We all probably have a LinkedIn account somewhere and many of us have taken the time to build a number of connections and browse it for daily business related info.  In our Social Agent 101 course we talk a little bit about a few social media platforms but just rush right over LinkedIn and its for a reason.  Most agents do not see any value in the LinkedIn and unless they are really using it well, its probably a waste of time.  So you ask “how can I use it well?”.  Here are a few options below and suggestions to take your LinkedIn profile and make it work for you.

  1.  Think of it like a resume online.  We interview for a job and the main document that we rely on is a resume.  We email it, then we resend it with the follow up, then we lean in over it at every interview and then we update it after we get feedback or take the job.  So why do Realtors feel like they do not need a resume?  Taking the time to update your LinkedIn profile and posting regularly can make you stand out in a muddy stream of realtors.  I always suggest putting a regular monthly date or quarterly on the calendar to put aside some time to update and clean up that online resume.  You will be surprised how much better it looks and what you know about yourself.
  2. Posting is the way to views.   The ultimate goal is to get non-customers to look at your page and make a positive decision to hire you for their real estate needs.  So you have to post.  Each time you post you go to the top of the feed and increase your odds of being recognized by someone cruising the site.   This might sound crazy but its also a place to show off what you know and how you can help.  Posting tips and related stories gives your future customers something to learn from you and eventually they see you as the go to person in their real estate sale.
  3. Don’t forget to send it.  When I meet a new contact there are a few steps I take to ensure I am as connected to them as possible.  Many times that includes sending them a connection request to my LinkedIn page.  One of the things I do is go to my profile and click the 3 dots to share and then I send my new “connection” a message with my professional profile in it.  This allows them to directly see what I do and also opens up a stream of messaging, permission to continue the conversation.  I love this move that I was taught by someone with over 7000 connections.

I know this is a quick overview but I am a firm believer that little tasks done a lot is more affective then skipping over a bunch of them.  Making it a habit to connect professionally years before a transaction may take place can give you years of selling platform but also years of regular touches and making them a sure thing to hire you.  Good luck

Curt has been in the Indianapolis Real Estate business for over 10 years and spent his first years learning all aspects of commercial management and brokerage.  He has had great success in managing existing commercial projects and new retail and office developments.  Curt specializes in building owner representation and purchases in the Westfield Indiana market as well throughout the Indianapolis Metro area.  Curt is passionate about growing the local Westfield community and in his free time  volunteers with Westfield Youth Assistance and raising 2 children with his wife Jennifer.