LinkedIn has 350 million users and two new users every second, not to mention the fact that it is the number one social media outlet of choice for top executives. As a restoration professional, I am a fan.  When the new editor of Restoration & Remediation, Michelle Blevins, suggested the topic, I was beyond thrilled as it is my contention that when utilized properly, LinkedIn can be a true asset to the professional restorer and cleaner.

There are plenty of articles, information and statistics about LinkedIn and its benefits that will convince you of its value.  We are operating in the world of social media that can have even the most forward-thinking of us running for cover. However, if you could do something that benefits you, your career and your company, costs no money, and uses as little as 5-10 minutes of your time a day, would you sign up?  If you answered, “yes,” then it is time to truly get LinkedIn.  To begin, abandon the thoughts of: “I don’t have time,” “It’s marketing’s job,” or “It is only for people looking for a job.”

Here are some ideas to help restoration and cleaning professionals to enjoy all the benefits that this platform has to offer: 

1. Personal Profile:  Develop a well-designed and crafted profile, paying particular attention to your headline.  If you were to Google my name, my LinkedIn profile will be found at the top of the search results.  Although my profile is always a work in progress, if you were to open it, you will gain an understanding of what I do, my credentials, my track record, my experience, and more.  It is my hope that the viewer of my profile has a positive impression of me and that I establish credibility.  The reality is that people, “Google” and search people and companies, why not present clearly and concisely who you are professionally for the world to see.  I like, follow and post things about Restoration, Training, Leadership, Insurance, you will not find me on the beach with a cocktail nor at a dance recital.     

2. “You have to have connections:” This is an old saying in the business world; LinkedIn makes it easy to have connections.

a. Every time I meet a new person; within days, I look them up on LinkedIn, send them an invitation to connect, and boom, I just gained a new quality connection.  I try to personalize the invitation when possible.  I am building a rolodex that automatically updates if a person switches jobs, gets a promotion, etc.  As an example, I have already thought of someone I met years ago that I thought could help me with a problem, looked them up through my connections, sent an email through LinkedIn, and was able to get assistance.  

b. Look beyond current customers, prospects, business partners, and consider connecting with someone who displays expertise that may interest you or that you may need at some point, or seems to share your interests, send them an invitation.  Over the years, I have reached out to people that seem to have very specific expertise and experience on subject matter in our industry for counsel.  Like a good connection, they are more than happy to share some friendly advice or an experience.  

3. Knowledge/Information/Inspiration:  LinkedIn has become my all inclusive magazine.  Based on who and what I follow and the Groups that I participate in, I have a constant stream of current information available to me on subjects like:  Leadership, Management, Hiring, HealthCare, Drying, Equipment, Restoration Case Studies, Insurance Industry, and local happenings are some of the topics that I have constant access.  Articles can be easily shared via regular email, with your connections, other social media outlets, and groups.  I enjoy sharing an article that is beneficial with my co-workers or a group on LinkedIn that I think may enjoy.  

4. Engage:  You should like, listen, present content, comment, and engage.  Join groups of interest, follow companies and take a look at what your connections are doing and saying.  

5. Yes, there is an “App for That:” I utilize the LinkedIn App which allows me to use my minutes to the best of my ability.  I can quickly scroll through the home screen, engage, share, and read a couple good articles in minutes.  Although I would not take this as sound advice, I admittedly lean towards over stimulation, but, I can do quite a bit on my LinkedIn App during the morning news commercial break.   

No Mention of Marketing?  There are lots of articles on using Social Media and specifically, LinkedIn for Marketing.  There are opportunities to build relationships for your company and yourself on LinkedIn and I encourage you to explore these opportunities.  I hope that my favorite five reasons and tips to utilize LinkedIn beyond marketing resonate with you and you will enjoy its benefits.  Hope to LinkedIn with you.  If you connect with me, you will then receive an invitation to join the Restoration Technical Institute Group on LinkedIn.  There is much more to LinkedIn than what has been presented and based on my personal experiences; it is a positive experience and good investment of your minutes per day.