What’s Working for Me on LinkedIn – Quick Tips for Event Professionals

August 16, 2017

With over 500 million users, LinkedIn’s potential to be a powerful tool for finding and engaging with relevant professionals is obvious. However, what isn’t obvious to many professionals is how they can tap into that potential and take full advantage of what LinkedIn has to offer.

After about a decade of using (and experimenting with) LinkedIn, I’ve developed a system for myself that’s works – in fact, about a third of my business now comes from LinkedIn. Here are some of the actions I’m taking and features I’m focusing on:

1. Set Realistic Expectations

LinkedIn isn’t magic. It’s a tool that, when used strategically, can support some business goals. For example: although a third of my business comes from LinkedIn, I don’t use LinkedIn to close sales. Instead, I use LinkedIn to support my sales process (identify prospects/partners, get to know them/their needs, help them get to know me/my value, etc.) and then I take the conversation “off line” when it comes time to close.

2. Get Comfortable with Change

Even before Microsoft bought LinkedIn, things were always changing. This can be frustrating (especially when my favorite features are tweaked or discontinued), but remembering that I don’t own LinkedIn and that their leadership team may choose to change their product as much and as often as they’d like (just as I can do for my company’s offerings) helps me. What else helps? Continued research and testing to ensure that I’m utilizing the features that are right for me, in the best way I can, for as long as they’re available – and backing up my data regularly.

3. Live It

They say that the most effective way to lose weight isn’t to choose a fad diet but to make healthier habits a part of your lifestyle. The same is true for LinkedIn – if you want to be effective, you have to be consistent and dedicated. LinkedIn is one of the first things I check when I wake up and one of the last things I check when I go to bed (even standing in line at the grocery store, for example, my “go to” time filler is the LinkedIn app).

Bonus! Try These Features:

Profile: Your profile should feel authentic and remain up-to-date. Don’t write it in the third person (it’s distancing and a little pretentious) or post a profile picture that’s ten years old. Instead, share what will help your ideal contact realize they need to connect with you now.

Publishing: Long form posts are a great way to share your expertise. Write about what you know and what your audience cares about, and don’t obsess over your views, likes or shares – general content gets bigger numbers, but specific content resonates with the right people.

Timeline/Groups: Quick likes and comments in your newsfeed or groups can help in boosting visibility and remaining top of mind, but be mindful of the types of posts you make (especially those that are angry or silly) – your professional reputation is always at stake.

Outreach: Use messaging to keep in touch (this is one medium where it’s okay to reach out “just to check in” on occasion) and seek out new professionals to connect with often. Customize your requests and find meaningful (not salesy) things to talk about with each new connection.

LinkedIn isn’t for everyone, but it has been a big help to me and my business. Consider taking the actions above to get more value out of your participation.

 

About the Author: Robyn Davis teaches exhibitors the strategies required to make their trade show participation even more worthwhile through her speaking, training and consulting services. Learn more and connect with Robyn on LinkedIn or join Robyn for her Tech Hub session at HCEA Connect 2017.

 

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact