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LinkedIn – My Secret Weapon

This post was most recently updated on February 23rd, 2014

LinkedInLinkedIn is my secret weapon

 

I used to call LinkedIn my “Secret Weapon” for my business.  I am glad to see more and more people using it regularly.

 

I find that the platform on LinkedIn is more business-like compared to Facebook

 

To me, Facebook is becoming more and more crowded and I only use it for my groups.  There used to be a time when I could communicate with others using Facebook, but now it is crowded with so many pictorial inspirations that it drives me nuts.  Not only that, but there are too many “opportunities” being posted.

 

That being said, good old LinkedIn is STILL my favorite platform in social media.
You need to use it correctly and you will find so many followers and friends it will knock your socks off!  

 

Here are some tips I found useful to make your LinkedIn experience effective.

 

 

Your Profile:  

Make sure to clarify what you have done and what you want people to see what you are doing currently.

You want to show your passion and interests.  Be honest here!

 

There is a space underneath your name with room for only a few words. So think about that as your “keywords” that best describe YOU and what you do.  Make sure this is relevant to your business.

 

A picture is worth a thousand words.  You Must have a picture of yourself in order for people to take you seriously.

 

Your contact information –  Make sure you have the best way to contact you. You can put all the information here, but say you are using your Skype name and you never turn on your Skype, that can lead to problems.  Leave your preferred contact first!

 

 

NEXT: YOU WANT TO BUILD YOUR NETWORK

 

Start connecting with people you know.  People that might be in your niche or those whom you follow.  Be careful who you invite. You don’t want to go down your email list and import them all, you may get people you don’t want.  

 

When someone tries to connect with you, ALWAYS check them out first to see if you want them in your network.  If they are all about sales, RUN!  You want people that are writing quality content.  

 

You can then connect with them on their blogs by making a comment, or Facebook by inviting them, and that goes for all your other social sites.

 

 

AFTER MAKING CONNECTIONS WHAT DO YOU DO?

 

Get on to their network and read what they are doing, go to their blogs and answer their polls.  Start socializing as you would in any social network.

 

Recommendations:  There is a place on LinkedIn to recommend someone.   DO NOT recommend people you really don’t know  Take this seriously.  Try to do one recommendation a week.  You might be surprised that most people will reciprocate in an honest way.

 

 

JOIN GROUPS

 

There are so many interesting groups on LinkedIn, you will want to join them.  Narrow it down to groups in your niche and special interests.

 

When you go to groups, answer a few discussions.  Let the group get to know you before you put your message out there.  It is etiquette to do so and you will see how many good people you will connect with.  

 

Scan your groups because it can get a little spammy out there, especially if you are a Network Marketer.  

 

I found that I received so much information from the groups I am in.  The more I made connections, the better we syndicated each other.

 

So that’s my take on how I use LinkedIn. 

 

Please tell me your thoughts and add to this discussion.  What is your experience?  Are there more tips you have to share?  Please comment.  You can also connect with me on my LinkedIn at: 

http://www.linkedin.com/in/donnamerrilltribe


Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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67 Responses to LinkedIn – My Secret Weapon

  1. pttyann June 7, 2012 at 2:48 pm #

    Hi Donna,good advice here and thanks so much,I also thought LinkedIn was just for the business minded,but I said the heck with that.I’ve got something good to share so I took the plunge and I’m staying and sharing what’s important to me.
    Thanks hope to talk with you soon.
    pttyann recently posted..I Am Born AgainMy Profile

  2. Sara March 28, 2012 at 11:41 am #

    I really enjoyed this article about linked in. Found some nice tips in it. They come really handy for me because I just started to play with linkedin like 2 weeks ago and I need this kind of advices.
    Sara recently posted..WoW Gold GuideMy Profile

  3. Birgit Jurock March 25, 2012 at 1:40 am #

    Thank you for the reminder, my LinkedIn is always the last, most of the time forget about. Its so “old” LOL and has not changed much over all the years when I think about. Agree with you re. FB, very crowded, amazing who (like almost everybody??) hangs out there all day long?? Will definitely go back to LinkedIn and revive my profile. Cheers, Birgit

  4. Rebekah Radice (
    Twitter:
    March 22, 2012 at 1:37 am #

    I couldn’t agree more with you Donna about LinkedIn being a secret weapon! It is an amazing place to make new connections and to build credibility as a leader within your industry/niche. It has made an enormous difference in my business over the years. I am a huge advocate!

