IoD North Yorkshire

LinkedIn and Online Credibility

Wednesday 6th October

“In an affluent society, we value our time and our money, so before we invest either of them in a purchase or an activity, we want to know if it is worthwhile. 

To figure that out, we turn to other people, listening to their advice and observing their behaviour.”

-Craig McMurtys weblog http://blogs.msdn.com/craigmcmurtry/archive/2006/03/06/544748.aspx

Building your online credibility

Your online credibility is an increasingly important way of showcasing your specialised knowledge and expertise which will build your online credibility.

As more people engage with the social web differentiating yourself become imperative.

Building your online credibility

This isn't new - the main way people work out whether to trade with people on Ebay is through their personal recommendations and reputation score.

When people want to do business with you, they will check the web to search for 'red flags' or for information to help them understand you better.

Building your online credibility

It is about..........

Establishing your reputation online in order to influence others to:• trust you

• understand their need for your services

• sign up as a customer

• talk about your services

• talk about you & your company

• recommend you & your company to others

How Important is LinkedIN?

How Important is LinkedIN?

– Boost conversion / hit rate on sales

– Increase traffic to their website

– Become an online expert within your niche

– Build trust with existing & potential customers

– Opportunities for introductions to new connections

Why Invest the time in LinkedIN?

http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2007/01/linkedin_profil.html#axzz0zOwYkkUK

Name Dave / David – ensure consistentPicture - Make sure it's appropriate

Headline – is your personal brand tag lineFocus it around your niche and occupation You need to draw people in to look at your profile

Additional InformationWebsites - add in company websiteInterests – be genuine & human

Setting up your profile

– This is your elevator pitch about you & your business– What looking to do, what you are about, your

unique selling points

Setting up your profile

http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2007/01/linkedin_profil.html#axzz0zOwYkkUK

Work experience & education

– Put in each role – past and current– Put in each educational achievement– Summarise the impact you made there– Keep it concise, do not waffle– Be authentic, real and human– People will see through the spin

Setting up your profile

• Under more > companies• Add company on top right• Ensure all employees associated with page• Need to set up as part of current position• Can integrate blog into this age

Company Pages

Status

– Share information on projects / networking– Displayed at top of profile when it is turned on– Posted on connections home page so they can see

/ comment on your status– Can be integrated with Twitter (go to more>apps

directory)

Setting up your profile

Specialities– Keywords which explain what you do– Use words people would use to search for your

business– People search on these

Setting up your profile

Customise Contact Settings

– Let people know what you are looking out for on LinkedIn– Be aware of putting all contact details on there

such as email / mobile – spam and privacy issues

Setting up your profile

Introductions – search for the person, then see if any of your connections can do an introduction:

Build your network

Integrating other applications

It's about:– Building networks to increase the opportunities

– LinkedIn is a starting point, you still have to do the leg work to get the sales!

– Little and often, think of it as a networking event, 2 hours per week

It's not just about SAles.....

Any Other Questions?

Thanks for your Time