Get LinkedIn or Be Left Out
So, how many connections do you have on LinkedIn?
What did you say? You don’t have a profile on the social networking tool, LinkedIn? You’re kidding me.
OK, don’t freak out. Many entrepreneurs don’t have a LinkedIn account. As a matter of fact, most are not on MySpace or FaceBook either.
But if you don’t start looking into these sites soon, I’m going to have to label you guys myopic fuddy-duddies.
Why? Turns out, you’re missing out on a great business tool.
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It’s okay that you weren’t early adopters but it’s time to turn in your black and white TV and say hello to the Technicolor world that is Web networking.
Contrary to popular thought, these sites are not just about finding someone to date or posting photos of yourself tying one on during your vacation.
According to a survey released by the Entrepreneurs’ Organization last week, “entrepreneurs use social networking tools for marketing and recruiting purposes." But they have yet to use, at least in measurable numbers, these sites for customer and employee communications or professional networking. "Fifty percent of respondents plan on including social networking in their 2008 marketing strategy, with 16 percent leveraging LinkedIn and just under 11 percent using MySpace and Facebook.”
It appears LinkedIn is the top entrepreneur choice, the study found, with nearly 30 percent planning to use the site next year.
Dave Hersh, the CEO of Portland, Oregon-based, Jive Software, has 340 LinkedIn connections.
That’s a lot. Trust me. His numbers make me feel a bit inept because I only have 14 connections right now. But Hersh was one of those early-adopter types who started up with LinkedIn years ago.
Hersh sees LinkedIn, and other networking sites like FaceBook, as a big part of how he operates his business. He actually was able to hire a Chief Marketing Officer recently as a result of his LinkedIn contacts.
“In Portland, it’s hard to find great, talented people because you don’t find the senior level talent as you do in the Bay area,” he says.
So, he posted the marketing position through LinkedIn that has a job function allowing him to push out the request among his connections and his connections’ connections.
Remember that shampoo commercial? “She told two friends and they told two friends and they told two friends.” It sort of works like that.
Well, the perfect candidate ended up pinging Hersh and the rest is hiring history. “It’s a good way to get the right people quickly,” he adds. (Yes, he did try the regular job boards but got nowhere.)
And he’s been able to pick up customers through the site as well, making introductions to large firms by finding someone in his network that knows someone in another network that can help him connect with a desired client.
“For any entrepreneur looking for that first deal, it’s a great source,” he explains.
If you decide the test the waters, prepare for cyber-networking groupies. They gloat about the number of contacts they have almost like sexual conquests.
“I have over 225 direct connections,” says Sarah Radford, aka rockstar gem goddess of the universe and founder of Chic Gems, adding, “I have the most contacts of any of my friends.”
Radford also just joined Jump Up. “Are you familiar with that one?”
Ahem, No. I guess I’m also a bit of a fuddy-duddy.
Just ping me or poke me or whatever me at LinkedIn or FaceBook if you dare.