  5. Shelley Alexander March 20, 2012 at 3:46 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Great advice for using LinkedIn. I really love it and it was the first social platform that I participated in before I got on Twitter and Facebook. I have made some great connections on LinkedIn and it really is something that anyone who has a business should be involved in. Thanks for sharing!
    Shelley Alexander recently posted..Portobello Mushroom SoupMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 20, 2012 at 6:10 pm #

      Hi Shellelly,
      Thanks! I happy to hear you are using Linkedin as a social platform. It was one of my “firsts” also. Over time, I get so many people commenting me how busy I am lol.
      Thanks for visiting,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Love And The EntrepreneurMy Profile

  6. Perry Davis March 14, 2012 at 3:45 pm #

    Hello Donna

    Your point about Facebook being crowded with so many pictorial inspirations clearly demonstrate why Linkedin may be better for business contacts. Currently have not giving a lot of attention to Likedin other that syndicate TSA members post on my profile. The few groups that I have joined seem to have more promotions of business than information content. Will try doing what you have suggested. Donna,reading your post has given me a new view of Linkedin.

    Thanks

    Perry A Davis Jr
    Music City
    Perry Davis recently posted..What might be the most important idea of the “now” and “next” of network marketing ?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 14, 2012 at 4:45 pm #

      Thanks Perry, I am honored! Like any other social platform, we have to skip over the spam and inspirational quotes to find what people we want to play ball with.

      I find that searching groups and checking them out before you join them can be a great experience. There are many groups on LinkedIn that are serious and won’t spam.

      I get many people from years ago calling me or messaging me that “Wow Donna you are doing so much work!” Because Linked in posts blogs, tweets, and so on. It is a great way to let people know what you are doing.

      Thanks for your comment,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Love And The EntrepreneurMy Profile

  7. Sadie-Michaela Harris March 14, 2012 at 11:11 am #

    Donna hello

    LinkedIn is an excellent resource, I did not fully take on how powerful is was until 2009 and really began using in earnest about 18 months ago. It’s made a big difference to our business. I followed a course written by my friend Lewis Howes, I implemented the tips he share and my profile flew up the LinkedIn search results for my industry. This means that I pretty much pick and chose the clients that I take on now and LinkedIn has really contributed to that. Great share 🙂
    Sadie-Michaela Harris recently posted..Facebook Timeline for Pages is Now Live | How to Guide Here!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 14, 2012 at 4:38 pm #

      Hi Sadie,
      Glad to see it is working for you. When done correctly we can pick and chose the clients we want to work with.
      Thank you for stopping by
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Love And The EntrepreneurMy Profile

  8. Staci Sweet March 13, 2012 at 5:54 pm #

    Thanks Ms. Donna,

    I actually just started taking LinkedIn more seriously and with your advice, I’ll use it more effectively. Especially the part about going to their sites and actually engaging with them. Think I’ll even take it a step further and put it on my to-do list!

  9. Anne March 12, 2012 at 8:01 pm #

    I think it’s too late for me now to join LinkedIn. I’m on so many different social networks, I’m struggling to find time to spend time on them all.

    I think if I did join this site, I’d be one of those people who just sign in and run. I think I’ll leave it for now, but thanks for a very instructional review.
    Anne recently posted..Reflect Inward: Build ConfidenceMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 12, 2012 at 9:43 pm #

      That is great Anne, because you know your limitations and are sticking to your plan. There is no better way to do that, otherwise you can get scattered. LinkedIn is just another social platform, but we can only handle what we can.

      It is great to see that you know what you can handle and what you cannot. I cannot tell you how many people I have to turn down each day because I have to stick to my program.

