Using LinkedIn to Give You Expert Status

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Your niche or industry is extremely competitive and you must do everything possible to make sure that you have an edge over your competitors. In fact, not only is there tremendous competition but the competition is getting worse day after day.

Your position in the marketplace and other people’s perceptions

You realize that you need to position yourself as an expert in your niche and industry. That is a given. However, the question is how do you go about doing that most effectively and most appropriately? First of all, you must start with content. It goes without saying that you must write top-quality, valuable content that you then share with other people. When it comes to sharing the content, you must make sure that you place your content in the right places so that the right people will be able to read it and to leverage all that you are sharing with them. With the online search capabilities being what they are, it is very important that your content stands out and gets noticed by the right people.

Leveraging LinkedIn groups

A great place to start sharing your top-quality, valuable content is in your LinkedIn groups. They are a wonderful vehicle and you will be able to do so with the confidence that the people whom you wish to read your content will be doing just that. The groups that you have joined on LinkedIn are specifically geared toward what you do and what you wish to share with other people. In fact, the reasons that motivated you to join those LinkedIn groups that you joined are the same reasons that motivated other people to do the same thing. Not only does it allow you a way to share your content with the right people but it also allows you to connect with influencers and other people with whom you can share a mutually beneficial relationship. It is totally worth your while. In your effort to increase your reputation and credibility, the influencers and other experts in your niche can certainly help you to accomplish that.

How do you stand above your competition?

LinkedIn groups can be a valuable part of your online social media marketing strategy. On LinkedIn, you may or may not be aware that you can join up to 50 groups (per person) without having to pay a penny. In many cases, at least some of the members of those groups will turn out to be prospects for you and your business, which will ultimately lead to their becoming your clients at some point in the future. A part of your formula for success when it comes to standing above your competition is your ability to stay on your target audience members’ minds. The more valuable, exciting, educational content you share with them, the more they will remember you and your business and what you have to offer. When it is eventually time for them to buy something that you are selling, you will be the one they turn to for that purchase. If you are considered to be an expert in your field, they will come to you for advice. The more you can get other people to do that, the more successful you and your business will be.

Conclusion

When it comes to social media and business, LinkedIn is one of the best social media channels that exists today. The capabilities that LinkedIn offers seems unending and is extremely valuable. If you are not aware of all that it has to offer, it is worth your time and effort to study it so that you understand how you can use it to your best advantage. Remember that on a very basic level (before you get involved with posting to any of your LinkedIn groups, make sure that your profile is complete. That will enhance the idea of your being an expert in your niche or industry. Additionally, you should always keep in mind that your contact lists should be improved regularly so that you can purify your target audience for the best possible results.

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Author

  • Michael Cohn

    Michael Cohn is the founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of CompuKol Communications. He has decades of experience in IT and web technologies. Michael founded CompuKol Communications to help small businesses and entrepreneurs increase their visibility and reputation. CompuKol consults, creates, and implements communication strategies for small businesses to monopolize their markets with a unique business voice, vision, and visibility. Mr. Cohn earned a Master’s degree in project management from George Washington University in Washington, DC; and a Master’s degree in computer science and a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ.

4 Responses

  1. Vamsi Mohan says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Innovative Marketing, PR, Sales & Social Media Innovators
    Discussion: How Do You Position Yourself on LinkedIn to Stand Above Your Competition?

    That’s a detailed explanation about the importance of sharing content across groups. But somehow I feel its difficult to reach your targeted audience though its a better way to stay in touch with your network.
    By Vamsi Mohan

  2. Javed S. Khan says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Small Business Accelerator
    Discussion: How Do You Position Yourself on LinkedIn to Stand Above Your Competition?

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful article Michael. I liked your comments about LinkedIn Group participation and discussions. The idea of providing content, the right content, and content you think will provide value, information and insight is key to any discussion on a LinkedIn Group.

    At the end of the day, one needs to because the Resource Relationship Manager for your individual expertise. Become known as the expert in your particular field. How do you do that? Give away as much information as you can! Give away the farm!

    By Javed S. Khan. CD

  3. Jack DiMatteo says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Small Business & Independent Consultant Network
    Discussion: How Do You Position Yourself on LinkedIn to Stand Above Your Competition?

    Don’t waste others time. Use communication as a two way street. Personalize communication. Assist others. If you think of LinkedIn as only what it can do for you it’s probably not doing much.
    By Jack DiMatteo, CPA

  4. Jim Huntsman says:

    Via LinkedIn Groups
    Group: Small Business & Independent Consultant Network
    Discussion: How Do You Position Yourself on LinkedIn to Stand Above Your Competition?

    I firmly believe that if you post content with the intention of helping other people, it will come back to you in the form of new business.
    By Jim Huntsman