Most small business executives recognize LinkedIn as the world’s largest professional network. Many spend valuable time and consideration constructing proper profile aesthetics and building a network of business contacts. But aside from growing personal and business relationships, what are the benefits of assembling a concrete Linked-In foundation? Kevin Knebl, Shweiki Media guru and international advisor discusses how to effectively use LinkedIn for lead generation, and as a CRM tool in this weeks Shweiki Media webinar.
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Linked-In Lead Generation
Knebl states that one of the most highly effective (and grossly underused) feature LinkedIn provides is an advanced search button (located near the search bar). He even goes as far as to call it the “holy grail” of search capabilities. When one chooses the advanced search option, they are entered into a dynamic search filter filled with business contact options. “I want you to think about who are the people you want to do business with, sell to, network with, refer business to,” Knebl urges. Once one decides what type of person they are looking for, all they need to do next is let LinkedIn connect them through their comprehensive database.
LinkedIn as a CRM tool
Much in the same way one can employ LinkedIn for lead generation, they can double the use of their database as a CRM tool. (LinkedIn integrates with Outlook, Salesforce, and other CRM management options.) In fact, Knebl informs us that if one saves their previous search criteria, LinkedIn will inform the user when a new user enters the allotted space. In this way one can both keep track of those that fall within their preferred business criteria, and always be on watch for new prospects.
