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Episode 225: Five Tips for Using LinkedIn

October 5th, 2011

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Synopsis

LinkedIn is the top site for online business networking. There’s an official BNI group there, where members can share ideas with each other.

Here are some ways you can get more out of LinkedIn.

Connect with more people through your second and third level connections.
Participate in groups, which allow you to communicate with people you aren’t directly connected to.
Capitalize on the search engine optimization value of LinkedIn in your profile
Connect LinkedIn with Twitter for cross-promotion.
Build and enhance your credibility with recommendations, publications, and work history.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

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Published In: Online Networking
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Discussion: 6 Comments

Episode 163: “Dos and Don’ts of Social Networking”

July 14th, 2010

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Synopsis

Dr. Misner is recording this podcast early because he’s going on Safari in Africa this week.

Here are some suggestions on how to use social media effectively.

If you have a social media expert in your chapter, talk to them.
Schedule your time with social media and make it part of a strategy.
Find the right social media for you. Facebook is not the only network.
Respond to comments. Retweet. Social media is a dialog.
Use non-productive time (when you don’t usually work) for online networking.
Use tools like Ping.fm, HootSuite, and Seesmic to save time.
Remember that V/C/P still applies. Building relationships on social media takes time.

Here are five common mistakes businesses make on social media:

Spending too much time on sites you enjoy without evaluating their value to you.
Visiting a site for work and getting distracted by interesting posts.
Not recognizing when it’s time to delegate certain social media responsibilities.
Not providing consistent fresh content on your blog.
Forgetting that social media is about engaging in a conversation, not about selling.

Brought to you by Ask Ivan Misner.

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Published In: Online Networking
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Discussion: 4 Comments

Episode 117: “Offline & Online Networking, Part 1”

August 12th, 2009

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Synopsis

Today’s special guest is Mirna Bard and her topic is aligning online social networking with in-person networking. Here are some things you need to remember about social networking.

It’s about people, not about technology. That makes it simple.
Social networking will never replace in-person networking, but they work will together. (See episode 103 for more about this.)
When you meet someone at an event, invite them to connect on LinkedIn, Facebook, Fast Pitch, or Twitter.
When you meet someone online, invite them to meet up in person.
The VCP process (visibility, credibility, profitability) still applies in online networking.

Part Two of this interview will bring us rules for building relationships online.

Brought to you by Networking Now.

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Published In: Networking | Online Networking | Special Guests
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Discussion: 4 Comments

Episode 103: “Face-to-Face vs. Online Networking”

May 6th, 2009

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Synopsis

A newspaper reporter in Stockholm put Dr. Misner on the spot about online networking, insisting that it would replace face-to-face networking. So Dr. Misner turned the tables on the reporter and asked “So why did you drive all the way out here to do this interview in person?”

Some things are better in person. Networking is one of them. Online networking is a powerful tool, but it shouldn’t be the only one we use. To build a strong personal network, you should use both online and and in-person networking. Dr. Misner is active on many online networks, but nothing beats that face-to-face process.

Even the younger people coming into business realize that face-to-face connections are important. In-person networking is not going to disappear—at least not until we can be present by holographic projection. BNI and the service it provides are here to stay.

Brought to you by Networking Now. View the entire transcript of this episode

Published In: Networking | Online Networking
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Discussion: 2 Comments

Episode 101: “How to Really Use LinkedIn”

April 22nd, 2009

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Synopsis

Dr. Misner is joined today by Jan Vermeiren, the author of Let’s Connect: a Practical Guide for Highly Effective Professional Networking. Jan’s new book, How to Really Use LinkedIn, is perfect for BNI members. Here’s how BNI members can use LinkedIn:

A social network is like a car: you use it to reach a destination. If you don’t have a goal, the tool is worthless.
LinkedIn lets you find shared contacts: people you and your existing contacts both know.
LinkedIn shows you who has connections to companies you want to reach—that you never suspected
Keep the “Givers Gain” attitude in mind when you’re online. Take time to build relationships before asking for something.
Make sure you connect with everyone in your own BNI chapter.
The combination of online and offline networking groups is especially powerful because it expands your potential referral network.
You can get to know your fellow BNI members better by reading their LinkedIn profiles.
Translate your BNI testimonials into recommendations for your fellow BNI members.
Save your LinkedIn searches and get updates e-mailed to you.

Download a free sample of Jan’s new book.

Brought to you by Networking Now. View the entire transcript of this episode

Published In: Getting The Most From BNI | Online Networking | Special Guests
SOLUTIONS FOCUSED COMMENTS ARE WELCOME
Discussion: 4 Comments