Social Networking with a Purpose

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/30/technology/personaltech/30basics.html

I loved this article about LinkedIn because it is a practical description of why and how to use LinkedIn not only to expand your own network and help job seekers market themselves, but how you can find potential customers through LinkedIn.


For Example, this is my LinkedIn profile
 http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=85719797&trk=tab_pro

One of my favorite things about LinkedIn isn't mentioned directly in the article, it's the advertising you can do through LinkedIn.  If you want to market your product or service to members of a certain group, the advertising is very cost effective and can be well targeted if you take the properly identify your target market.

It's like using Google Adwords, but for less money and with better aim. 

http://www.linkedin.com/advertising?src=en-all-el-li-hb_tab_ads&utm_medium=el&utm_source=li&utm_campaign=hb_tab_ads&trk=hb_tab_ads

 You can target by:
Job Title, Industry, Geography, Company Title, Seniority, Age, Gender or Group

Since the charge is pay-per click and you can set daily limits on how much you want to spend, it is a very flexible, cost effective and practical tool.

The step-by-step guide makes it easy to create ads, even if you are not in advertising.  Great tool for any B2B, especially those with limited budgets.

To maximize your social network in a way that will drive traffic to your ad, consider joining an industry group that includes your target market.  When members of the group post questions for other members to offer advice on, try to find answers for them.  Become a problem solver for your potential customers.  They will be more likely to remember the name of the company you represent when you do this and the likelihood that they will click on your ad goes up.