LinkedIn: It's All about the Relationships!

In talking with friends and clients, I learn some interesting things.
Or, maybe it’s just me!
But, the most interesting of all comments is about pursuing companies, especially large ones, (Think General Motors.) on LinkedIn.
Here’s why I find this interesting.
Basically, for me, LinkedIn is all about individuals and the relationships among them.
Yes, there’s a lot of ancillary data associated with these individuals (e.g., companies, schools, locations, etc.).
But, essentially, the lowest common denominator is the person. (Yeah, you’re right that doesn’t sound too good but you get my point.)
We should be engaging with other people. The other information is, well, ancillary!
People will respond to what we do on LinkedIn. (Hint: This assumes we’re doing something!)
What about companies?
Well, what about them?
When was the last time a company responded to you?
I’m not trying to be funny here. (OK, maybe just a little.)
Typically, any reaction from a company is made by a person.
(Don’t get me started on software based dialing systems.)
I look at the General Motors page on LinkedIn and I see people writing comments like, “I like their cars.”
Really, why?
Do these people think that General Motors is going to call them up and engage their services or hire them?
No, it won’t!
But, will someone who works for General Motors do one of these.
Yeah, it’s possible.
Network properly on LinkedIn and it’s highly likely!
Some 700K+ people follow General Motors on LinkedIn.
I’m sure there’a wide variety of reasons.
Some good, mostly probably bad.
Some of this may arise from the creeping Facebookization of LinkedIn.
My point here with this article is to focus on the people on LinkedIn!
Everything else is secondary!
Add value with your LinkedIn contributions and don’t become a drone following everyone else doing the same thing!
Be yourself and let people become aware of the original you!
Develop a program and stick to it!
That’s it for now!
Also, never forget to reach out to either ask questions or to ask for help from someone like myself!
In the meantime, thank you for following and reading my blog!
I look forward to any and all comments that you may have. I will reply to any comments made to this blog post as promptly as I can.
Remember!
I do this for a living and if I can be of any assistance to either you or your organization, please feel free to call on me. Our initial discussion will be of no charge to you.