A presentation given at ASU Small Business & Technology Development Center on how to effectively use LinkedIn for promoting your business.

1. LinkedIn Basics For Business The Professional Social Network local2social Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

2. What Is LinkedIn? 75 million Professionals in 200 Countries! Executives from all Fortune 500 Companies are members of this network. Relationships matter – connect with people in a new way to prolong professional relationships & to create new ones via your existing contacts! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVlUwwgOfKw&feature=player_embedded

3. First Things First – Join LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com Have your recent resume ready! Company Names, Dates, Education Summary of Experience gained at each job or school! A professional headshot, or recognizable photo! Don’t be too casual with this photo, this is a professional social network– not Facebook.

4. LinkedIn Settings You can control who sees what – but remember you want to be found easily! Don’t ever share anything, anywhere that you would be embarrassed to see on a billboard with your face alongside. Be Professional. – There’s a reason why they are called ‘Trusted Professional Connections’

5. Profile Completeness:What You Need To Get 100% Current Position At Least: 2 Past Positions Your Education Profile Summary – A short paragraph about yourself & professional aspirations! (Remember Your Keywords!) Profile Photo – No Babies, No Partying. Keep it Professional (Headshots work best!) Your Specialties At least: 3 LinkedIn Recommendations

6. Connections Are Exponential!

7. Finding Connections Search for People. Import E-Mail Address Book Invite people to connect with you on LinkedIn. Start with your community – search for your professional circle first. Introduce Yourself – send messages to members of your industry or community that you have yet to meet.

8. Share Your LinkedIn URL Share your presence on LinkedIn on your business cards – this a great way to build your connections online & meet new contacts. Reach out to your clients in a professional way – Facebook is great for building a casual relationship, but for business people LinkedIn can work better! Your LinkedIn URL is located: On Your Profile – Under Education & Recommendations. You can edit your URL to be easy to remember!

9. Let’s Take A Look At LinkedIn! http://www.linkedin.com

10. Let’s Take A Break! www.local2social.com abbi@local2social.com Connect with me on LinkedIn! www.linkedin.com/in/abbisiler

11. Status Updates: What Should You Share? Latest Projects or EventsYou Are Showing Your latest specials, deals or news Tips for your customers/support info Links to your business online: Facebook Page Twitter Account Website Update 3 times a day – Morning, Afternoon, Evening.

12. LinkedIn Answers- Build Credibility Your Competitor

13. How To ‘Answer’ Questions On LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/answers Login To LinkedIn Look On Left Hand Side For The Word ‘Browse’ Browse the Categories Look to for your industry topic/specialty Choose a Question You Want To Answer Click The Yellow Answer Button Type your answer, spell check & provide sources!

14. Becoming An Expert First you have to answer some questions. Offer clear & concise terminology in your answers. Avoid Industry jargon. Answer more than one question – be heard and have something valuable to say. The more questions you answer, the more likely you will receive expertise in that field based on your solid content. The person who asks the question, chooses the best answer among the many replies.

15. Company Profiles Follow other Companies – local, industry, or partners. Search for Jonesboro, Paragould, Memphis companies who are already set up on LinkedIn. Set-Up Your Own Company Profile- (only one person needs to do this!) Get your employees who are active on LinkedIn involved with the company profile!

16. Setting Up Your Company Profile BE SURE YOU READ THE DIRECTIONS! Use your WORK email- @local2social.com You do not want to attach a personal email to the Company Profile (Why? no one else in the company can list it.) Shrink Your Logo – 100x60 pixels Pick the BEST Company Type & be honest about the size!

17. Don’t Forget … Keywords, Keywords, Keywords! Company Specialties are really important! Discuss with your owner & fellow employees what your Company Description should be! No ESSAYS! Be direct, professional & simple! Its like a first impression- make it count!

18. Let’s Take A Look At LinkedIn!Questions, Company Profiles, Answers! http://www.linkedin.com

19. Don’t Give Up! Don’t just create a profile – get involved with Group Conversations, actively add your contacts to LinkedIn & respond to recommendation requests or messages! Seek out those who would recommend you, too! Update your LinkedIn Status– share your professional news! Example: Real Estate Agent lists a new home – share the details! Your connections may be more likely to buy a home from someone they know than a complete stranger!

20. Abbi Siler www.local2social.com abbi@local2social.com 501-786-3412 Find Me Online: @abbisiler facebook.com/local2social slideshare.net/abbisiler linkedin.com/in/abbisiler

21. Thanks Again -- ASBTDC Online: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ASU.SBTDC Twitter: http://twitter.com/asbtdc_asu Blog: http://www.asbtdc-asu.com/ Connect with Herb on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/asusbtdc Thanks For Coming!