Put Business Networking Web sites to Work for You
Hot on the heels of popular Social Networking Web sites comes Business Networking Web sites. In the same way that Social Networking Web sites give members an opportunity to connect with other users over similar hobbies, interests, and social circles, Business Networking Web sites allow brands and professionals to network and share.
LinkedIn is a popular example of a Business Networking Web site. On these Web sites, members are able to showcase their professional accomplishments, network with co-workers, clients, other industry professionals and others. Members are able to build their networks, get recommendations from other members, post on discussion boards, view job boards, and much more.
The opportunities for professionals on Business Networking Web sites are great. The opportunities for brands are impressive as well.
- Create a company profile.
- Keep track of your competition; check out their professional qualifications and track record.
- Get access to and store up to date contact information.
- Establish yourself as an industry resource by answering questions within the Answers section.
- Get feedback and insight by starting or adding to the Discussion section.
- Find qualified candidates to fill company positions by posting on the Jobs board.
- Increase your Visibility Add connections, and more people will find you. Its an easy way to get your name and brand out there to other professionals.
- Get connected After you establish some connections, LinkedIn will begin suggesting additional contacts for you. Connect with long distance clients and get introduced to others. Reconnect with old classmates and previous co-workers. You never know who could be a potential customer.
- Be found LinkedIn profiles can be indexed by Search Engines, when someone searches for you; show them your professional qualifications via LinkedIn.
- Boost your Search Engine Visibility. Search Engines like links. LinkedIn allows you to post links to your company Web site and Blog from your profile.
- Get data from your industry by creating a poll.
- Request testimonials Utilize your connections to get client testimonials praising your work. Use them on your Web site or marketing materials.
- Join Industry and Alumni groups.
Business Networking Web sites offer different opportunities for Social Media Marketing. These types of Web sites are not the place for traditional marketing. They are a perfect example of the networking, connective opportunities that Social Media Marketing offers. Rethink your Marketing Plan and get LinkedIn.
Illustrate your talent and hard work - LinkedIn for B2B
B2B companies can especially benefit from Business Social Networks. You can find your target demographic on LinkedIn. In the same way that Micro-Communities work well for other companies, you can take advantage of the search, networking, and recommendation features to grow your client roster.
B2B-Specific Tips:
- Utilize LinkedIn Surveys to gather research from their target market of network members.
- Identify new prospects that could use your services or products through search features.
- Let others know about your meetings, educational opportunities, or (sometimes) sales and promotions through the events section.
- Use the applications LinkedIn offers to import your Blog to your LinkedIn profile to get targeted traffic.
- Answer the "What are you working on" question to let others know about projects you have going on.
- Create and update a group page for your brand.
- Share useful industry resources like articles and reports, keep establishing yourself as an industry resource.
- Don't go for the hard-sell on these sites, members won't like it.
As a professional, you belong on Business Networking sites. Having a personal profile that links to your company is a great first step. Growing your presence on these Web sites is a great, modern way to market yourself. Contact E-Power Marketing today for more information on how you can succeed on Business Networking Web sites.
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