Getting Started with Social Media
By Dr. Barbara Lemaire
Social Media is a means to connect with past and current
business associates and develop new connections. LinkedIn can
be considered as a self-updating relationship management tool,
so becoming proficient in its use is to your advantage. Getting
comfortable with social media in general and LinkedIn.com in
particular can seem like an overwhelming task; yet the power
and reach of LinkedIn is worth the effort, because directly and
indirectly it will earn you more business. LinkedIn is considered
the place where professionals connect, interact and have
meaningful discussions (in LinkedIn Groups) with their peers; it is
dedicated to business and productivity. My suggestion is you visit
LinkedIn regularly, at least once a day to comment, connect and
to learn the latest news.
OK, what should you do first ?
Fill out your LinkedIn profile as completely as possible using Keywords - words that someone may use in a
search engine like Google to find your business. In addition take the time to write a Summary about yourself
- write it as if you are introducing yourself to someone at a networking or business meeting. Keep it warm,
no business-speak. Finally, you will want to fill out as many sections of the profile as you can – this will help
people find you.
OK what next?
Connect with people you know. You have a pile of business cards and a rolodex that are just waiting to be
used – people and their companies with whom you want to stay in contact. When asking to connect write
something to remind them where you met, how you know them or a compelling reason why you should
connect.
20 Today’s Roofer / June 2015