, once you hit 500 connections, LinkedIn
doesn’t post the total number of connections you have.
Members of LinkedIn are more
picky about who they connect with, and, in fact, if they don’t know you, they
may not connect with you. That means you can’t start asking to connect with
members willy-nilly. Doing so might get you labeled a spammer.
Instead, start by connecting with
people you know. You can search for their names or allow LinkedIn to access
your email to find members for you.
Replace LinkedIn’s default note
with a personal note when you ask for a connection. You can improve your chance
of getting a connection by reminding the member about how you know him or her
and why you want to connect.
Remember to think about how you
can help others when you make connections, instead of focusing on how they can
help you.
4. Share professional news,
events, and updates only.
LinkedIn is all about showcasing
your expertise. It’s the place to post your new blog articles, milestones,
product launch and industry-related news. Except possibly in group discussions,
limit posts related to personal issues to Twitter and Facebook.
5. Participate in groups.
Building your connections beyond
your current network requires getting to know new people. You do that by
participating in groups. Search for or create groups that cater to your market.
Once you join them, participate
in discussions. Groups are not a place to blatantly promote your business.
Instead, they’re where you share your expertise, provide help and support, and
make connections. They’re a good resource to get support for and tips in your
business as well. They are ideal to build trust and rapport so that you can
attract new clients and referrals from group members.
6. Be generous.
Social networking is a two-way
street. If you want people on LinkedIn to write recommendations, endorse you
for a skill, or introduce you to potential prospects, you need to do the same.
Don’t wait for others to be nice to you. Instead, share the love first, and
hopefully, they’ll return the favor
Be sure to put the LinkedIn Badge
on your website, so your visitors can find and network with you on LinkedIn.
Don't underestimate the power of
LinkedIn to help in your home business. There are many freelancers who have
gotten quality clients and referrals through LinkedIn.
