Public Relations & Social Marketing Insight

Social selling is part activity, part reputation. If you're writing insightful comments on your prospects' blogs, responding to their tweets, and liking their shared content, you've got the activity bit down pat. But if your LinkedIn profile doesn't include your three jobs and features a cropped picture of you from prom, you can't really call yourself a social seller. 

If you'd like to start a social selling initiative in earnest, then begin by revamping your LinkedIn profile. Just as you're researching potential buyers on LinkedIn to learn more about them, they're looking at your profile to judge whether they want to do business with you. Don't ruin great messaging and positive interactions with an outdated, sparse, or inappropriate profile. 

So, what exactly should your LinkedIn profile look like? We've put together an infographic that breaks down the ideal social selling LinkedIn profile, section by section. Stride into 2015 with social selling style.

We know that LinkedIn began as a place to literally park your resume and peruse job opportunities.  But in recent years it has evolved into a leading business to business marketplace and professional network.

Being present on LinkedIn is only the first step in exploring a number of tools and opportunities that the network provides for both individuals and brands.

Here are some tips on how to use LinkedIn to build powerful influence....

What’s the difference between your resume and your LinkedIn profile? For some people, the two are practically identical. Each lists work history, career accomplishments, notable projects, and perhaps a fun fact or two. Maybe your LinkedIn page has a picture on it, but otherwise, they’re the same.

But there’s a slight problem with this approach. Your LinkedIn profile isn’t an online resume.

My first pillar of social selling is moving “from resume to digital reputation,” and it requires looking at your social profiles from the eyes of the customer you’re trying to earn trust from. If you’re bragging about your quota crushing abilities or merely listing your work experience, that’s not interesting or appealing to potential clients....

Want to get as hands on with digital media as you can? Here are 20 examples of winning LinkedIn groups you can join to find out more!

...To grow your circle, we emphasize participating in the thousands of communities available to you as a member of LinkedIn. If you want to check out our guide on connecting with influencers on LinkedIn, click over to it here.

Some of the best groups don’t have the most members or links to share; rather they offer top engagement, frequent discussion, and a dedicated community willing to hear out your concerns. That’s why we’ve gone through the trouble to point out some of the most superb groups you can join as a digital marketer. Here are our top 20!