Before there was the internet, smartphones and video games; kids who grew up in this era had to find creative and innovative ways to entertain themselves. Let the dating myself begin…… kick the can, stick ball, over-the-line and hide-n-go-seek kept us busy.


One favorite thing we all used to do is pile into my parent’s car and pretend we were driving. We all thought we were hot-shots. We would all take turns driving. From trying to honk the horn to trying to use the turn signals and of course the windshield wipers; in the end it just didn’t work because we did not have the skillset to figure all of it out.

 


I know what you are thinking….. “What does this have to do with LinkedIn?” Just the other day, I was involved in a conversation with someone who stated, “I tried this LinkedIn thing and it just doesn’t work.”


Hello There People: Without Developing the Skill Set LinkedIn Will Not Work

 

LinkedIn doesn’t drive itself you are the one driving it. Imagine you have never driven a car and all of a sudden you were thrown the keys to drive. No skill set and no mindset, you will come up with all the excuses not to drive the car.


The Top 8 LinkedIn Excuses

 

Every day I talk to VP's of Sales and Presidents at copier dealerships/technology companies across North America and Australia. Many are adopting LinkedIn, integrating it into their sales process and beginning to see success. However, for the naysayers broadcasting “LinkedIn doesn’t work” here are the top eight excuses that follow.


1. I Don't have the Time – What do you mean you have no time. Neither do I so just do it. We all have the same amount of time it is how we choose to use it. Invest 15 minutes per day. We all know you can find 15 minutes.


2. Not a Priority for me – Lets be real, LinkedIn isn’t going anywhere. Open up your Google browser and make it a priority. How important is generating new sales to your business? Really, just do it and develop new relationships which will lead to business opportunities. Yes, part of sales is developing new business, isn't it?


3. I am uncertain what to do with LinkedIn – I am sure you have some LinkedIn profile and you have some connections; but you’re not really sure what to do next? Receive some training, it will save you countless hours and frustration. You can learn more within the Dealer Marketing site


4. I am annoyed with LinkedIn – I receive countless, worthless emails from groups I’ve joined or from certain connections who blast me with crap. Then stop going to those networking events where you’re continually sold to by the eager chamber of commerce member or bored by the lack of engaging conversation. Funny as you go back there time and again for more punishment expecting different results, insanity.


5. I tried LinkedIn once – “Oh yes, I tried LinkedIn once and it didn’t work!” Trying it once rarely works for anything in life (unless you are crossing something off your bucket list). It takes continuous practice with the right approach. Create the right mindset and develop the right skillset. The commitment is to make it a daily habit.


6. I need proof LinkedIn works – What do you mean? LinkedIn doesn’t work……. Hello there you are the one doing all the work on LinkedIn! Cars can't effectively drive themselves yet. You have to put the key in the ignition, start the car, take it out park and away you go. Same holds true with LinkedIn. Start the engine (conversations), take it out of park (collaborate) and away you go (build relationships).


7. I don’t want people to see what I am doing or let my competitors know who I am calling on– LinkedIn has some of the most effective privacy settings. You just need to know how to manage them. I don’t know of a single salesperson who became successful by locking themselves in a dark closet. Join me in attending the LinkedIn professional business party! Besides, paranoia never gets you anywhere. Don't worry what your competitors are doing focus on what you are doing. Control what you can control!


8. I have great relationships with my clients – Most successful sales professionals have great relationships. What happens when the relationship moves on or better yet new people get involved? LinkedIn provides the platform to build your brand, your credibility and position yourself as a subject matter expert. Go deep and wide in your accounts to strengthen your connections. Connect with all executives, IT department, administration, facilities, purchasing and finance department, to name a few. Ask for testimonials from all of them. Most importantly, mine their connections and ask for referrals.

 

Today's business world is fast-paced and ever changing. The first impression you make may not be face to face but rather online. What is your digital first impression? Your first handshake may be a digital one based on your professional business story.

 

Adapt, adopt and make LinkedIn part of your daily sales strategy. Your sales funnel will appreciate it and so will your wallet.

 

 

If you enjoyed this post lets connect and start a conversation. You can send me a personalized invitation through my LinkedIn profile

 

If you enjoyed reading please check out more at the Dealer Marketing blog site

 

Check out some of my other posts on LinkedIn Publisher and on SlideShare

 

I enjoy sharing my LinkedIn stories. LinkedIn was my “game-changer” in the highly competitive copier world. I transform and coach copier sales professionals to grow net new business by helping them tell their story and communicate on LinkedIn. My commitment is to help independent office technology dealers thrive in a changing marketplace. You can follow me on LinkedIn, Twitter,www.dealermarketing.net/what-we-do/linkedin and www.dealermarketing.net