I’m a LinkedIn coach, so of course, I am very keen on LinkedIn as a marketing and business development tool. But does it replace face-to-face networking? Absolutely not!
Some people have the misconception that if you simply have a LinkedIn profile, the business should starting rolling in. LinkedIn activities are most effective when they are used in conjunction with offline networking. LinkedIn can help you raise awareness and interest in your offering, keep you ‘front of mind’ with current clients and reveal potential new clients. The key is to take your online networking activities offline.
If you are in the professional services sector (lawyers, accountants, architects, designers, etc), you will rarely gain a new client through purely online activity. Usually a phone call or face-to-face meeting needs to take place before the prospect knows you well enough and trusts you to give you their business.
Use LinkedIn by all means, but always focus on how you can take your online relationships offline — and watch your business grow.
Do you have any examples of how your LinkedIn activities have resulted in new business? I’d love to hear from you!
