137 - What's the value of LinkedIn for your business?

My LinkedIn network is an extended group of referral partners.

If you don't learn a bit about the people in your network, all you have is a list of names.

Most of my connections are out of state, and even country, so it's different from networking groups that meet locally.

There is no plumber, hairdresser, or a massage therapist I can refer people to right in my town. We have our local and chamber of commerce networking groups for local referrals.

I have learned that I can add value to and grow my network through my posts, comments,and connecting others on LinkedIn, thus making the experience more valuable for everyone involved.

LinkedIn is an incredible platform for connecting globally with people we would otherwise never meet, but to what end?

The true value of LinkedIn happens when you take the time to build a business relationship with those you connect with.

How else will you be able to refer them to others?

If you simply click on the Accept button but never connect, it's meaningless for both parties.

Until you have had some engagement there is no real connection.

You can switch on a light, but if the lamp isn't plugged in, you will still be in the dark.

LinkedIn connections are the same. In order to truly network, you must plug in.

You then have the ability to introduce people who may bring value to each other.

Rather than saying, Hey you should connect with so-and-so, you say I'd like to introduce you to so-and-so. It's a more personal connection.

Everyone you connect with anywhere, social media or otherwise, has a network of at least 200 people that could possibly become referrals for you or someone in your network.

LinkedIn takes a bit of time, but done right it is a powerful network.

How do you strengthen the connections in your network?