Locked, Loaded, and LinkedIn

Build Your Business with LinkedIn, the World’s Largest Professional Network

For many busy tax professionals, social media sites aren’t an area where they devote their time.  But ten minutes of down time can easily be turned into ten minutes of productive, business building opportunities. LinkedIn has become one of the leading professional referral sites out there as it helps connect people and businesses all over the world.  Here are some tips on how to innovate your LinkedIn account into a reliable marketing resource for your company.

1. Build a Strong Business Profile - Your business profile on LinkedIn serves as your introduction to the public, so a strong value proposition is important. Your profile should provide a positive statement about your business and include your credentials and experience. Don’t make any false promises or exaggerate your accomplishments – be able to stand by what you say so you don’t face any negative publicity later.  If you  have trouble building your profile, refer to other professional profiles as a guide for what you hope to accomplish. You may even want to ask your LinkedIn peers for recommendations to boost your credibility. 
2. Add LinkedIn to Your Daily Routine - Time spent using LinkedIn for networking can be very beneficial.  After all, making good contacts is key to ensuring your business is noticed in the right circles.  A great option might be to devote a few minutes each day to your account to make sure you are connecting with the most desirable clients and defining how your business could be valuable to them. Promoting company events such as referral programs, discounts, and seminars on your LinkedIn account is a great way to draw attention, not only to your event, but to your professional profile too.
3. Set Achievable Goals - Have a reasonable time frame to begin building connections. Start by determining the vision of what traffic you wish to attract and work to maintain steady relationships.  Networking will prove to be very beneficial in the long run. As Bill Bradley, a former US Senator, once said, “Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.”
4. Interact with Groups - Make a point to connect in various groups and engage with them as often as you can. Joining groups is another form of networking that can broaden the exposure of your business. The more engaged you are, the more your businesses name will be out there for others to see and want to learn about.
5. Be Part of the Discussion - Participating in a group discussion shows you have a passion for what your business is promoting.  Consider starting your own discussion and present your company as an authority on the subject. This builds respect for your company as you step out and take the lead.
6. Don’t Stray - It’s not quantity, its quality. Don’t focus too hard on seeing how many LinkedIn connections you can make.  Stick to connecting with business professionals,  co-workers, organization members, prospective clients, and those who might help draw business your way. Steer away from connecting with people just for the sake of building your popularity.  Putting your name among the masses may seem like a great way to market yourself, but that can backfire on you if your business is mixed in with the wrong people.

Follow these steps to have a strong and effective presence on LinkedIn.  It’s no secret word-of-mouth advertising is the best way to bring new business into your company, and LinkedIn will not only help your name be seen, but your voice be heard.  Take advantage of LinkedIn and other professional networking opportunities and you will soon see professional referrals start rolling in – and what could be better that that?