Social Media Consulting • Lead Generation • Social Networks • Blogs

LinkedIn Business Pages Part 1

Have you created your business page on LinkedIn? It's easy. You just need an email address with your company name. 

Start by going to edit my profile and edit position. Then fill out the website URL completely. Mine is http://www.youramrketinggal.com. And then hit "Update". 

   

Then you will be taken to this page where you will fill out your email address and then hit "Continue". 

You will then get to the confirmation page saying that LinkedIn is sending you an email. 

After you check your inbox and confirm your email address, you'll be takent to this page.

Now it's time to fill out your company information:

• logo
• company description
• company specialties (or keywords)
• twitter ID
• company RSS blog
• company type (choices from public company to partnership)
• status (whether operating or not)
• industry
• year founded

You can also add five more locations.  

Then, voila, hit Publish. Darn, what took me so long to create my LinkedIn page? It's a great back link to your site which is better for SEO purposes and another online marketing tool. Want your page to be tres magnifique? Add your products or services. You can even add website urls back to your website to direct people to the particular product or service. You'll have quite a robust company information page once you are finished. 

Oh and grab a LinkedIn follow button while you are at it to put on your website.  Here's mine and feel free to click on it. Thanks. 

LinkedIn is 100 Million Strong

From LinkedIn’s blog:

Today, LinkedIn reached a major milestone: 100 million worldwide. We’re now growing at roughly one million new LinkedIn members every week, the equivalent of a professional joining the site at faster than one member per second.

This milestone was reached on March 22nd. 

Wow, this is amazing. Maybe not over 500 mill22ion that have joined Facebook, but quite an accomplishment. I find LinkedIn to be a great place to network with other professionals. I spend less time on it and always get more hits to my site. There are some wonderful groups to network in and this is where I spend my time. But there are many places to market yourself or your business, such as answers, events, etc.

So, when did you join? Want to find what number you were to join? Click on your profile and then “View Profile”. Now look at the address bar. http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=12108729&locale=en_US&trk=tab_pro.

I joined after they hit 12 million and was the 12,108,729^th member to join. What’s your number?  How do you like LinkedIn compared to Facebook? 

 

Social Networking: People Care What You Had for Breakfast

We thought no one cared what coffee you were drinking or what you had for breakfast on Facebook, LinkdedIn, Twitter and other social networks. Apparently they do.

Recently I read on the Social Media Insider that people cared what we had for breakfast. David Berkowitz observed that when people talked about what they had for breakfast, dinner or what move they had just seen, everyone commented. And I had noticed that one of my Facebook friends was always posting what she was making for dinner. Personally, I don’t care what anyone is making or having for dinner. But everyone else seemed to as so many people commented.

So I decided to find out if this was true by asking my friends on Facebook and contacts on LinkedIn: I just read on the Social Media Insider that people care what you had for breakfast. Do you care what other people had for breakfast?  

The conversations started out fun and continued. People said no and yes, and let me know what they had for breakfast (ummm, that was not the question, folks). And then the conversation progressed to hunger in different areas of the world – in both Facebook and LinkedIn. There were 32 comments on one of my LinkedIn groups (and we thought it was boring) and so many on Facebook, it was hard to personally respond back to all.

Even though I use Facebook and LinkedIn to brand my business and reach out to current and potential clients, I’ve noticed that when I ask questions that often have nothing to do with business, people answer. Here’s an example: Seen any funny videos lately? Can you share them please?  Yes, I received a lot of links to funny videos and I laughed away. Or What’s for dinner? Another popular question.

Is this about branding my company? No. It’s about reaching out to people and making them feel like they count. We all love talking about ourselves. So, when someone asks a question, we love giving our opinion or sharing knowledge. It’s what puts the social into social media and life. It’s about engaging with people. That is why we have to stay creative in our social media marketing efforts to reach our potential audience for business.

You’ve heard that if you are using social media for business you should share highly relevant useful information from your industry with your target audience. Perhaps you should change that to share highly irrelevant and boring information – at least to you.

My unofficial results of my experiment indicated that:

• People love quotes.
• People like to share what they had for breakfast, dinner and lunch.
• People love answering questions.
• People love sharing things not because it’s important to you, but because it’s important to them.   

One of my LinkedIn contacts summed this up perfectly: “People care less about what others had for breakfast BUT they care more about sharing what they have had themselves!! We all like to put a little of ourselves out there…”

And what did you have for breakfast today? Oh and just for the record, my breakfast consists of four cereals mixed including Kashi Go Lean, shredded wheat, wheat chex, bran flakes, bananas, berries, dried cranberries and skim milk - every day the same thing -  like a cat or a dog. Uh, like you care?

Hey, please like my Facebook page or follow me on Twitter (I'm not there quite as much, but I will be soon).

 

LinkedIn Signal - Search Your Updates

LinkedIn's Signal is a way to search updates. There is so much noise on social media, and  Signal from LinkedIn makes it easier to target whatever topic you are interested on LinkedIn - from your direct connections or from people you are not necessarily connected to on a first level. Here is LinkedIn's Signal explained on YouTube. LinkedIn is certainly the premier busienss social networking website and a great way to find information on companies or people you might want to do business with.

