Linkedin

[Eieio]

I think linkedin is one of the best Social networking sites out there right now. One of the keys to being successful on the platform is building quality contacts.

What do you guys do to create new contacts or connections?

[R & J]

When we find new people or companies through our current connections or associations we connect. Or when we find out folks from sites like this are on we try to connect with them as well.

[Winchester]

I've never really looked at linked in. Seemed too strange for me.
I'm a member and probably have half of you as connections already though.

Maybe one of these days I'll take a better look at it.

[Publisher1]

I'm finding that linkedin magnifies and enhances other networking stuff.
For example, yesterday evening, I attended my first meeting as a director of the local Construction Specifications Canada (US equivalent is Construction Specifications Institute) chapter. I've done favors for the chapter for years and know many of the other board members personally.
So the question arises about what can I contribute, and I mention things like linkedin.com, and the Design and Construction Network. They appoint me the online co-ordinator, and I am tasked to set up a similar group in Ottawa.
Fair enough, as this of course puts me right at the centre of both the Internet and in-person network; a really good place to be if you are in business.
And I initially built my personal network with SMPS by offering a story to their print magazine about linkedin and online networking; this gave me the opportunity to interview several association leaders and write some stories, then I ended up on the journal's editorial board -- more networking -- which brought me to a relationshio with the DC Design and Construction Network founder Tim Klabunde, and you see where this goes.
Linkedin.com I think will be most useful for BtoB stuff but also can be helpful if you are working on the high end residential side. As well, of course, you can sometimes track people down or renew acquaintances. If your market is more consumer oriented, I would also look closely at setting up a facebook fan page for your business.

[Eieio]

I think for smaller contractors Linkedin is a bit confusing and slightly overwhelming.

For me I just pick and choose groups that I am interested in and join, answer questions that I can and look for the individuals that make sense and offer good advice and opinions and link up with them.


There are a lot of opportunities there and lots of people that you can help and get help from.

Two of the speakers I have lined of for webinars, I met them both on Linked in.