Linkedin is a great tool for meeting either like minded people or people that normally you wouldn't have a way of getting in touch with.
No remember I always share that there are NO SILVER BULLETS in this business and the same can be said here and now for Linkedin. It will help you dramatically increase your "Sphere of Influence" if done correctly.
Focus on building Trust, Credibility and Value but don't use it for closing and trying to sell.
Remember another thing I preach and thats to "Give First and Tho Shall Receive." Im not saying give away the farm, more on that another day!
From a professional real estate standpoint there are certain rules to adhere to and that is good. Just don't collect their emails and add them to your email database that is a big no-no and it protects both you and I.
I encourage you to join Linkedin.
If you know the value of Networking then you will understand why.
Build your profile and include your picture. As with all online content I suggest that you do not put your birth year in and perhaps consider changing the day of your birth slightly in case of identity thieves (rare).
I have been using various online systems such as this, Twitter and Face Book for years and have never had any security issues.
Why should you use Linkedin?
First the last thing you want to be is a Secret Agent. You need to simply be out there promoting your business services and with all the agents on Linkedin you need to be there too.
Over the years I have collected approx. 6,000 contacts on Linkedin!
A couple of years ago I was recognized by Linkedin as one of the most connected people in Calgary.
The reasons I did this vary and are too long to put in here but I will say it rewarded me time and time again financially, in meeting good people and learning a lot of good things for my business.
Another good reason to be here and connect is that a lot of the people here are professionals in business. If they want to do something in real estate it might as well be with you, right!
Time and time again I have experienced that when I work with business professionals my presentations go easier and they better understood the realities of both selling and buying a home much better than the average client. They often understand business! In other words and simply put they were often a higher quality client so much easier to work with the higher up the executive rope they were!
The magic of compounding interest.
Networking is just that... only with people.
If you can not personally go to Networking events this is the next best thing! If they utilize your services and enjoyed the experience they may share that with people in their network if they have that networking mindset. If they are on Linkedin they have at least the beginnings of the right mindset.
It's FREE Promotion.
Another thing I like about Linkedin is free promotion. At one point I was invited by them to write as a Blogger on their "Pulse" Section of the site. While I am sure their are a ton of people writing here it is one way to stand out within your network as a professional and perhaps even a bit of an expert on the topics in which you work. (educating your masses). Its easy to start building "top of mind awareness" with those in your network.
Add to that a good marketing strategy is having the public see you as somewhat of an expert in your field. By writing articles on the industry, news items of interest and educating the public in builds your credibility in many ways.
In fact make sure you put this and other online programs that you are involved with into your presentations. Make your potential clients know that you are cutting edge and knowledgeable with today's technology!
Like any computer program it is only as good as the input.
So you can join and if you don't do anything with it do not expect any rewards from it. If you utilize it expect to make some great connections.
After the initial build of my profile I normally spend no more that 15-30 mins. in the mornings per week. I often go there before I start work. I go on for 10-15 mins at a time. When I write an article I usually write them in the mornings also so add a few more minutes for that. At night when I have nothing else to do I often find myself there as I enjoy reading the educational articles and building my network.
In short; you need to be here. It was built for people like us and it is free. There is a paid for portion but I have never bought into it and still had much success making a good financial return.
As a REALTOR I would not use it to connect with other competing agents. If they send you a connection I'm not a jerk so I accept them but I never sought them out. I want my Network to be potential clients. However if I connect with agents from out of town it may be very good for future income. Building agent relationships for future referrals always helps.
Now as a manager and recruiter (who is always looking for good talent) I do connect with other agents and it has helped me like no other tool could.
My advice is once you have done a good job of building your profile, connect with those you know who are not Realtors. Then you can do custom searches of people to see who else you want to add. They say to only connect with those you know. I have connected with 1000's I didn't know and if you do small amounts at a time and no one complains (rarely if ever happens) about you, its a great strategy to build your network up.
Remember: Its not always the people in the room or the people that you know. Its the people that they know and refer you to that count!
I recommend this tool! I highly recommend you get to know it, how to use it and take advantage of it.
Go Here to start your profile. Do not sign up for the Free Premium program (it will cost $50/mth later on) just use the regular Free Sign Up program.
Linkedin.Com
Here's an article about it from someone else on Inman.
Use Linkedin for Real Estate
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