So now that you’ve updated your profile and connected with everyone you know, it’s time to establish yourself as an expert in your industry. There are a few things you can do to showcase your knowledge and show people that you know what you’re talking about without trying to sell your services.
1. Join LinkedIn groups where you can answer questions and show people that you know what you’re talking about. Find and join groups that include professionals in your industry or the clientele that you’re trying to meet. When someone asks a question that you can answer, answer it! You really can’t give too much information away, because if you can show that you know what you’re talking about, people will eventually come to you for more (paid) information when they need it!
I work primarily with nonprofits, so I join groups with nonprofit professionals, and when someone asks a question that I can answer, I’m happy to provide that information.
2. Update your status on LinkedIn with news about your industry. Show your connections that you stay on top of your industry by sharing articles and information about what you do. If you work in an industry (like social media) that is constantly changing, it’s important to stay on top of changes and trends and to show your connections that you’re doing so.
3. Ask for recommendations. There’s no better way to show your connections that you’re an expert than to get your colleagues and clients to give you recommendations. When you finish a job with a client or while you’re at your job and have colleagues, send them a message and ask them for a recommendation. You’ll be able to read through and approve all recommendations before they show up on your profile, and if you work for yourself and have a website, you can put the recommendations on your website too!
If you can spend a half hour to an hour every week updating your status, participating in LinkedIn group discussions and staying on top of recommendations, you’ll be much more likely to get business from using LinkedIn!
