
I get asked by contractors almost weekly if there truly is value in Social Networking, especially Linkedin. A short answer is,
“Yes! Depending on how one uses Social Networking.” I’ve seen a lot of contractors that use it as a way to promote their services instead of creating good value and content. Social Networking sites should be used to connect with like minded people or businesses. It is also used to get to know potential clients, in a non
“sales” approach: just down to earth. Linkedin is a very powerful networking tool, and most of the features are free. If your marketing budgets are struggling right now, you have to network and prospect more. Linkedin Groups is a great way to build your connects and credibility. Make sure you watch this
Linkedin Groups video and begin following some of their advice.
Steps to Success Using Linkedin Groups
- Research some local and nationwide groups that best fit your industry and target audience. For example, a remodeling contractor in Chicago may want to join a community/local historical society group. A landscaper may want to join a garden club group. Get the idea?
- Turn on email alerts. You can get email alerts “as they happen” daily or weekly reports.
- Begin scanning through and reading some of the discussions in these groups
- Start commenting, asking questions and sharing your knowledge without trying to sell your product or service. This will allow people to get to know you and your company without you having to push why you are an expert in your industry.
- Once you are part of a group and participating, start to connect with the members. You don’t need an invitation. Add them to your network!
- Finally, start your own discussions and even your own group!
If you use Linkedin Groups properly, you will see your connections group and will likely get a few leads/prospects when the time is right. Let them come to you, not you hunting them down.
About David Chism
David Chism started his business out of a passion for helping small contracting businesses grow, be more profitable and become better known to their target clients. One lifelong hobby of David is using techie gadgets. So this blog is a place where he writes about technology, marketing ideas, just for fun (humor), personal thoughts on small business and more.