FieldJournals

Several outfitters we have spoken to over the last few months mentioned LinkedIn is not a service for them and they don’t feel the need to join the business social network.  They stated that LinkedIn is primarily used by people in “Corporate America” and not for the hard working outfitting industry.  Those outfitters are dead wrong!

LinkedIn is an interconnected network of experienced professionals from around the world, representing 170 industries and 200 countries. You can find, be introduced to, and collaborate with qualified professionals that you need to work with to accomplish your goals.  When you join, you create a profile that summarizes your professional expertise and accomplishments. You can then form enduring connections by inviting trusted contacts to join LinkedIn and connect to you. Your network consists of your connections, your connections’ connections, and the people they know, linking you to a vast number of qualified professionals and experts.

There are many benefits to having your profiles established on LinkedIn.  First, by having your name and business on the social network, you are improving your Search Engine Optimization (SEO).  LinkedIn profiles are crawled by all major search engines.  The easier to find your business on the web, the better.  It will also allow you to connect with new customers by socializing your business.  Here are a few tips to be successful using the business social network:

1.  Complete your full profile.  Be sure to add your picture, not your business logo, to your profile.  Fully complete your name, address, phone number, web address, email, etc. 

2. Be sure to import all of your contacts from all of your email accounts.  This will enable you to connect with your contacts on the social network.  Connect with people who request to be your contact.  These are potential customers for you and allow you to stay connected.

3. Create a group and join groups.  This is free marketing for your outdoors business.  Remember, don’t over sell yourself and don’t SPAM.  Not good etiquette for your business and you will turn off potential customers.

4. When you are at an Outdoors Trade Show, be sure to capture people’s LinkedIn contact info and also let them know you are on the social network.

5. Be sure to add your LinkedIn contact info to your business cards and other marketing material.  My professional opinion says that your Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook profiles should all be on your business cards today.

6. Stay active in the “Answers” section.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions and also answer questions.  This will show that you are an expert in your respective field.

LinkedIn is a key social business network that all outdoors industry folks need to be a part of to help grow their business.