But here's a warning, you'll find a lot of Twitter updates from people that go directly to LinkedIn. Look at the  screenshot I took recently on LinkedIn. I searched marketing and advertising in the greater Denver area.  Five out of the six top search results  were posted from Twitter to LinkedIn. I wonder if people don't know how spammy this can be for their connections. Automation is not the best thing.

Utilizing Facebook and LinkedIn to their Full Potential Class

Last minute but I've just been asked to speak at this event next week and it's a great deal that includes lunch.

You may use my Facebook almost every day to put up a statement about our business, put up a picture of an event you attended or to friend people that you think might have an interest in your business, but what do you do from there?

Learn how to brand and grow your business in only ten minutes a day on Facebook and get the best tips for creating a great profile on LinkedIn.

You can bring your WiFi ready laptop or just take notes.

Your investment for this seminar is only $10 and includes lunch - what a deal! Meeting is from 10am to 1pm.

If you are interested in attending, please contact Dennis Maun so we can get a count on lunch and RSVP to this Meetup.

Contact Dennis at 303-906-0489 or email him at dmaun@live.com. You can also RSVP to Meetup if you're a member of the Denver Entrepreneurs or the Social Media Marketing Club.
Sponsored by the Cranial Sports Team.

LinkedIn 1 Business Basics: Create a Great Profile Denver Class

 

LinkedIn is the premier social networking site perfect for business. Did you know that you are 40 times more likely to receive opportunities through LinkedIn if you have a complete profile? Learn step by step in this interactive workshop to create an effective profile that draws prospects, customers, power partners or hiring managers to find you. Understand the basics of social media and optimize your profile with keyword enriched descriptions. Learn to update your status to look like the expert you are in your field and much more.

Class is on Wednesday, December 1 from 6 to 8pm at Colorado Free University, 7653 E. 1st Place, Denver, CO 80230. Register at www.freeu.com or call 303.399.0093.  

An entrepreneur/business owner for over 16 years, Jo Guerra, owner of Your Marketing Gal. LLC, is a certified inbound marketing expert. She helps small businesses grow and attract targeted customers by developing and implementing strategic internet marketing plans to include social media marketing, social networking, blog creation, blogging, keyword selection, local search, search engine optimization and video marketing.

Denver Social Media Marketing Club

Facebooking…Tweeting…Blogging…Digging…Googling…

Emailing…Confused?

Ever wish you had someone looking over your shoulder, assisting you step-by-step, as you make your way through Social Media Land?

Are you a small business owner who knows you should have an online social media marketing plan and strategy, but no time and you need to know more as you jump into social media marketing?

Did you take on a new role at work, and are now responsible for the social media strategy and implementation for your company?

Maybe you would just like to learn how to get online, connect, share pictures and communicate with family and friends.

Or you need a time and place to get your social media marketing done AND have a group of friendly faces to chat and network with.

Well help is here: THE SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING CLUB! 

The Social Media Club is a hands-on group that meets to

• LEARN more about options and ideas in social media
• CONNECT and network with others
• GROW your knowledge, business and community by using social media tools and marketing techniques

NO MORE EXCUSES!  Set aside time to work on your social media marketing strategies, meet and connect with new friends and learn how to navigate the online world.

Things To Do At the Social Media Marketing Club:

• Create your Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube or Twitter Profile or learn about Twitter tools and shortcuts
• Write and schedule blog posts.
• Get  pictures/videos off your camera and to Facebook, Flickr. Picassa, YouTube, Vimeo, etc.
• Work on your social media marketing and internet marketing strategy
• Prepare your next Email marketing campaign
• Learn the basics of how to use Facebook and other social networks
• Post updates and learn strategies to engage your community
• Find tools that assist you with your online marketing
• Connect and grow your community
• Get assistance and answers  from a LIVE PERSON

This group is open to anyone, and assistance is there if you need it.  You will need to bring your laptop (WiFi-ready), a project to work on and lots of questions. We will share great tips, yummy treats and drinks.

WHEN:  Monthly

TIME:  Times may vary. Please check the latest schedule at: Social Media Marketing Club

WHERE:  Microsoft Store at the Park Meadows Mall – In the Theater, 8505 Park Meadows Dr., Suite 2095, Lone Tree, CO 80124, 303.824.6772 Theater

COST: $12.99 per session or $30 for three meeting. Limited seating.

Save more with our pre-pay options

One meeting $12.99 Three meetings $30.00

 Are you part of a group or organization, and would like to bring a customized Social Media Club to your location?  Contact Jo Guerra at socialjo1@gmail.com or Teri Virbickis at teri@ui-creative.com to set up a time to discuss your needs. .

“We believe in the power of social media, PLEASE PASS this  to your friends and network.  The synergy of a community and its people is what makes social media such a powerful tool!”