      Thank you for coming by,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

  10. Tom Burt March 11, 2012 at 9:30 pm #

    Hi Donna!

    Thanks for talking us through the basics of LinkedIn.
    I used to use pingfm.com and had it linked to twitter, facebook, linkedin, and a couple others…..I would post a sales pitch on ping. I had been doing this for several months when a personal friend and actual neighbor said I shouldn’t post that kind of stuff on linkedin because it is a more professional business site…..well, that spooked me and I pretty much stopped visiting linkedin at all. And I haven’t used pingfm since then either…..alas….too much etiquette invloved for me! LOL

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 12, 2012 at 9:40 pm #

      Hey Tom, No need to be spooked, I wouldn’t use a mechanical social site either, It just doesn’t have the meat as much as we do it organically. Most of that stuff gets stuck in my spam box. -Just so you know. lol
      I would, however, watch those sales pitches because it is the biggest way to loose your friends. There is a certain art to it.
      I know many Network Marketers that I have counseled that have been taught to do so, but few know the knack.
      One must give 80% content and information to the ratio of 20% sales pitches.

      It is OK to pitch once in a while, but it must be a beneficial tool to your funnel. Social Media takes time. Like a seed planted, it has to grow organically.

      I prefer it because it fits my personality. I love to gab!

      You will find though that LinkedIn doesn’t have too much etiquette because it is just another social platform.

      Thanks for coming by,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

  11. Joyce Edwards March 11, 2012 at 7:41 pm #

    Hey Donna. Thanks for the advice on LinkedIn. I have been a member since 2008 but never realized the power of this platform. There are so many to choice from and more coming out everyday. I will go and revisit LinkedIn and take the steps to improve my profile.

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 12, 2012 at 9:45 pm #

      Hi Joyce!
      Absolutely revisit it. I was a long time member and used it for my other business before I got into marketing on the internet. It always suited me because I would keep in touch with clients that way. It was long before Facebook became popular.

      But sticking to it, I have seen them change and also the groups changing.
      I’m always updating my profile too. See you on LinkedIn!
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

  12. Rebecca Livermore March 11, 2012 at 6:01 pm #

    Thanks so much for this blog post. I’m on LinkedIn and so far the only thing I’ve really done is join a couple of groups specific to my industry (virtual assistant work and content creation). I haven’t really known how to best leverage it, so the tips in this blog post are very helpful.
    Rebecca Livermore recently posted..Little Known Tips for Finding a Great Blog Domain NameMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 12, 2012 at 1:48 am #

      Hi Rebecca,
      A friend of mine just became a VA and is doing great using her LinkedIn connections. She searched her past friends and co-workers and found the have moved on one way or another. She has picked up a few gigs that way.
      Thanks for visiting,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

  13. Pearly Quah March 11, 2012 at 10:31 am #

    Aha, I read David Merrill’s post with great interest and now I am on your interesting post about Linked In.

    How true on your mentioned about facebook. I am actually using it for making connections with my contacts now and not so for business. However, I am thinking where else should I concentrate on after being on long long leave and a little lost when I made a comeback but you and David’s posts have created an opportunity for me to look into my platform again.

    Thanks so much for these tips. Well, let me look into my linked In again, Donna 🙂

    Cheers
    Pearly
    Pearly Quah recently posted..Understanding Massage (Part 1)My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 11, 2012 at 7:51 pm #

      Hi Pearly,
      Good to see you here and glad David and I can be of help. David handles one aspect of the business and I, the other. Together there is nothing but business talk in my house. Even the dogs stare at the computer screen as our fingers fly over the keyboards sitting side by side.

      As for LinkedIn, Yes, it is a great platform. Just be sure to be firm about who you choose to follow. If you ever have any questions, contact me. Or David of course lol
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

  14. Kellie Hosaka March 11, 2012 at 3:21 am #

    Aloha Donna!

    Thank you for blogging about LinkedIn. I have been wanting to learn more about it and have been doing most of what you have pointed out, so thank you for the confirmation.

    I believe it’s spending the time to build the relationships just like on FB, however, I agree with you that there are more business people there.

