Did you know that when people Google your name, LinkedIn is one of the highest ranked sites? Do you want to know you how you can get more for your business out of one of the largest job searching and business networking, marketing and branding sites in the world? In this series on Linkedin, guest blogger, Leslie Hughes, Principal of PUNCH!media, Professor of Social Media and corporate trainer, shares her insider tips. Read more about Leslie and her SPECIAL OFFER for Friends of BrandTwist, below.  If you would like to be a guest blogger, please contact Jamie@herculiz.com

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I’m a firm believer that quality always trumps quantity.

You don’t exchange business cards without a conversation, so why would you accept someone to be a part of your online Rolodex if you haven’t chatted with them first?

When you refer business, you typically you know, like and trust them. You tell your friends and family that a particular company did a great job and you were satisfied with the results.  Have you ever referred a company you didn’t know or trust?

It only takes a few moments to connect with your connections and deepen your relationships.  Here are two steps to ensuring success:

Step 1: Personalize Your Invitation To Connect

When you are making a new connection, ALWAYS be sure to send a personalized note to remind them how you met or let them know why you wish to connect with them.

You may notice on their profile that you went to the same school or perhaps you know someone in common.  This can help turn a cold call

into a warm introduction. Remember, we are more likely to buy from people we know.

Step 2: Respond To Your Invitation Requests

When someone simply sends you the standard “I’d like to add you to my professional network” request, I will often reply with:

Thanks for your invitation to connect. Can you please refresh my memory as to how we know each other?”

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Or

Thanks for your invitation to connect. I don’t think we’ve met yet. I would love to know more about you and your business. I’d love to get together for a coffee. Would next Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. work for you?”

This way, you can get to know your connection better or if they don’t respond, you’re not adding a stranger who likely won’t refer business to you anyway.

The easiest way to reply without accepting is by using the app on your smartphone or tablet (see image) or learn how to respond in 4 steps via desktop visit: How to Respond to Linkedin Invitations. 

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Take action now: Did you find this tip useful? If so, be sure to share with your colleagues and friends.

This guest post about Linkedin from Leslie Hughes of PUNCH!media is part of our Social Media blog series. 

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Leslie Hughes is the Principal of PUNCH!media, Professor of Social Media and corporate trainer.

With over 15 years in both traditional and digital marketing and sales, Leslie has helped clients such as The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada, Prozac (Eli Lilly), The Canadian Institute of Business Valuators as well as Guardian Life Insurance Company of America to showcase their brand properly, connect with quality leads and convert business.

From strategic Social Media development to crafting the perfect LinkedIn Summary for executives, Leslie and PUNCH!media helps you to build buzz for your business.

Would you like to know more about how build a stronger Linkedin profile to make a fantastic first impression and grow your business or career? Check out PUNCH!media’s Linkedin Training program, designed for the busy professional and gets right to the nitty-gritty of the essentials.  Leslie has generously made a special discount offer available for Brand School members and BrandTwist friends. To receive more about this special offer, click HERE today, and don’t forget to use the coupon code BrandSchool to receive your savings!

More posts from the Linkedin series HERE.

Leslie is a proud graduate of the inaugural first class of Brand School by BrandTwist and can be reached at leslie@punchmedia.ca.

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Julie
Julie is the Founder and CEO of BrandTwist, a brand consultancy that helps entrepreneurs and corporations build stronger, more profitable brands.

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