Friday Five: How to make the most of LinkedIn

By: Brad Horner

LinkedIn recently announced upgrades to the site, many of which seem to mirror Facebook and Twitter’s features (including article excerpts, link sharing, ability to edit posts, ability to “share” posts, etc.).  I think it’s a smart move, actually.  LinkedIn has always provided a helpful way to stay in touch with professional networks, but it’s been underutilized in the past as Facebook and Twitter’s popularity skyrocketed.  But these changes position LinkedIn to become a much more powerful tool for information sharing.

Below are the top five ways to make the most of LinkedIn, helping you to strengthen your connections and stay top of mind among your network.

1. Grow your network by joining groups. There are nearly 8,000 real estate groups on LinkedIn (including industry associations and networks); joining appropriate groups is an easy way to strengthen your connections to industry leaders and prospective clients.  And many of these groups list their events, as well as those who plan to attend (if attendees have RSVP’d through LinkedIn).  What a perfect way to ensure you have a presence at the same events as your prospective clients!
2. Ask for recommendations. Every company in every industry knows how powerful testimonials are, so let LinkedIn be a word-of-mouth marketing tool for you.  Encourage satisfied customers and vendors to write recommendations about you and your company.  The quotes will be published on your LinkedIn profile and broadcasted to their LinkedIn networks (possibly leading to referrals).
3. Promote events. Posting information about events can help drive participation, as you can encourage your network to attend and also encourage them to share the event information across their own networks.
4. Share thought leadership. Link to articles that would be of interest to your network, including a blog post that you authored, an article in which you’ve been quoted or a timely news item.  Be sure to include a brief comment about why you are sharing the link.
5. Solicit feedback. Use your network as a virtual focus group and allow them to provide feedback to a question or idea that you post.  You can even tape the wisdom of your network by asking them to participate in a poll.

And now that companies can be ‘followed’ on LinkedIn, as they can be on Facebook and Twitter, we hope that you will follow us!  Click here to visit NRT Development Advisors’ page LinkedIn and follow our updates and successes.