    Much love & aloha,
    Kellie 🙂
    Kellie Hosaka recently posted..Different Types Of Income According To Robert KiyosakiMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 11, 2012 at 7:36 pm #

      Hello Kellie my long lost buddy! It is so good to see you again. I am so glad this article helped you.

      Isn’t it amazing how many people on LinkedIn are of the same mindset as us?
      All you have to do is what we were taught in the very beginning. Be humble, give good content, give good comments to those who deserve it and everything will flow back.

      Aloha
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

  15. Dr. Erica Goodstone
    Twitter:
    March 11, 2012 at 3:30 am #

    Donna,

    Your post is coming at a perfect time for me. As marketing committee chair for the International Association of Rubenfeld Synergists, my main body/mind awareness training that I use in many of my in-person sessions, I have agreed to present a few webinars on social media. Last Wednesday I talked about Facebook. And this Wednesday I will be presenting about LinkedIn. Thanks for your suggestions and the fact that you are partial to LinkedIn as a viable business building venture.

    Warmly,

    Dr. Erica
    Dr. Erica Goodstone recently posted..Are You Dating Your Clients?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 11, 2012 at 7:24 pm #

      Hi Erica, first I must say you are doing such a great job out there with your webinars. Horray!!!! It is good to see that you are teaching people about social platforms.

      When people think of LinkedIn, they usually think it is for jobs only OR spammers. Absolutely not. There are many serious people out there that may want to joint venture, come into your stream, etc.

      It is all about how we introduce ourselves to this awesome social platform.

      Thanks for coming by,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

  16. Clint Butler March 10, 2012 at 11:04 pm #

    Donna, great post. The one section that I particularly agree with is to properly screen the people that you are making connections with. More often than not if you don’t your going to get tons of messages offering a product or some other opportunity versus making a real “connection” on the site. I wish that when I was first starting out my profile I had done this. Now because I didn’t, I end up getting a lot of reverse marketing messages in my LinkIn Inbox when all I really wanted to do was share some great content and ideas.

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 11, 2012 at 7:21 pm #

      Hi Clint,

      Oh that can be resolved easily. All you have to do us unfollow them, and revamp your account. I’m always updating mine. I’ve been on LinkedIn a long time and as I grow, I am looking for people that fit my needs.

      There are a lot of great folks out there that respect the platform and won’t spam you.

      Reinforcement: As you reinforce these people that are there with respect and want to do business, syndicate the hell out of them.

      Delete: If people are spamming you, you can either DELETE them, IGNORE them and they will get tired and go away.

      OR sometimes, you can approach them in a kind fashion and ask them what else do they do besides, pushing their business. I did this once and this person had no idea of marketing. He ended up becoming one of my students. Things can turn around when you take control.
      Thank you for visiting,
      Donna Merrill
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

  17. Rick Lelchuk March 10, 2012 at 10:15 pm #

    Donna,

    I agree that Facebook is crowded and will probably go through another morphing as it continues to grow.

    I guess I’m like so many others who have found LinkedIn to be another “ME” fest. But, it is a much more professional platform.

    Thanks to your suggestion I’ll give it another try.

    In Clarity and Success,

    RICK
    Rick Lelchuk recently posted..Resolving the Network Marketing ParadoxMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 11, 2012 at 7:08 pm #

      Thanks Rick,

      Just like any other social platform, if you start peeking the many groups on LinkedIn, you will find some that will suit your needs. That’s where I start with it.

      Another great thing to do to bring people into your funnel is to “Recommend” Them. I choose to recommend new people all the time and it works very well. Try it out and let me know how you are doing.
      Blessings,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

  18. Michael March 10, 2012 at 9:08 pm #

    Donna, these are great tips for using LinkedIn. This is one network that is designed for sure to make connections. Not that all social networks aren’t built for that, but some of them leave a bit to be desired in the ease of use for making connections.

    I really like you emphasize the importance of being honest. Telling the truth in the best possible is part of marketing, but it starts with the ‘telling the truth” part.

