1. LinkedIn Guide for Sales People
What once started as a professional networking site, LinkedIn has quickly evolved into a more robust tool used for a
variety of purposes including networking, job searching, sourcing and consumer marketing.
Savvy Salespeople have also realized LinkedIn can be used for lead generation and relationship management, making
prospecting faster and more efficient. Here is my Sales Person’s guide to leveraging LinkedIn to generate sales.
Step 1: Making the best impression
Your prospect is most likely looking you up on LinkedIn to better understand who they’re dealing with. As I have said in
my previous blog posts, your LinkedIn profile is a reflection of you. What impression do you want your profile to convey
about you and the company you work for? Secondly, your profile can act as a great ice breaker to get your foot in the
door. The more you add, the higher the probability your prospects see’s something they have in common with you.
Here are the eight must haves for your LinkedIn profile:
1. A professional photo. I cannot stress this enough.
Photographs help create an emotional connection.
Many people have a better time recognizing
someone based on their picture then just a name
without a picture. Choose one that best represents
your professional persona.
2. Summary- Your LinkedIn profile is about you. The summary section provides a great way to showcase your
entire professional persona. The best practice is two paragraphs at the most that best describe you and
summarizes you overall professional experience. What makes you stand out against your peers?
3. Update your current work experience. The best practice is about 5-10 bullet points that accurately reflect
the work you do. If you are a sales person, what products do you sell, what’s your territory?
4. Add company links under your work experience: Promote your company by adding the company website,
You Tube channel, Facebook page or product videos. As people check you out, they also get to learn more
about your company and its products.
5. Education- Your university/college. No need to put dates.
6. Solicit a few recommendations –People put a lot of credibility into recommendations, especially from
existing happy customers.
7. Interests- You would be surprised what an ice breaker this could be. Things like, traveling, biking, playing
tennis, etc.
8. Cross Promote: If you have a Twitter feed, add it to your LinkedIn account. When you add status updates you
can tweet at the same time.
Need help creating a profile? Click here
Step 2: Build Your Network
What does your current network look like? Are they mostly family and
personal friends? If so, it’s time to invest in building out your professional
network to include colleagues, customers, prospects, industry associates, etc.
Connections breed connections. As you build your network your network
reach (potential connections up to 3 degrees) will also increase, giving you a

2. broader pool of people to reach out too.
Here are six ways to build your network:
Tip # 1- Seize the moment!
Whenever you meet someone always follow up within 24-48 hours with a LinkedIn network request while it’s top of
mind. Always include some context in your invite such as where you met them.
Tip# 2- Use Your Network to Identify and Target Prospects
Recruiters use LinkedIn to target potential recruits and get a better picture of their experience and skills. Sales people
should be using LinkedIn to seek out key contacts, influencers and decision makers within organizations. LinkedIn profiles
can provide a plethora of information such as office location, projects, groups followed, recommendations, etc. With a
little investigation you can quickly zero in on who you should be talking to, who they’re connected to and how you’re
connected to each other. Don’t forget to check out who’s viewed their profile to get some insight into who’s viewing
them.
Tip #3- Use Advanced Search To Find New Prospects
LinkedIn has a fabulous, free, search component. With advanced search you
can search for people by title, company, location or keyword. What’s even
better is you can save your search criteria and set up a regular alert notifying
you when anyone new matches your search. For example, you could save a
search for a “Benefits Manager” within 50 miles of Tampa. Then you can get
an email with anyone new who matches that search and deserves a closer
look. New prospects to contact. Once you start using this you will wonder
how you ever lived without it!
Tip #4- Get Introduced to Expand Your Network Connections
LinkedIn allows you to see up to three degrees of separation between your direct
connections and your network. That means you can see how you are connected to
people you may want to reach out to. In the example above, I can see that I am a
third degree connection to Mary T. If I wanted to connect with her, the best practice
would be to see who we have in common and ask that person to help make the
introduction. People are much more likely to read and accept an email from
someone they know then someone they don’t. If you send an empty connection
request chances are your connection/email maybe
ignored.
• Click on the person you want to connect too

3. • Beside the “Send InMail” drop down arrow select “Get Introduced” option
• LinkedIn will show you your common connections
• Select the person that you would like to approach for the introduction
• Craft your introduction message to the person making the introduction
Tip#5- Use Groups to Connect on a Large Scale
In my opinion one of the most under-utilized features of
LinkedIn are groups. Think about it. A group of like-minded
people, who share information, solicit advice, participate in
discussions and ask for recommendations. This is where you
want to be. Discussions can provide some insight as to where
some companies need help or hot topics. Questions are often
posted to group members asking for referrals or experts they
can connect with. Group members can also see contact
details of fellow members providing an opportunity to reach
out. If you are not a member of at least 5 groups you are
missing out on potential prospects!
Tip # 6- Follow Companies
As a Salesperson, you want to be informed about
what’s happening at companies you may be targeting.
Are there changes in the structure? Acquisitions? New
markets? This information can be powerful and
present a good reason to get in touch. The “follow”
company feature on LinkedIn allows you to receive
updates into your news feed. Don’t forget to follow
your own company!
Step 3: Your Daily Checklist
Okay, now that you’ve updated your profile and put some key processes in place to help you build your network and
identify new prospects. Don’t stop there. Each day you should spend at least 30 minutes taking a look at LinkedIn to see
what’s been happening with your network and potential prospects.
1. Review your news feed- What have your connections been up to? As your networks update their information it
will show up in your news feed
2. Check your groups’ digests – look for new members and for opportunities to participate. Join the conversation
so people get to know you
3. Look at who’s visited your profile and check them out to assess
4. Calling a Client or Prospect? Take a look at their LinkedIn profile to find out if there any changes or updates?
Knowing recent information helps break the ice and makes you look more informed. Pay attention to their profile
changes and activity.

4. So, three easy steps to use social media to align with your sales plan. What other tips would you recommend?
By Ann Barrett- Director, eRecruitment & Social Media Strategy