How to effectively use LinkedIn for networking your small business

According to a study conducted by LinkedIn, about 35% of participants said a casual conversation through LinkedIn Messaging brought them a new working opportunity. LinkedIn is a comprehensive tool many small businesses, working professionals, and even large companies use to increase productivity, interest, and employees.

Listed below are unique ways to effectively use LinkedIn for networking as a small business or growing entrepreneur. 

Without understanding this valuable business tool, it is almost impossible to ‌use it effectively. LinkedIn first began in 2002; however, the owner did not launch it until at least 2003. 

LinkedIn is marketed as a business tool and professional development resource for interested users. It is free to use, which makes it perfect for young companies that do not have large budgets to spend on professional development services.

What LinkedIn Features can Small Businesses Use?

There are many LinkedIn features that you can use for your small business to grow and thrive. Listed below are four unique ways to use these features. The best part is that most of the features we will discuss today are free!

Hiring Employees

Usually, small companies use LinkedIn to hire extraordinary employees with similar values to the company and impressive credentials. LinkedIn acts as a live resume where users can continuously update their information with new certificates, professional development, and experiences. 

You can use LinkedIn to hire employees by directly reaching out to them if they seem like a good fit. You can also post job listings and offer quick interviews through Linkedin. This is beneficial because you won’t have to use multiple platforms.

Writing Posts to Increase Engagement

To increase engagement in your company, you can write posts, publish photos, and create videos. The more you interact with LinkedIn users, the more the same users will interact with your posts. This is a great way to network and build strong connections. It is best to ensure that your posts are directly related to your business or, at least, the general topic.

Reaching out to Other Companies and Venues to Establish Connections

If you are a small business looking to grow quickly, you can also reach out to specific companies and then use them to establish connections and potentially start a new venture. LinkedIn gives you the option of directly messaging candidates as well as companies. It is good to create a starting message that is thoughtful, descriptive, short, and sweet to capture your audience’s attention.

Finding Charity Events to Donate to

Small businesses have a competitive edge and can do many things that other entrepreneurs can’t, like donating to charities and creating events that can lead to tax incentives. Giving back to your community is a great way to establish connections while attracting interested buyers and consumers. When a company knows that charity and volunteering are important to you, they are more likely to work with you if this aligns with their personal values.

Conclusion

Overall, LinkedIn can be a great and robust social media tool to use because of how large, engaging, and direct it is. You can use many features to grow your small business, giving you a competitive edge against other companies and entrepreneurs looking to grow in your niche. You can also take professional development courses offered through Linkedin and pass the exams that will show on your resume as completed full.