    A nice group of best practices, thank you. 🙂
    Michael recently posted..A Trip To The DeliMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 11, 2012 at 6:52 pm #

      You Bet! Telling the TRUTH is the starting point. When truthful, people recognize that. Being honest and being yourself is the only way to go.
      Thank you for visiting,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

  19. Zinedine March 10, 2012 at 12:27 pm #

    LinkedIn is still to be fully discovered by majority of Internet marketers end of such it’s a great place get new clients and business partners.

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 10, 2012 at 5:36 pm #

      I think people are using it more now than a few years ago. I am glad to see that. It is a wonderful place to find clients and business partners and also that awesome learning curve that we can find from other people.

      Thank you for visiting.
      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

  20. Jacob March 10, 2012 at 5:47 am #

    Facebook feels like it is overpopulated with opportunities.It is still to have a Facebook. Moving on to LinkedIn sounds like a good idea. Feels more business oriented and less pitchy. But there is potential in both as used properly.

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 10, 2012 at 5:34 pm #

      Absolutely Jacob,
      I still use Facebook but use it wisely like I explained to Carol Lynn above. LinkedIn is more business oriented, but isn’t that what we want?
      And Yes, I have to agree with you when you say that there is potential in both Facebook and LinkedIn if used properly.
      Thanks for stopping by Jacob,
      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

  21. Carol Lynn Rivera March 10, 2012 at 4:01 am #

    Hi Donna, good advice! Being on LinkedIn is one thing… using it is another! I agree with you and also some of the comments here.

    LinkedIn is absolutely more business oriented and Facebook is a lot of noise and people posting photos of quotes and cats. If I want to know what someone from high school is doing who I barely knew then and still don’t know now, I go to Facebook. But I also like the Groups there and I get some good business-related info from some of the pages I follow. But on the networking side, not so much.

    LinkedIn is one of those places I avoided for a while, not on purpose, just a head-in-the-sand thing because there is SO MUCH info to fill out about yourself and so many groups and it seemed like work! But it’s really valuable. To Adrienne’s point, a lot of the groups are a big spammy mess but there are a few gems.

    It’s also a big traffic source for my blog. Recently they were having some issues and I was unable to post any links there all day and my traffic dropped 25% instantly on that day. So it’s no joke!

    I also think a lot of people are a little intimidated (like me) because it seems so “official” and “businessy” and not as fun and social. That’s why we need tips like yours that break it down into easy baby steps. It’s less scary with a good guide, so thanks for sharing your tips. I think I’ll go add a few keywords to my profile…
    Carol Lynn Rivera recently posted..7 key website analytics you should be looking at and what they can teach you about your marketingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 10, 2012 at 5:30 pm #

      Awesome Carol Lynn!
      Although it does look too businessy, that is what we want right? Don’t EVER feel intimidated girl. Your blog has the greatest content and you are always teaching me new things. You will be an asset to many out there.

      My profile is only 70% because I didn’t want to share too much information. But that doesn’t matter.

      Groups: Yes, they can be spammy at times, but all you have to do is leave lol!
      Not only do I get more people on my blog and other social sites from LinkedIn, but I find that I can learn so much in a group.

      As for Facebook: I feel the same way, I only open it to go to my groups on it. Some times something funny will catch my eye and I’ll comment or share it. It is like taking a coffee break for me when I’m online.
      But I feel that Facebook is getting a little bit to overkill for me lately, except on a business page.

      Thanks for your awesome comment.
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

  22. Patricia March 9, 2012 at 10:47 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    I totally aree with you about FB and Linkedin. FB is becoming very confusing and the changes they do so often drive me nuts too LOL.
    My experience on Linkedin has been more prfessional although often I get coaches wanting to sell the programs very near to the ones I offer. I think one tip here is to check poeple’s blogs and sites and avoid seeling them stuff if you do not know them.
    One thing about groups which I really enjou so much, I am looking for groups made of successful business women interested in their health, realtionships and spiritual growth, do you know groups with these interests? I’m asking everyone I know and trust.
    Thanks and best wishes!
    ps I’m sending you an invite on LI.

