“There are 768 million active LinkedIn accounts, 55 million listed companies and 2.2 million users in New Zealand that offer you the opportunity of creating a business relationship for free.”
Phoenix Consultancy consultant Nigel Ekins — who has a corporate history in sales, consultancy and management across several countries at executive and operational levels — recently shared his social media experience and knowledge with a TNG online meeting.
Having seen how businesses work since before and after the social media age, Ekins talked about communications, marketing and selling through social media platforms such as LinkedIn.
“LinkedIn seems to be the place to be if you are a business owner endeavouring to network and sell your services or products to your peers. It’s the Facebook for the business-minded of the world.
Ekins said LinkedIn doesn’t involve buying tickets to a networking event or cost hundreds of dollars for marketing. You are simply dressing yourself and your business up to be as attractive as possible to attract the right people then.
Here is a LinkedIn Profile Checklist that will help you stand out and optimise your space and time on the social media site:
1. Head Shot
Does your photo look like you?
“If your headshot is not recognisably you, then it is probably not the best image to use. Use a photo of yourself or your business that is current, clean and business-appropriate – if corporate is the vibe you are going for,” Ekins said.
2. Background Image
Don’t just use the stock images offered to users by LinkedIn; personalise your background image with something that’s representative of your business or what you are offering.
3. Professional Headline
Let this say what you do in a few short words. The value statement of your business will let people know exactly what it is that you are going to provide them.
4. Contact Information
Because this isn’t your personal social media page, ensure that your business contact information is displayed. Email, phone number and any other social media sites your business may be linked to. Make it easy for people to access. Put everything necessary here.
5. The “About” Section
“The nature of social media is different to traditional websites. People want fast, easy, and digestible content so the key here is to make it digestible,” Ekins said.
Maybe writing a paragraph isn’t the way to go. Try using bullet points to explain the story for your business or subheadings. Make it easy for people to read and as simple as you can without losing the essence of your business.
Ekins told the TNG meeting that social media cop a lot of flak, possibly due to the sites’ volume of users and content. Research has shown if utilised correctly, social media is one of the cheapest and most effective marketing tools around.
“Don’t miss out on growing your business through social media platforms such as LinkedIn because of stigma. Engage those few easy steps and get to networking!”
Make sure your LinkedIn profile stands out from the crowd Start Your LinkedIn Profile Makeover now at https://linkedinprofilemakeover.co.nz
Watch Nigel’s full presentation on our YouTube Library
Join us to hear our next guest speaker, Chris Chase, Entrepreneur, Action Sports/ Adventure Tourism Photographer, & Teacher, Friday 19 November.
TNG ConnectNZ Online Free event Friday 19 November 10.30am.
Adventure Tourism: Is it for you? A look into the changing industry through the lens of a professional adventure sports photographer, Chris Chase.
Please register to attend here
