What is Social Selling?
“Social Selling” is a buzz term that doesn’t replace your existing sales & marketing initiatives – it simply ENHANCES it.
You know that LinkedIn is no longer considered just a “resume site”; it’s a way you can dominate your niche and help to convert clients.
You are a brand.
Prospective clients are “Googling” you to determine if they want to work with you.
As an Adjunct Professor of Social Media, the first assignment my students are required to complete is an audit of their online presence, and an objective analysis that answers the question:
“Would a recruiter/hiring manager hire you based on your current professional presence?”
They are expected to assess all of the accounts that are set to public, and set strategies in place so they can optimize their online presence.
I believe that EVERYONE should conduct this exercise.
Though the lens of your ideal client or recruiter, Google your name and do a thorough assessment about what you see:
- What are the first site(s) that appear?
- Are you effectively telling your story?
- Does your presence build trust?
- If you cannot find yourself online – what does that say about your brand?
- Are there personal posts you’ve shared that you don’t want people to see (family photos etc.)
Some strategies you can use to optimize your professional presence include:
- Having an up-to-date LinkedIn profile that effectively tells your professional “story” and highlights all your accomplishments.
- Setting your Facebook updates to “private”
- Recognizing that each and every post you share online is reflective of your brand, and your company’s brand – even when you’re posting in your non-working hours.
- Publishing relevant content to the right audience at the right time, using the right messaging.
- Using LinkedIn (and other Social Media sites) as your “line-of-sight” to build and nurture quality connections.
You may still feel nervous about using LinkedIn (it’s not the most user-friendly channel), but the sooner you get started on building a solid presence, the better.
If you feel a resistance to stand it your value, and showcase yourself online – you’re not alone; most of my client’s feel this way (I’m here to help throughout the process).
Think about where you are now, and where your presence will be in a year (or even five years) if you start to build a solid foundation now. Social Selling will undoubtedly be a key part of selling and marketing your professional brand – whether you work internally for an organization, are looking for a new career or are self-employed.
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN: What are your favourite tips for optimizing your presence online? Have you taken action in “Social Selling” that has produced results? Answer below.
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Leslie Hughes is a LinkedIn Optimization Specialist, Professor of Social Media, Corporate Trainer, Principal of PUNCH!media and author of “CREATE. CONNECT. CONVERT”
Leslie was called a “Social Media Guru” by CBC Radio and was featured on CTV’s “The Social” discussing how to manage your digital identity. Leslie has been working in digital marketing since 1997 and founded PUNCH!media in 2009.
PUNCH!media clients include Investment Planning Counsel, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America and TVO.
PUNCH!media’s goal is to empower through education and help executives gain confidence in their online presence so you convert higher-paying clients.