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 11, 2012 at 6:39 pm #

      Hi Patricia, I am of the same mindset as you are when it comes to groups.
      Currently, I joined the “Attraction Marketers Group” that is doing well with syndication and reaching out towards one another.
      I have found many successful business women there too.

      Besides “LinkedIn” I have found another group with successful business women. EmpowerHer.com Check it out, I’m making new connections every day!

      Much Love,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

  23. Andy Nathan March 9, 2012 at 2:14 pm #

    Donna,

    Do not let too many people know about the secret. Shh! 🙂

    LinkedIn is great! So many amazing clients have come from that site, and I have closed so many deals just on my ability to get clients for my clients on LinkedIn. Groups are absolutely key!

    Andy

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 9, 2012 at 3:47 pm #

      Hi Andy, I must agree that Groups are the key! I visit my groups one day at a time each week and reply and post. I find a more successful funnel that way. By the way, I just hit you up on LinkedIn LOL
      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

  24. Danielle Zack March 9, 2012 at 4:12 pm #

    You have told me this great advice before, but I didn’t listen! Now that I am fortunate to hear it from you again, I need to listen! 🙂 Thank you. I love how you are all about authenticity and integrity, it is far too often overlooked -especially in the on-line world.

    Danielle
    Danielle Zack recently posted..The Greatest Truth You’ll Ever Know…My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 9, 2012 at 6:42 pm #

      Hi Danielle, You make me blush! I would suggest when you first start, try contacting people you know. Then go on to groups that interest you. I have even found people on groups with health issues that I have and just talking to them or taking their advice and syndicating it.
      You will be surprised all the new people you can meet.
      Thanks so much for your compliment,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

  25. Kostas March 9, 2012 at 9:39 am #

    Hi Donna,
    For me Linkedin is much better than Facebook and most social networks. I really love it and it’s actually one of the largest sources of traffic for my blog. Additionally there are many opportunities in LinkedIn and a connection might lead to a partnership for your business since there are many professionals who can help each other, thanks for sharing…
    Kostas recently posted..Your Guide to Social Media SuccessMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 9, 2012 at 3:45 pm #

      Kostas, Yes, I find more business minded people on LinkedIn. Facebook to me is withering when it comes to doing business with others. It’s become more clogged up with “junk” rather than informative and businesslike messages.
      All my followers are in business, but I can’t even look at my homepage anymore. When I am on LinkedIn, I find the discussions more business like and that is where I want to be.
      Thanks for visiting,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

  26. PJ Zafra
    Twitter:
    March 9, 2012 at 8:30 am #

    Hey Donna,

    Great post here! We always hear Facebook, Twitter now Pinterest and many others. LinkedIn seems to be left out a lot. It’s a great place to be. It’s a goldmine if we use it correctly. I like it because the community consists of people like us who are serious to make things happen. I’ll add you up on LinkedIn then! lol

    Thanks for sharing this! Keep it up! 🙂
    PJ Zafra recently posted..Nick Vujicic’s Story: No Limbs… No LimitsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 9, 2012 at 3:43 pm #

      Hi PJ so true! We don’t hear much hoopla about LinkedIn, that’s why I call it my secret weapon. It is a goldmine when we use it correctly.
      As a social media junkie, I spend a certain time frame each day on the social media platform.
      LinkedIn has always been the “steady Eddy” in my platform.
      Thanks for your input,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

  27. Carla McNeil, Social Media Manager March 9, 2012 at 5:33 am #

    Total agreement here Donna! I also love LinkedIn for staying connected to people I meet locally. When I find people on LinkedIn I do exactly what you recommend “AFTER MAKING CONNECTIONS WHAT DO YOU DO?”, it’s super effective.
    Carla McNeil, Social Media Manager recently posted..How To UnFriend a Friend on FacebookMy Profile

  28. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    March 9, 2012 at 12:56 am #

    Thanks for sharing this information Donna and it’s great to know you prefer it.

    I’ve “tried” connecting with people over there but find they just aren’t very social. The only couple of groups that I joined ended up being spammed like crazy and I hated getting all those email updates. They drove me nuts.

