Developing a plan for effective use of the #1professional networking tool available

Social networking has taken over email in terms of worldwide reach.

Facebook is friends…LinkedIn is for Professionals

Developing a “Return on Engagement” with customers and delivering results in a medium that is new and exciting.

LinkedIn has over 36 million members in over 200 countries and territories around the world.

A new member joins LinkedIn approximately every second, and about half of it’s members are outside the U.S.

Executives from all Fortune 500 companies are LinkedIn members.

Your professional network of trusted contacts gives you an advantage in your career, and is one of your most valuable assets. LinkedIn exists to help you make better use of your professional network and help the people you trust in return.

A full profile helps to establish trust. It is the first step in developing ROE

SO…… Add a photo Summarize your skills and strengths Add past positions and give a description of

accomplishments “Sales Leader, Event Innovator and

Marketing Whiz Kid” Additional Information

Building a virtual network is similar to attending a networking event. The most successful networkers just say “Hi!”

Look for the people you know by uploading your contacts.

Join 3 groups immediately Search for additional names of interest

◦ It’s ok to look for people you’ve just met

LinkedIn only allows you to connect with people you have something in common with.

Common ways to find connections◦ Groups◦ Past work experience◦ Personal information◦ People you may know◦ Who looked at my profile

When you do connect…..Make it personal Respond to an “Accepted connection” request

with a personal message or email.

LinkedIn shares information about your network with you and makes sure that your network is informed of your updates and changes.

Status Updates Questions and Answers Profile Updates Adding tools

Reccomendations Presentations Travel Company Buzz and Twitter

Figure out how you want to make LinkedIn work for you.

Stay involved Find ways to provide value to those you are

connected with.

Mark LeyDirector of SalesRancho Valencia, an Auberge Resortmley@ranchovalencia.com