An Introduction to LinkedIn [Part 2]

So you have signed up on LinkedIn (you can read part 1 here) – now what?

• Network

You can use Linkedin to connect with people you know. You know the rule – write a personalised note when inviting someone to connect and they are more likely to accept your invitation. Once connected you can send messages to your contacts and share personal news and knowledge.

Top Tip: If you haven’t already discovered how to do a personalised invite in-app, tap on the three dots …  at the top of the profile page of the person you wish to send a personalised invitation to and it will give you this option.

• Follow

You can now follow companies, connections and influencers/publishers on LinkedIn. Content that you “follow” will come up on your newsfeed. This is a great way of keeping up to date with news and achievements of your connections, as well as industry knowledge and interesting articles.

Top Tip: follow influencers in both your industry and your client’s industry.

• Be a Brand Ambassador

Yes, LinkedIn is a great way to promote your personal brand and build your online presence, but it is also a great way to support your company and build your Company’s brand.

Start by following your Company’s page to get notified of new content (LinkedIn will do this automatically when you list the Company as your employer). If your Company is sharing content on their Company page, then sharing and liking that content is very easy and a simple click of a button.

Top Tip: If you are sharing (by clicking the arrow) don’t forget you can “tag” people and companies, which means that it will go to their connections/followers.

• Engage

The most important thing is to engage, whether this is with your network or with those you follow (and who follow you). Engage by liking and sharing content, and by leaving comments

Engage by

• liking and sharing content, and by leaving comments
• posting and sharing your own content
• publishing a blog post.

Top Tip: Share what your followers might be interested in. Make sharing part of your networking strategy and set calendar reminders to remind you to share interesting content. If you are unsure of what you want to do, just like and comment on content until you feel more comfortable.