The Big Power of Small Favors: Using Linked In For Relationship Building

The big power of small favours

Rob Duncan

1Copyright Rob Duncan 2008-9

Your SpeakerRob DuncanDirector, BCIT Applied Research Liaison Office

Author of:

Haul Away! Teambuilding Lessons from a Voyage around Cape Horn (2005)

Competitive Intelligence: Fast, Cheap & Ethical (2008)

Copyright Rob Duncan 2008 2

Our Agenda So what is all this social networking stuff? Is it really useful for business or is it waste of time? What is LinkedIn? How can I use it to build my business? Okay, I’m on there – now what? Where are the hidden treasures on LinkedIn? How can I make the most of my LinkedIn network?

Copyright Rob Duncan 2008-9 3

What is LinkedIn? An online social network for professionals

Profiles Connections Introductions Q&A Status Recommendations Groups

30+ million people and growing fast


How I use LinkedIn Promote BCIT & ARLO Publicize my books Obtain speaking engagements Offered guest lectureship Helpful answers to tough problems New friends worldwide Old friends back in touch


Getting onto LinkedIn Go to www.linkedin.com

Sign up (free) Set up profile

Name, title Photo Work history Education Speciality areas & skills Interests, hobbies, awards Your websites or blogs Contact preferences

Get involved...get active!


Be a good LinkedIn citizen Full profile with photo Build your network – add connections Ask & answer questions Give and seek recommendations Update status frequently Join groups and participate in discussions Help others: “what’s in it for them?” Be a giver not a taker


The Power of ProfilePut everything in there!

Your photo makes you real

High school, past jobs, interests all matter: they build bridges

TIP: Use descriptors that are easily searched e.g. “new product designer”


The Power of ConnectionsCrucial decision: stay small or go big?

Small networks can keep it intimate & local, but…

Big networks exponentially increase your reach

Your entire network will see your status, questions, answers

TIP: Click on “OpenLinkenabled” to announce your willingness to connect


The Power of Q&AAsk strategic questions

Answer questions frequently and generously; think of yourself last

Put a Weblink in your answers (draw people to your Website, books, or blog)

Earn expertise rewards & build reputation

TIP: Visit Q&A daily and answer as many questions as you can, insinuating your web address where possible


The Power of RecommendingRecognize someone you respect

Don’t be shy: request recommendations

Put all past employers in your profile and seek recommendations for each one

TIP: Don’t “drown” your profile in recommendations – 5-10 good ones is plenty


The Power of Status

Let your world know what you are up to

Be strategic (“Rob is looking for entrepreneurs to assist”)

Update it frequently

TIP: Keep “stock” ones handy (e.g. “looking for new clients”)


The Power of GroupsSearch for & join relevant Groups

Be strategic: should I join “Starving Inventors” or “New Product Tycoons?” Why not both?

Display your Group badges on your profile to allow like-minded people to connect

Contribute to Group Discussions TIP: Join the group “Invites Welcome” to grow your network


The Power of DiscussionsEach LinkedIn Group has a discussion feature

Good way to advertise new books

Ask strategic questions

Introduce yourself to the community

TIP: Seed a discussion with your key business challenge, e.g. “How do I connect with inventors who need protoypes made?”


The Power of IntroductionsConnect 2 people who can help each other

Ask for introductions from your connections

Be generous with your contacts

TIP: Search for your dream client and see who in your network is connected to them – get introduced


Getting the Most out of LinkedIn Put everything in your profile Increase your network size Join LinkedIn Groups Ask and answer questions strategically Give more than you get


The Power of Small Favours Help 50 people with:

Answers Recommendations Expert suggestions Leads Introductions

When you need help, 50 people will be there for you Give generously; the “getting” flows indirectly from

your investment in others


Thank You!

Any questions?

Contact me at:[email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn!


The Big Power of Small Favors: Using Linked In For Relationship Building

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