In this discussion, Assia Salikhova, Managing Director of S Marketing Lab, shares her expertise in harnessing LinkedIn for business success. She dives into practical strategies for enhancing profiles and networking, including the intriguing concept of 'ghost LinkedIn networking.' Assia also emphasizes the importance of strong online presence and organized processes in navigating business sales. Plus, she offers valuable tips on avoiding scams and managing reputation effectively in the digital landscape.
LinkedIn is crucial for business visibility and networking in a digital-first environment, especially post-COVID, with millions of users worldwide.
Creating a strong LinkedIn profile involves strategic content sharing and professional image management to build connections and reputation.
Deep dives
The Importance of LinkedIn for Business Growth
LinkedIn serves as a vital platform for businesses to maintain and grow their relevance in a post-COVID world. With nearly a billion users globally, its potential cannot be underestimated, especially considering that around 60% of New Zealand's eligible workforce has a profile on the platform. The shift from traditional networking, such as word of mouth, to digital communication means that businesses must adapt to survive; being absent from LinkedIn can significantly hinder visibility. Engaging actively on LinkedIn can help connect with potential customers, employees, and contractors, making it crucial for business owners to recognize its importance as part of their networking strategy.
Tips for Optimizing Your LinkedIn Presence
Creating an effective LinkedIn profile requires attention and strategy, similar to maintaining a professional presence in real life. Updating profiles to include a professional photo, relevant details, and engaging content allows individuals to present themselves effectively while facilitating connections. Participation in discussions, sharing insights, and consistently posting relevant content can substantially enhance a business's visibility and reputation within the network. Small efforts, such as investing just 15 minutes daily to connect with others or engage with posts, can yield significant benefits in establishing a meaningful professional presence.
Navigating Potential Pitfalls on Social Media
Even as businesses leverage LinkedIn for growth, they must also be aware of the potential risks involved in social media engagement. Avoiding unnecessary controversies and ensuring a well-maintained professional image help mitigate the risk of negative publicity or reputational damage. Developing clear social media guidelines for employees can protect businesses from accidental oversharing or other missteps that could harm their brand. Recognizing the signs of phishing or scams and prioritizing connections with verified profiles will further enhance safety on the platform.
All around the globe, business owners are struggling to launch, manage, and sustain their companies' increasingly necessary online presence in an impactful way. Bernard Hickey speaks to the marketing director at Smarketing Lab, Assia Salikhova, for some free consulting on how to build his podcasting empire in the social space. She explains the simple ways you can let nosy folks know that you and your business are alive and thriving.