Offline Marketing Integration

LinkedIn marketing doesn’t stop offline. You should look for any opportunities to build your LinkedIn network and reach your goals. Whether you’re trying to grow your business or build your career, LinkedIn is an important tool in your efforts. It’s your online professional profile and Company Page that you control and use to tell your story. Don’t miss opportunities to spread that story!

For example, include your LinkedIn profile URL on your business cards and in your résumé. Invite people to connect with you. Ask customers to recommend your products and services on your Company Page, and ask former and current colleagues and business partners to recommend you via your personal profile.

If you manage a LinkedIn group or are an active member of a group, invite your offline business connections to join LinkedIn and the group. Add your offline events to LinkedIn using the Events app discussed in Chapter 10, and share your offline presentations via the SlideShare app discussed in Chapter 6. If you are an author or write for a print publication, add the Publications section to your LinkedIn profile and list your books and articles.

There are many ways to integrate your online and offline activities through LinkedIn. As long as you don’t spend all of your time self-promoting, there is nothing wrong with sharing useful information or demonstrating your expertise via LinkedIn. It’s all part of telling your story and opening doors for conversations, connections, and deeper relationships.