How's your reputation and credibility in your marketplace? How well are you promoting yourself?
Attention all sales leaders... It's time to take what you do with LinkedIn seriously!
“As a business leader somewhat in the spotlight, it is impossible to hide”
Cédric Manara, Copyright Counsel at Google
More and more leaders are becoming increasingly aware and comfortable with their own thought leadership style. LinkedIn provides the platform to share insight, expertise and knowledge.
In today's growing digital business climate, social media outlets allow companies to be interactive and relevant to their clients and prospects. There's a demand for more personalized messaging from companies, even more so from a leadership perspective.
"In today's hyper-connected, information driven world, CEO's and senior executives alike are expected to have an active social presence. Brand image, brand trust and a company's long term success depend on it"
Ann Charles, BRANDfog Founder & CEO
In a survey conducted by BRANDfog they state, "83% of U.S. respondents believe that CEO participation in social media can build better connections with customers, employees and investors." I submit the same can be said for sales leaders. Connections create the opportunity to build relationships. It's these relationships that will lead your clients, prospects and peers to become more attentive to your brand. One of the best ways to establish these professional connections is through LinkedIn.
IMPORTANCE OF MAKING A STRONG STATEMENT ON LINKEDIN
You get out of LinkedIn what you put into LinkedIn. Nothing in then nothing out, that simple!
5 REASONS TO HAVE A STRONG LINKEDIN PROFILE
PROMOTES A POSITIVE PUBLIC IMAGE
With a professional LinkedIn profile, leaders are able to clearly display their accomplishments, education, company brand, recommendations and how they work with their team. In addition, they can post status updates, job openings as well as promote team members. This helps to showcase successes as this aides in promoting corporate culture.
It's very important, you either have a strong LinkedIn profile, or none at all. An incomplete profile, especially one without clarity, can be a detriment to your reputation, your company’s reputation as well as the perception by your clients and prospects.
PROMOTES THE COMPANY
A strong LinkedIn profile publicizes your company’s offerings and professional services while showcasing your personal experience and skills. Displaying a strong, engaging profile provides your company even more value and affirmation in the eyes of your clients and prospects.
A digital first impression is their reality!
It's all about visibility. LinkedIn allows potential clients and your current clients to view and interact with you. Creating a profile is another avenue of accessibility.
You need to lead by example. If you want your sales team to be engaged on LinkedIn then you must be as well.
The use of social media and LinkedIn in a strategic, productive manner, further promotes and grows your brand.
LinkedIn is an onramp to positive public relations and allows for more ways to communicate with prospects and those already doing business you. Think of how you can create an edge. The edge that helps you rise above the sea of sameness.
ENCOURAGES CLIENT AND PROSPECT ENGAGEMENT
A well-positioned profile allows potential prospects and sales recruits to connect and interact with you. It's all about the personal experience, the personal touch and how you harness it. This interaction and what you do with it allows for more personalized experiences that in turn fosters trust. Isn't this what it's all about?
According to BRANDfog, Nearly 75% of U.S. respondents to their survey believe that a company whose leaders use social media to communicate their brand values are more trustworthy.
Becoming more engaging allows you to be seen in a different manner. This creates a more appealing experience for your company, prospects, your clients and sales candidates.
CREATES HUMANIZATION
Being able to put a face to a name is important to any business and relationship. Leaders must value this and hold it in high regard; the relationship between their clients, their sales team and the brand they represent.
A well branded LinkedIn profile speaks to more than your clients. It reaches your sales team, potential employees and peers. When you create a profile humanizing yourself, it makes you more approachable, guaranteed!
PARTICIPATION ON LINKEDIN CREATES TRUST
"More than 80% of respondents agree Social Media enhances the image and reputation of executives as forward-thinking, trend-setting leaders"
BRANDfog 2014 survey
Leverage LinkedIn to create a compelling story resonating with your peers, your sales team, potential employees as well as business leaders within the community.
Start with:
- A professional picture portraying confidence and authority.
- A value centric tailored statement showcasing how you help your target audience; your clients, sales team and prospects.
- Create a compelling and fascinating story within the summary section speaking right from the heart. Write it in 1st person so it’s not boring nor resume ridden for the public to see.
These questions may kick start your creative juices...
- What do you want to be professionally know for?
- What kind of work environment do you provide?
- What do you love most about what you do?
- What kind of environment do I provide my sales team?
WHAT DOES ALL OF THIS MEAN?
LinkedIn has become THE social channel where your peers, clients and sales reps invest their time to connect with others. It's imperative, you and your team must look competent online. No questions asked!
As the leader, your team looks to you as the example of what's to be expected. Imagine you turning up to work each morning half dressed! This is exactly what your profile looks like to others if you don't take the time to manage it properly.
If you aren't able to lead and inspire your team socially, who will?
LinkedIn is the perfect place to showcase your personal story and why you do what you do, but more importantly; it's a huge opportunity to marry your company’s story and who they help, with your story and who help.
Invest in yourself, your network and your sales team!
I understand, I get where you all are coming from. Every day, I walk in your shoes. I am fully committed to helping your sales team integrate social aspects and modern strategies into your current sales process to grow new business. I want you to get results. This is why I am passionate about doing this the right way, the genuine way, the authentic way!
In 2016, I was recognized by ENX Magazine as, “The Difference Maker,” as someone who is making a difference inside the B2B office technology sector. I am passionate about helping sales reps succeed in creating their online brand image.
You can find more advanced training material inside the Social Sales Academy website.
I appreciate getting the opportunity to share my stories. Integrating the use of social and sharing my story on LinkedIn was my “game-changer” in the highly competitive office technology world. With great pride I transform, challenge, coach and inspire sales teams to grow new business by helping them share their story and how they communicate it out by integrating the use of social inside the sales process. You can follow me on LinkedIn, Twitter, Social Sales Academy and on my podcast by clicking on Selling from the Heart.
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