This document provides 7 tips for using LinkedIn to grow your business: 1) Complete your profile with keywords, credentials, experiences, and websites to establish an online brand and increase searchability. 2) Add connections by importing contacts or searching for people you know to expand your network. 3) Request and provide recommendations to establish credibility. 4) Use status updates to engage connections and stay top of mind. 5) Join relevant groups to participate in industry discussions and increase your profile visibility. 6) Use advanced search and second/third-level connections to prospect for new opportunities. 7) Enhance your profile with applications and spend 15 minutes daily on LinkedIn activities like updating your status and profile.

1. 7 Tips: Using LinkedIn To Grow Your Business

2. About Me Marketing Director at Hennessey Capital My job = spread the word about what Hennessey Capital does and how Avid social media user – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn

3. Social Media – What is it? “Social media essentially is a category of online media where people are talking, participating, sharing, networking, and bookmarking online.” Social media is about building a community New set of rules – givers get Personal & professional brand blurred

4. So Many Tools Twitter = 140 characters. Used to generate interest and share beneficial content with new people (followers) Facebook = highly social. An online high school reunion. (friends) LinkedIn is the most professionally-focused and widely used for business purposes of all the social media tools (connections)

5. About LinkedIn Professional social networking website 65 million users in 200 countries Executives from all Fortune 500 companies are LinkedIn members Available in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish

6. Linked In: In Plain English

7. Tip #1 – Complete Your Profile You are creating an online brand Use keywords to craft your online presence Be found – using LinkedIn increases your search engine results (claim your “vanity URL”) Your profile should be interesting and compelling

8. Tip #1 – Complete Your Profile Your profile should: Reinforce your credentials Include a photo Include all of your past work experience Include industry and non-profit affiliations Include special interests – connections come from everywhere Include websites – send connections to environments you control

9. Tip #2 – Add Connections Use LinkedIn as your online Rolodex 4 Ways to Add Connections: Import your address book from AOL, Yahoo, Hotmail, Gmail, Outlook Search individual contacts by email address Search individual contacts by name or company

10. Tip #2 – Add Connections You can invite anyone to join your LinkedIn network, they don’t have to be a current user. Add connections after networking events, industry events Start with people you know – then add people they know Send a meaningful invitation – personalizing the invite makes all the difference

11. Tip #3 – Recommendations Request recommendations and provide them in return Request recommendations from various positions – not simply your current role Establishes credibility Ask satisfied clients for recommendations

12. Tip #4 – Status Updates Use status updates to create conversation Stay top of mind It’s not all about you Can link status updates to Twitter The coolest trick ever – TinyUrl.com (mobile devices)

13. Tip #5 – Join Groups There are 414 “CPA” groups Your competitors are there – why aren’t you? Stay informed – industry trends, critical issues Participate in conversation important to you and your business Can display groups on your profile Create a group? (have to manage)

14. Tip #6 – Prospect on LinkedIn More connections = increased opportunities Second & third level connections Request an introduction (limited) Search companies and see how you may be connected to someone within that company

15. Tip #6 – Prospect on LinkedIn Search options allow you to prospect by Title Name Geography Company Keywords Advanced Search – an amazing and cost-effective prospecting tool

16. Tip #7 – Use Applications Applications enhance the value in your profile Easy to implement and allow you to connect with a broader audience Gives people a reason to visit your profile

17. Keep It Up Spend 15 minutes a day on LinkedIn Update your status Add new contacts Respond to requests Participate in discussion Update your profile Request recommendations

18. Thank You Kim Eberhardt Marketing Director, Hennessey Capital 248.658.3206 keberhardt@hennesseycap.com http://www.linkedin.com/in/kimeberhardt