By: Peg McDermott. Are you currently using LinkedIn to prospect for leads? If not, you are missing out on a huge opportunity. With hundreds of millions of users, the more time you spend on this social site the better chance you have of connecting with professionals who could benefit from using your products and/or services.
Here is the number one excuse for not using LinkedIn to drum up new business: I have no idea how to get started.
While it is only natural to shy away from the learning curve, it is important to note that LinkedIn is very simple to use. Once you get started, it will only be a matter of time before you are using this professional networking site in ways you never thought possible.
Here are three cool (and simple) way to prospect for fresh leads on LinkedIn:
1. Review the profile of those who you believe would be a good lead. Why is this important, you may ask? When you visit somebody’s profile, they are going to see this activity. In turn, they may return the favor to see what your profile is all about. This gives you a reason to connect with that person, thus opening up the door for a potential partnership.
2. Take advantage of every connection request. If somebody requests to connect with you, take the time to examine their background before accepting. Upon acceptance of the request, send the person a brief note providing more information on what you do and how you may be able to help them. This is often times the best chance to engage in a conversation, so don’t let it slip through your fingertips.
3. Stay up to date with what your connections are saying and doing. The easiest way to do this is by reading the updates posted by people in your network. Are they attending a trade show? Are they requesting a bid for a project? These are the types of things you will come across when you continually read updates. Yes, it takes some time, however, it is a great way to stay informed.
Now do you see how simple it can be to prospect for leads on LinkedIn? This is a great way to generate interest, hopefully leading to a sale in the near future. Even if you are new to this networking service, it will only take a few minutes to get on the right track. From there, the sky is the limit.
