This is the slide deck from the Leveraging LinkedIn webinar for UGA Alumni on Oct. 8, 2014. Includes introductory information and networking examples.

1. Leveraging
LinkedIn
For Networking and Career
Success
Andrew Crain, Assistant Director
The University of Georgia Career Center
acrain@uga.edu

2. LinkedIn: Why Should I Care?
• Over 310 million users worldwide
• 2 new users added each second
• 3 million+ companies on LinkedIn
• Executives from all Fortune 500
companies
• Hiring solutions used by 94 of the
Fortune 100

3. What is LinkedIn?

4. Appropriate Usage
Acceptable:
Talking to strangers
Sharing news about a
job/internship
Posting articles related
to your career interests
Unacceptable:
Status updates about your
sports team, fundraising
cause, or crummy day
Pictures of your cat
Informal grammar or
communication style

5. Success Stories
“Just emailing to thank you for your
support and suggestions lately. I
have…found a position at an
engineering firm in Augusta. I start
Monday!
I took your advice and started
reaching out to Engineers in the
area, and the first one I called
offered me a job a week later.”
(University of Georgia Student)

6. Success Stories

7. Today’s Agenda
1. What is LinkedIn?
2. Walk-Through of Basic Functions:
a) Building a Profile
b) Networking
c) Research
3. Tips for Personal Branding
Emphasis on Connecting with Decision-Makers and
Harnessing LinkedIn’s Massive Data Pool!

8. LinkedIn for Sales:
http://specialedition.linkedin.com/tracking?page_key=biz_slc_slideshare_tips-for-social-selling-professionals_
click&redir=http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/13607575?rel=0

9. LinkedIn for Sales:
“The best reps are not just present in social media, they position themselves
as credible and influential sources in customer networks.”
– Sales Executive Council
“Effective use of sales intelligence increases revenue
productivity per sales rep by 17%.”
– CSO Insights
http://specialedition.linkedin.com/tracking?page_key=biz_slc_slideshare_tips-for-social-selling-professionals_
click&redir=http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/13607575?rel=0

11. Crafting a Networking Message
Key Networking Takeaways:
• Emphasize common bonds/connections
• Frame your initial request with the goal of networking or learning
more
• Always request information – NOT a job
• If the person is open to helping, it is ok to ask for a referral:
• “Who else would you suggest I speak with about these interests?”
• Be gracious – say thank you!

12. Crafting a Networking Message
Examples:

13. Crafting a Networking Message
Examples:

14. Crafting a Networking Message
Examples:
Hi Kyle,
I’m a Theater grad from
the University of Georgia
with an interest in the IT
services field. I’m hoping
to grow my network in the
Atlanta area and I was
wondering if I could
connect with you. Thanks
in advance!
Sincerely,
Andrew

15. Crafting a Networking Message
Examples:
Message 1
Hi Kyle,
I’m a Theater grad from
the University of Georgia
with an interest in the IT
services field. I’m hoping
to grow my network in the
Atlanta area and I was
wondering if I could
connect with you. Thanks
in advance!
Sincerely,
Andrew
Message 2 (AFTER Connecting)
Hi Kyle,
Thanks for connecting with me. I appreciate the
opportunity to learn from your career path and experience.
I’ve been researching the IT field as I prepare for my next
career transition and I have to say that I’ve heard a lot of
great things about Pardot!
Would it be possible for me to chat with you sometime to
learn more about the company? I’d love some feedback on
how you got into the industry with a Theater background
and any tips you could share for my job search.
I promise not to take more than 20 minutes of your time if
you’d like to chat over the phone or via email. Thanks
again for connecting and for considering my request!

16. Closing Points: Call to Action
• Review Your Profile: What can you do to take it BEYOND the resume stage?
• Start Connecting: Use LinkedIn to keep track of current and new contacts.
• Maintain an Active Presence: Keep your profile up to date and submit regular (2-3 per month)
status updates.
• Begin Connecting Strategically to Enhance Your Network or Improve Your Professional Knowledge!

17. Questions?
Andrew Crain, Assistant Director
The University of Georgia Career Center
acrain@uga.edu
**Please complete your surveys and give us feedback on this program!**