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One of the internal systems my Entrepreneurial Edge SystemTM Clients learn is to connect their online and offline strategies. After they attend a face-to-face networking event, they will go online and connect with people they have just met. It’s a great way to bridge offline networking and online connections. It also gives them a second touch point so they continue cultivating that relationship with someone they just met in person.
It’s at this point, things usually get interesting. I often hear stories on how they tried to connect on LinkedIn with someone they met in person, only to find that they weren’t sure it was them because their profile had no picture!
If you’re wondering why your network isn’t growing, you might be making it difficult for others to connect with you online. Here are some of the common roadblocks and tips to remove them:
- You include your logo instead of your picture. People want to connect with people – not logos. Someone you just met at a networking event wants to make sure they are connecting with the right person. They may not remember your logo. Make it easy for them to know they are inviting the right person to their network by including your latest professional photograph.
- Your Settings Create an Invisible Barrier. One setting in LinkedIn requires the requestor to type in your email before being able to link with you. There is one pitfall to this setting: you may prevent someone who wants to be your client from connecting with you because they don’t have your email yet. Think through those settings before engaging them. You may be putting up that invisible barrier between you and important contacts.
- You Have a Nickname. If you have a nickname or you’re given name is Michael but you go by Mike, it’s a guessing game on how to find you on social media. Remember to include your LinkedIn URL on your business cards or website making it a breeze for others to find you.
- Your Profile is Incomplete. If your profile is incomplete, it puts the question in your prospect’s mind (or even a potential referral source) on how serious you might be about your business. Complete your profile, including the name of your company, your profile picture, testimonials, credibility points (such as certifications, degrees, or awards), essential skills, and groups you belong to.
Remember, your prospects may find you through one of your networking sources. They may not always visit your website and instead look you up on LinkedIn. When you give your social media profiles a facelift and look at how all of your marketing strategies fit together, you’ll make it easy for others to connect with you and create a consistent flow of new business.
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