    I’ve heard a few people say they really have made some fabulous connections over there but obviously I’m just not picking the right groups or maybe just not having enough patience. Not sure which one.

    So thanks for your take on this. I may have to rethink how I’m going about this perhaps.

    ~Adrienne
    Adrienne recently posted..The Secret Of Making Great YouTube VideosMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 9, 2012 at 3:08 am #

      Hi Adrienne
      There are a lot of changes that LinkedIn have made over the past year or so. I find more reciprocity when I comment on an article or blog. Also there are great groups. I know, I had my share of spammers but I feel like it subsided.
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

  29. Rodney Daniely March 8, 2012 at 4:19 pm #

    Great info, Donna. I’ve got to get into LinkedIn more.

  30. Oliver Tausend March 7, 2012 at 9:43 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    thanks for sharing your insights about Linkedin. I have often thought of Linkedin as the secret weapon, so “secret” that I have hardly ever used it correctly. That will change from now on, thanks to your instruction.

    Be blessed

    Oliver

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 8, 2012 at 4:14 am #

      Oliver I love your humorous comment! Try it Oliver, you have nothing to loose but some time. You will quickly see when used correctly there are plenty of people with the business mindset out there on LinkedIn.
      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

  31. Brian March 7, 2012 at 8:18 pm #

    Great advice Donna… LinkedIn is one the platforms that I just never really have taken to. Maybe I should give a serious try and go ou there and make some connections. How do you use gruppe to present your message?

    Brian

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 8, 2012 at 3:31 am #

      Hi Brian, yes, I’m sure you will make tons of contacts on LinkedIn. Join a group you are interested in, make some friends and you will see how effective it is.
      I don’t use gruppe. In fact, I really don’t know what it is.
      Thanks for stopping by
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

      • Brian Lagoni March 10, 2012 at 3:02 pm #

        Gruppe is dansih for group… I was writing on my Ipad with danish keyboard. Lousy Auto Correction:)

        Alreayde started to mingle in som groups…

        • Donna Merrill
          Twitter:
          March 10, 2012 at 5:24 pm #

          Oh I see lol! I enter a group, comment on their articles and blog and get to know them. After a while, then I post something that is appropriate to the group. Usually it is an article or blog post that gives good content to what the group is about. The go-giving process you know!
          -Donna
          Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

    • Stevie March 9, 2012 at 4:39 pm #

      Excellent advice… You are right about facebook. For me it’s an ideal platform if you like the sound of your own voice and I am talking strictly about me here. You can show diligence in the posts you make and still end up listening to echo of your own voice. As far as linkedin is concerned, yes, I have had some success with getting a few contracting jobs for my “other” seo job!
      Stevie recently posted..What’s He Really Thinking By Bob GrantMy Profile

      • Donna Merrill
        Twitter:
        March 9, 2012 at 6:40 pm #

        Thanks Stevie for your comment.
        I like writing articles on LinkedIn. I also use a lot of groups to expand my network. It is working so well, that each day I get at least 1 to 3 new “friends” to contact.
        -Donna
        Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

  32. marquita herald
    Twitter:
    March 7, 2012 at 8:33 pm #

    I’m a Linkedin convert Donna. When I first joined I joined several groups in my niche, but found it was such a huge waste of my time – one pitch after another or all everybody did was post their articles instead of have any conversation. Determined to give it another try I dumped the first set of groups and started over going in a little different direction and it’s been working out great! Yes, there’s still the spammy stuff, but I get rid of that pretty quickly and I’m now learning and making a lot of new contacts. Thanks!
    marquita herald recently posted..When You Can’t Stop Beating Yourself Up for Past MistakesMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      March 8, 2012 at 3:51 am #

      Hi Marquita,
      Yes as with anything Linkedin can get spammy. But when used correctly I find so many new people to learn from and many to follow me. Reciprocity is one thing that isn’t like our TSA group, but eventually, people do pile in, especially when we leave good comments.
      Thanks for coming by,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted.. LinkedIn – My Secret WeaponMy Profile

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