About Your Hosts

Jo Guerra
Your Marketing Gal

Seasoned business owner originally started in 1993 as a wholesaler/importer of jewelry and accessories. Imported from and established relationships with suppliers in over nine countries. I’ve had online presence since 1996.  I started implementing social media strategies for my jewelry business – often being listed on the first page of a Google search.

Because of my background, I understand the unique needs of small businesses. Although my specialty is training and working with companies to develop their online, social media and traditional marketing plan and strategies, I help my customers look at the whole picture to propel their brand – often implementing free and low-cost strategies. 

I’m passionate about social media knowing that small businesses can compete and grow their business organically just as easily as the big corporations. I also assist in the incorporation of tools that simplify social media marketing and really empower businesses to bring their marketing in-house, should they desire. This strategy includes increasing their online footprint and being found – the inbound marketing way.

I’m a constant learner and take a variety of classes from business to fun including film acting and photography. I love walking, cooking healthy and working out.

Teri Virbickis
U&I Creative

Teri is a savvy, sharp, extremely creative, and results driven marketing communications professional with passion for B2B and B2C marketing solutions. Teri graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Education.  Her 18+ year career in Marketing, Communications, Graphic Design, Web Design, and Social Media Marketing is an asset to any business, large or small  She strategic thinker with a “roll-up your sleeves attitude”. She uses her innovative and out-of the-box creativity, to take ideas and create tangible, impactful marketing solutions.

A self-proclaimed “Impactologist”, Teri is able to put the “WOW” factor in your marketing initiatives. She has a reputation for delivering excellence through flawless execution of projects and marketing campaigns.  She is connector, known for building relationships and connecting with customers to meet and surpass their expectations.  Her unique ability to “sculpt fog”, creating clarity from chaos, helps her customers see and implement opportunities.  In the end, she is a Customer Champion driven by the challenge to make a difference, while building and implementing cost effective marketing solutions that impact bottom line revenues.

Teri spends her free time traveling in the mountains of Colorado, playing and coaching women’s volleyball and behind her Canon camera, capturing images of Colorado.  She is an amateur photographer, with professional aspirations. You can follow her Picture This… Adventures Behind the Camera blog at www.adventuresbehindthecamera.com.

 

LinkedIn 2: Successfully Marketing Your Business Class in Denver

Learn to Pump Up Your Social Networking and Internet Marketing Business Efforts with this Denver LinkedIn Class

You've created a great LinkedIn profile. But just how does LinkedIn work for you? LinkedIn is the
premier social media networking platform perfect for businesses. In this intermediate to advanced workshop, you'll learn how to market yourself or your business the "social media" way. Learn how to grow your network and add connections easily, find opportunities, target companies and be known as an expert in your field! Get networking tips and join the right groups to pump up your social media marketing efforts. Also learn how to find content to look like the expert you are in your business or field. To fully participate in this class, you should have a profile set up on LinkedIn.

This LinkedIn class will be taught on Saturday October 16 from 9-11 am at Colorado Free University in Denver, Colorado. Register on their website or call 303.399.0093.

My bio: An entrepreneur/business owner for over 16 years, Jo Guerra, owner of Your Marketing Gal. LLC, is a certified inbound marketing expert and an internet marketing consultant. She helps small businesses grow and attract targeted customers by developing and implementing strategic internet marketing plans to include social media marketing, social networking, blog creation, blogging, keyword selection, local search, search engine optimization and video marketing.

Promotions Tab & Rules for LinkedIn Groups

Promote your company easily in your LinkedIn groups. LinkedIn just announced a new promotions tab for groups. If you have any events or specials for your business, you can now post them to this tab. The promotions tab joins the jobs tab, which was optional. But the promotionas tab automatically showed up on my two groups: Denver Entrepreneurs and Small Business Rock Stars.

I've had members of my LinkedIn group promote their specials and events and several have told me it's been very successful. You used to start a discussion. Now you can just post them under this tab. So, now we have LinkedIn events as well as group promotions - more ways to market your business through social media and online.

LinkedIn also created a new place to post your group rules, which comes in very handy if you have a big group and are constantly being spammed by members that aren't too familar with the rules of engagement in social media.

What efforts have you found to be successful when using social media as a marketing tool? What special or event marketing activities have worked for you?

How Does LinkedIn Work? Denver Small Business Educational Class

LinkedIn 2: Successfully Marketing Your Business

You've created a great LinkedIn profile. But just how does LinkedIn work for you? LinkedIn is the premier social media networking platform perfect for businesses. In this intermediate to advanced workshop, you'll learn how to market yourself or your business the "social media" way. Learn how to grow your network and add connections easily, find opportunities, target companies and be known as an expert in your field!

Get networking tips and join the right groups to pump up your social media marketing efforts. Also learn how to find content to look like the expert you are in your business or field. To fully participate in this class, you should have a profile set up on LinkedIn.

Class #3350AA9 is at Colorado Free University on Tuesday, July 13, from 6 to 8pm located at Lowry in Denver, CO. Register at Colorado Free University or call 303.399.0093. $46 for non-members plus $5 material fee.

Colorado Free University, 7653 E. 1st Place, Denver, CO 80230.