This document discusses the importance of using LinkedIn for business and professional networking in today's digital age. It notes that with over 200 million members worldwide, LinkedIn has become a primary way for professionals to connect and communicate online. The document provides advice for using LinkedIn effectively, such as including a recent photo, judiciously giving and receiving recommendations that are deserved, differentiating yourself in your profile, and engaging in strategic connections and groups related to your interests and work. While networking takes time, the document advocates allocating an hour a week to LinkedIn to read and engage with contacts, as networking is worthwhile both online and offline.

1. 200 million reasons to be on Linked In
(& what to do when you get there)
@dionnelew
dionnekasianlew.com

2. In today’s age of algorithms, who you are is in
part determined by your digital footprint.

3. That means that if you network for business then
you will need to do so online.

4. Why?

5. Because while business is in some ways the same as it
ever was, based on mutually beneficial relationships...

6. … social media has turned the way we form those
relationships on its head.

7. You may look around and think that you or your
peers don’t use social media and are still doing fine…

8. … but that is
not looking in the right
direction.

9. Almost two billion people use social media right now
and that trend shows no signs of abating with
predictions it will reach 2.55 billion by 2017.

10. Professionals need to look ahead & adapt the way
they connect and communicate to keep up with this
change.

11. One way they are doing so is on LinkedIn.

12. Often referred to as the ‘new networking for business’
LinkedIn is not so new really, at 10 years old and
with 200 million members around the world.

13. But just signing up and doing nothing is like going to
a networking lunch and standing in the corner.

14. You’ve got to know what to do once you are there.

15. Naturally how you use LinkedIn depends on what you
want to achieve.

16. Businesses can use it to raise funds, for recruitment,
job search or networking, amongst other things.

17. Whatever your goal, executives tend to have similar
questions about what to do when starting out.

18. These sound familiar?

19. Should I use a photograph?

20. Yes.

21. People like to deal with people.

22. Use a recent high quality photograph.

23. Remember digital does not replace real life connection it
extends it.

24. Do I have to give endorsements
back?

25. No.

26. If you do, only endorse people for skills you know
they have. If you mistakenly endorse someone don’t
worry, you can withdraw it.

27. Pod Legal reminds us that displaying fake
endorsements could get you in trouble with the law.

28. Should I give recommendations?

29. As in real life, so online.

30. Your recommendations go to your reputation so use
them judiciously.

31. But where they are deserved, go ahead.

32. What do I say about myself?

33. Your 120–character headline is prime real estate so
differentiate yourself.

34. There are lots of ‘senior executives’ out there.

35. Be the “not-for-profit CEO who successfully delivered
a 500% increase in diabetes funding in two years.”

36. Do I share my employment
history?

37. Your history provides legitimacy in particular if it
comes with credible recommendations.

38. But you do not need to write War and Peace.

39. Who should I connect with?

40. As in real life…

41. … you need to build strategic connections with
influencers, colleagues and potential business
interests.

42. But algorithms also work out your interests and
throw unknowns in your path.

43. I LOVE this.

44. But how open you are to it will depend on your
personality.

45. Only connecting if there’s a potential business
outcome feels a bit like pyramid selling to me.

46. I’ve met up with many people just because I found
them interesting.

47. It’s enriching and I’ve made many amazing contacts as
a result…

48. But that’s me …
(you have to be you)

49. Should I join groups?

50. That depends…

51. Groups bring together people with strong interests
and can be great for exchanging views.

52. However, some people just post links to their own
content and don’t add to the community.

53. ME, ME, ME …

54. As a result, the value varies greatly.

55. If you are time poor, which most executives are, try
niche groups with members who are seriously
interested in a topic.

56. Can I outsource my LinkedIn
engagement?

57. Would you send your assistant to a cocktail
party to talk on your behalf?

58. virtual connection is a personal
connection that has not yet made its way into
A
life (IRL).
real

59. By all means get a consultant to set up, brand or
teach you LinkedIn or someone to manage the
administration & tactics.

60. But engagement is about the real YOU.

62. But how will I find the time?

63. Allocate an hour a week to reading but arrange for
the material to be shared across the week by using
scheduling tools like Bufferapp, Sprout Social or
Hoot Suite.

64. You probably already read after hours and pass on
articles, it’s no different.

65. The reality is that
networking takes time.

66. …whether it’s having lunch or playing golf or
engaging online.

67. But you do it because it’s
worthwhile.

68. www.dionnekasianlew.com
E: dionne@dionnekasianlew.com
T: @dionnelew