Use LinkedIn To Grow Your Business (Part One)

Use LinkedIn To Grow Your Business (Part One)

Let’s face it, the boom days are over, at least for now. You have to get creative. If you’re a vendor you’re fighting to keep existing business and attract new clients from a much smaller pool of potential clients. If you’re a lender you’re doing the same because there are far fewer borrowers out there that qualify to buy a home these day. Lastly, if you’re a servicer, you need to maximize your time and efforts to work out every possible loan.

So, everyone has to get creative. I came across an article called “21 Ways To Maximize LinkedIn.” Over the course of the next few weeks I want to share the highlights of that article because I think it can help mortgage participants grow in a challenging market. So, let’s get started.

The first point made is: Change your expectation of Social Networking. There is no quick fix, instant gratification or get rich quick. This is a long-term strategy to say the least.

As I talk to clients, everyone is looking for that big bang for their buck. For example, they place one ad in one publication and the expectation is that all this new business is going to flood in the door. It doesn’t work that way. The ad gets your name out there, which is important in a down market because it demonstrates your viability, but you need to take it further and follow up with other pieces.

The same can be said about Social Networking. LinkedIn will get you out there. It will make you more visible, but you can’t just join LinkedIn and expect the business to flow. Having said that, I don’t think any cutting-edge company can afford to ignore how beneficial LinkedIn can be for their business when done right and coupled with a clear marketing strategy.

The second point made is: Put some thought into your profile and make sure it does justice to the wonderful brand we call “YOU”! Slow down and give thought to your profile.

Too often vendors or lenders want to say something about their business because others are using that phrase or tagline. In technology it becomes a competition some times as to how many buzzwords you can pack into one message in the hopes that one will stick. Sure, you have to hit the main points, but you also have to be different. Don’t just say something about you or your company on LinkedIn because that’s what your competitors are doing. Dare to be a trendsetter, not a follower. You need to tell your story.

The third point made is: Use a cool tagline to help set you apart from the masses. Examples: Craig Wilson is the Chief Appreciation Officer of his Send out Cards business. Our biggest challenge these days is being memorable.

Let’s face it, there are over 30 different LOS companies, for example, you need to stick out. Competition is fierce everywhere. How do you survive? Think outside the box. Use LinkedIn to help you get there.

Stay tuned for next week as I tell you a little bit about how to make the most of those LinkedIn groups that you’ve joined or are being asked to join. You’d be surprised what they can do for your bottom line.

Michael
mhammond@nexleveladvisors.com