Are you utilizing LinkedIN for your business or professional success?

Since its inception, LinkedIn has grown to include more than 55 million users in 200 countries world-wide. This is no accident. LinkedIn is based on the principle that every person is connected to one another by no more than six degrees of separation from everybody else. In other words, individuals can connect with one another simply by utilizing their network of contacts. And this is where LinkedIn can help business owners and their employees. The website keeps track of who knows whom and provides a means to connect people based on professional expertise, needs, and interests.

Simply having a LinkedIn account is not enough to add value to a business. A business professional must also have a strategy to effectively network with other professionals. This is where many business owners and professionals fail to utilize the system and maximize their potential for increased brand awareness and, ultimately, sales.

Lead Generation

Lead Generation is a marketing term that refers to the creation, or generation, of interest in a consumer to a product or service. This seems like a simple enough concept; however, talk to any marketing professional and he or she will tell you that farming for leads in a traditional manner can be a long, costly and exhaustive process. This is why many professionals have begun using their LinkedIn contacts as a new way to identify and speak directly to prospects. Not only do they have the ability to search for these prospects amongst their current connections, but they can search via their connections’ connections, and through the many groups that have formed within the LinkedIn network. So how exactly does one find leads on LinkedIn? There are many strategies a business owner can use to both gain exposure and target a specific audience.

Are you interested in learning more about linkedIN and how to build a profile, build valuable connections, and utiulize your network for your business?  We offer Social Media workshops on a variety of topics starting at only $30.  To learn more we invite to you explore our upcoming LinkedIN Workshop or other great Social Media Workshops.

Lead Generation Ontario: The Beauty of Social Media Exposure

Locating the best methods for Lead Generation in Ontario is not an easy. There are many ways to generate leads. The first step should be to find a skilled professional who can help you come up with an effective plan to approach potential clients. While searching for the best way to find new customers, consider social media. Sites like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace are not just for chatting. Many businesses find that utilizing social networking sites can actually generate leads.

Harnessing the Largest Referral Network in the World

Networking is nothing new and has always been a strong source for lead generation. However social network has digitized this process by opening networks beyond your immediate friends and associates. Successful lead generation in Ontario may hinge on your ability to tap into the enormous potential of these social websites.

Contributing to Social Networks

When using social networking and media to gain leads, also keep in mind it is vital that your profile remain as up to date as possible. When you visit offline-networking events like Chambers of Commerce if you sit in a corner and talk to no one or never show up you gain nothing. Social Networks are the same. By adding comments, contributing to a conversion or adding valuable tips or updates you will gain awareness and credibility.

Lead Generation by Referral

Social Networking is not areas that you walk into to sell something. Look at it like you are at a party. If you walk around, trying to sell something you probably will get kicked out. But if you walk around making relationships you will find those relationship that you build can turn into great referral partners.

If you are looking for a lead generation strategy in Ontario consider calling a professional marketing service that understands your business and social networks. Shane Serra, from WSI is an online marketing consultant that offers Lead Generation solutions for businesses in Barrie, Ontario.

Today there is lots of buzz around Social Media; Facebok, MySpace, YouTube, LinkedIN...  Social media is growing and changing the internet face as it was changed back in 2000 when Google introduced keyword driven search.  So the internet started as surfing, then searching, now we are searching and socializing. 

So here is the big question, why does my business need it?  98% of every sale is based on you having a relationship.  Social media allows to you create relationships online.  Have you ever heard the saying, it is great having a friend in the business.  If I searched your services and I found organic page one rankings with happy clients commenting about how great you are, how would you think that Social Media would impact your business? 

To learn more about Social Media please we invite you to download or watch one of our whitepapers & webinars at our Marketing On Demand FREE Resources.  If you have questions, please contact us anytime.

We are hear to help.

Shane Serra
WSI Internet Marketing Expert