Social networks are a new phenomenon. More so, they are finding more use in business and become more valuable as more people join them, multiplying the connection possibilities.
So are you part of the phenomenon?
When choosing which social network to join, one has to keep in mind the target audience you want to reach. Some of the most popular social networking sites are MySpace, Facebook and LinkedIn. Although all are good for helping you build your own personal brand, each tailors to a specific audience.
Which one do you need to join? According to Ried Hoffman, CEO of LinkedIn, the differences can be summarized as: “LinkedIn is the office, Facebook is the barbeque in the backyard and MySpace is the bar.”
LinkedIn is a unique social networking site aimed at business professionals. The purpose is to create a forum for business leaders of all sizes and types to gather to make connections, share ideas and grow their business-networking web. Once LinkedIn you can start making new contacts, reach potential customers, land a new job, share knowledge and tips, participate in discussions and become an active social networker.
So where do you start?
To begin, you need to create an account and profile. You can do this by clicking Here. Once registered, be sure to join the AmCham Belgium LinkedIn Group, a platform for further networking with AmCham members and learning more about doing business in Belgium.
Tips and Tricks Getting LinkedIn
5 Things You Must Do for LinkedIn
1. Write your profile to attract visitors from your target audiences.
2. Show enough of your profile publicly to encourage people to contact you.
3. Adjust your Receiving Messages settings to receive promptly messages from contacts and groups.
4. Join the AmCham Belgium Group and share your business knowledge.
5. Participate in the conversation by asking and answering questions.
LinkedIn Checklist
Writing Your Profile
* Use keywords and phrases, buzzwords, acronyms, etc. in your profile that people in your business sector will use for searches. Remember that search engines will also see your profile.
* Proofread your profile.
* Use both full names and abbreviations for schools, companies and organizations.
* Set up a custom (vanity) URL instead of the arbitrary one.
* Use the three website links for endorsements, publications and portfolios to enhance your profile and expertise.
* Put special business sector information in your summary.
* List yourself/company in the Service Providers Directory. Ask someone to write a recommendation.
Account Settings
* Set your Public Profile to Full View and check the appropriate boxes for what you want the public and members not connected to see.
* Use an email account that you control. Do not rely on an employer email account.
* Check all your setting and set them to suit your preferences.
Connections
* Decide on a connection strategy (open, closed, in between) appropriate for you. Build your connections using this strategy.
* Write some recommendations for others based on a specific action or service they have done. One paragraph is a good length.
* Join some LinkedIn Groups that interest you and participate in them.
* Answer and ask questions in LinkedIn Answers.
Maintenance
* Make changes to your profile when appropriate, not on a daily basis.
* Backup your contact list by exporting them as v-cards at the bottom of the Contacts Page.
* Backup your profile by exporting it as a PDF document from your Edit Profile Page.
Social networks are a new phenomenon. More so, they are finding more use in business and become more valuable as more people join them, multiplying the connection possibilities.
So are you part of the phenomenon?
When choosing which social network to join, one has to keep in mind the target audience you want to reach. Some of the most popular social networking sites are MySpace, Facebook and LinkedIn. Although all are good for helping you build your own personal brand, each tailors to a specific audience.
Which one do you need to join? According to Ried Hoffman, CEO of LinkedIn, the differences can be summarized as: “LinkedIn is the office, Facebook is the barbeque in the backyard and MySpace is the bar.”
LinkedIn is a unique social networking site aimed at business professionals. The purpose is to create a forum for business leaders of all sizes and types to gather to make connections, share ideas and grow their business-networking web. Once LinkedIn you can start making new contacts, reach potential customers, land a new job, share knowledge and tips, participate in discussions and become an active social networker.
So where do you start?
To begin, you need to create an account and profile. You can do this by clicking Here. Once registered, be sure to join the AmCham Belgium LinkedIn Group, a platform for further networking with AmCham members and learning more about doing business in Belgium.
Tips and Tricks Getting LinkedIn
5 Things You Must Do for LinkedIn
1. Write your profile to attract visitors from your target audiences.
2. Show enough of your profile publicly to encourage people to contact you.
3. Adjust your Receiving Messages settings to receive promptly messages from contacts and groups.
4. Join the AmCham Belgium Group and share your business knowledge.
5. Participate in the conversation by asking and answering questions.
LinkedIn Checklist
Writing Your Profile
* Use keywords and phrases, buzzwords, acronyms, etc. in your profile that people in your business sector will use for searches. Remember that search engines will also see your profile.
* Proofread your profile.
* Use both full names and abbreviations for schools, companies and organizations.
* Set up a custom (vanity) URL instead of the arbitrary one.
* Use the three website links for endorsements, publications and portfolios to enhance your profile and expertise.
* Put special business sector information in your summary.
* List yourself/company in the Service Providers Directory. Ask someone to write a recommendation.
Account Settings
* Set your Public Profile to Full View and check the appropriate boxes for what you want the public and members not connected to see.
* Use an email account that you control. Do not rely on an employer email account.
* Check all your setting and set them to suit your preferences.
Connections
* Decide on a connection strategy (open, closed, in between) appropriate for you. Build your connections using this strategy.
* Write some recommendations for others based on a specific action or service they have done. One paragraph is a good length.
* Join some LinkedIn Groups that interest you and participate in them.
* Answer and ask questions in LinkedIn Answers.
Maintenance
* Make changes to your profile when appropriate, not on a daily basis.
* Backup your contact list by exporting them as v-cards at the bottom of the Contacts Page.
* Backup your profile by exporting it as a PDF document from your Edit Profile Page.