The LinkedIn Personal Trainer

When it rains, it pours…

One of my clients has increased the time I’m spending with them on an engagement – and I’m feeling stressed about getting to all of the things I like to get to – like LinkedIn (as a user).

Here’s my tips on getting the most out of LinkedIn when you don’t have a lot of time…

Scan your email / Inbox

Even if you’ve got a lot going on, it’s worth the time to reply to invitations, introductions and inmail. These new relationships will help avoid a famine following the feast you’re enjoying.

Think quick / short replies – no novels;-)

Scan your network activity through an RSS feed

If you don’t yet use RSS, get on that band wagon. I wrote about RSS a while back here.

No need to login every day, just scan the feed.

The point is to stay aware of who in your network is active, to see what sorts of changes are taking place, and to notice if there is some event that needs congratulations – like someone getting a new job!

Effective Invitations & Introductions

You know the old story about the lumberjacks and how one stopped to sharpen his ax – chopping smarter and saving time in the long run. LinkedIn can do that for you. Instead of spending hours researching the company, use LinkedIn. Instead of calling for an appointment, get introduced.

Move forward in the most efficient manner you can, and remember to use the tools at your disposal.

To your continued success with LinkedIn,

steve

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