So, you've created your linked in profile and have started making connections... now what? How do you make LinkedIn work for you?
In Part 2 of this series, we'll discuss LinkedIn Status Updates.
Similar to Twitter or Facebook, LinkedIn offers the option of posting Status Updates. When you click on your Home Page and you'll see a field to the right of your photo that allows you to post a comment, share a link, as a question, etc. Simply type your comment and click on 'share'. Some additional options are:
- Share on twitter by clicking the box next to the blue bird at the bottom of the Status box;
- Include a link in your comment by clicking on Attach a Link and entering the URL
- Select if you'd like your status update to be visible to everyone, groups you belong to or just your connections
Now... what do you share? You can share almost anything: news articles pertaining to your area or attractions, job opportunities, updates or news regarding the hotel (including public events), even specials or offers. A few notes of caution:
- Don't use this channel as a hard sell tool or only post rates and offers, this is meant to be networking
- Don't post personal information -- that's for your personal facebook page
- Above all - be professional. You are representing yourself and your hotel.
Why post status updates?
The same reason we do daily postings on the facebook and twitter pages targetting leisure customers - you'll want to post professional updates on your LinkedIn account. LinkedIn is B2B(Business to Business) Networking site. It's just as important (if not more so) for your professional network to "see you" regularly and in order to keep your hotel in mind when the time comes to make travel decisions.
How often to post?
The easiest answer is: at least once a day. But realistically, this may not be possible. You should be touching the LinkedIn account at least once per week -- so posting status updates once or twice per week should be easily do-able. As you become more familiar, more comfortable and LinkedIn becomes more ingrained in how you do business, you'll find yourself posting more frequently.
