Have you heard that LinkedIn is an untapped resource for business-to-business selling but don’t know how to use LinkedIn as a sales tool?
This post details the basics of how to get started on LinkedIn. If you would like more information or help, connect with me or join our Facebook Group to let me know your question, we will be happy to help out.
Connect, Connect, Connect!
A great way to get started is to download your existing email contact list into LinkedIn. You can then send them all connection requests!
To grow your network make sure you connect with people you meet at networking events, expos or shows, and through other offline activity. LinkedIn also has a handy search facility, so you can search for new connections by location and job title.
It is always best to add a message reminding them of where you met or with a polite note about why you may want to connect.
Make a Hot List
Make a list of your hot prospects and engage with them regularly, not in a sales pitch way, but in a conversational one. Read their profile, find out more about them and chat to them when they post.
20 hot contacts is normally a good number to nurture and build an ongoing relationship with. Make sure they are people who make great potential customers or people who may recommend you to your customers.
Help People
Help first and sell later should be your mantra!
How can you make their life easier right now? If you are unsure, check their social media timelines for clues. If they discuss a topic or ask a question, think whether you can provide relevant information, or introduce them to a contact who could be useful to them.
Optimise
You’ll probably need to rewrite your profile if you have had your account running for a while. When Linkedin was set up we all filled our profiles in like CVs, but profiles should be filled in to highlight what you do, and how you can benefit your ideal customer.
Snappy
Make sure you are smart and presentable on your profile picture. It doesn’t need to be a professional photo, but it should be head and shoulders shot with a plain neutral background.
Remember, your profile picture is akin to your logo and forms part of your personal branding. It is the first thing someone will see when they see your profile!
Show Up
Social media means just that, be social! You’ll need to be active regularly if you’re to make any kind of impact, a minimum of 3 posts per week, and daily engagement. Post interesting content about what you do and ask questions to start a conversation.
We offer social media training and consultancy for those wishing to promote their small businesses, or if you are looking to free up your time and resources by outsourcing your social media marketing, our professional team of marketers are on hand to help.
P.s. Do you want more FREE tips and tactics on promoting your business? Head over to our Bespoke Business Support Facebook Group, where you can connect with other like-minded businesses. The group has been set up to help business owners like you promote your business better with lots of modern marketing tips. Join the conversation!