Vickie's Viewpoint

A yoga mat is just a foam platform and of no benefit to you if it isn’t used the way it was intended. Likewise, LinkedIn isn’t a social networking platform driving clients to your business if it’s not used in the right way. Both platforms can be transformative or they can fail to deliver any marked benefits if used in an infrequent, sloppy manor. First, let’s look at how you’re using LinkedIn ineffectively and failing to grow your business.

Here’s how to use LinkedIn ineffectively…

1  Don’t bother posting your photo or if you do include the one of you and your pet posing together.

2 Under no circumstances complete your profile, prefer to remain mysterious.

3 Shut off the weekly Network Update, you already have to many e-mails to read.

4 Answer questions only with the intent of self-promotion, leave out anything that could really help anyone.

5 Don’t bother with recommending anyone, but if they seem insistent make sure you promote yourself while doing it.

6 You can either keep your connections under 65 or you can say you are an open networker and not respond to invites to connect.

7 Take months to respond to others’ invitations to connect.

8 Don’t explore the search feature, what you don’t know won’t hurt you.

9 Don’t waste your time researching your prospects before meeting or contacting them.

10 Ask people you don’t know very well for recommendations, people who can’t say too much.

12 Constantly ask your first level connections for introductions to their contacts.

13 Do not set up to receive LinkedIn messages in your inbox so you don’t have to respond ever.

14 Don’t ever add or change your profile once you have it up.

Using LinkedIn to build your business doesn’t have to absorb all your time. Even devoting a few minutes a day can help you reap rewards.

If you want to know how to Make Money Using LinkedIn click here.