LinkedIn

What's the best social network for business?

Which social media platform should businesses use?We're often asked by our business clients which social network should they use. Certainly, most businesses should have a presence on almost all social media platforms in order to reach the broadest possible audience, but surely one is better than others for business, right? We'll review the top networks and how they can be used for business and perhaps we'll find an answer to that question.

LinkedIn Status Updates for Businesses

Businesses can use LinkedIn to provide real-time status updates.LinkedIn has announced that now businesses who have a Company on LinkedIn can post status updates.

Expanding LinkedIn Connections

Use the LinkedIn iPhone app to easily add more connections and grow your social network.LinkedIn is a professional networking platform. Like most social media websites, LinkedIn gives users the ability to create a profile and connect with other users. If you haven't set up a profile of your own yet, you should do so immediately. (See Stadia Studio on LinkedIn for an example of a company profile.) In order to use LinkedIn efficiently and successfully, you need to expand your circle of influence and create connections. This is how to get started.

Look for mutual contacts on your contacts’ friends lists.

Be sure to read the rules regarding business usage. Each social platform is different.

Flickr, for instance, is very particular about keeping the site focused on individuals and not businesses. Facebook and Google+ both have completely different account types for businesses. Make sure you're following the 'rules' to avoid future issues.

Join LinkedIn Groups to connect and interact.

Joining groups is a way to meet new people, offer and receive help, and get "social." Fostering relationships online takes time, but is well worth the effort.

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Use LinkedIn Search to find clients and business partners.

Many people get going on Linkedin but fail to use it to help their business. One of the most effective ways to gain business value from Linkedin is to find potential clients and business partners.One of the things I do in my consulting practice is to help clients get more referrals for their business. And one of the key things I teach them is to be very specific in who they ask to be referred to.

Don't forget to work on adding more friends and connections!

Having a great profile and outstanding posts and content won't help you if you don't have any connections. Look for friends and colleagues and other interesting people to connect with.

Make your LinkedIn profile client-focused.

Instead of making your LinkedIn profile look like a CV, focus on who you've helped and how you've helped them.