Social media is dynamic.
It is a powerful force with worldwide significance.
Hundreds of millions of Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and blog users have dramatically changed the way individuals interact, communicate and share information.
The same social media forces that shape personal or consumer culture have also deeply impacted the world of business.
Corporate media culture has been irreversibly impelled to move forward into the 21st century as a result.
Business always strives to generate the most interest in their products and services.
Traditional exposure to the broadest audiences still includes television, radio and print media.
However, when it comes down to it from a business-to-business perspective, is that enough? Are you building enough relationships from contacts, generating enough leads, producing enough volume of sales with 20th Century media technology? Ask yourself this question, "Have I made the most of social media opportunities for my business today?" In addition to Facebook, Google+, Twitter etc.
, there exists a network solely dedicated to the business professional.
LinkedIn is a fusion of consumer and business social media platforms.
It's over 200 million users connect with each other for networking, job seeking and business contacts over a wide range of industries and government.
It is a very successful venture.
LinkedIn boasted third quarter 2012 revenues of $252 million.
At that time LinkedIn stock was trading for $112 per share.
Here are some ways LinkedIn can help make your business grow: Use LinkedIn to Effectively Implement Employment Strategy Many businesses large and small make use of the employment resources LinkedIn provides.
The job search and employment features of this network will connect talented people with talent seekers.
LinkedIn members are able to directly contact business seeking applicants for open positions.
Human resource solutions and expertise is available through the Group feature on LinkedIn as well.
Increase B2B Lead Generation with LinkedIn LinkedIn is arguably the best social medium for business-to-business companies.
This network has an astonishing visitor to lead conversion rate of 2.
74%.
This is three times the conversion rate of Facebook and Twitter.
The key to success here is to post information that is high value, decidedly relevant and offers unique industry insight.
As this is a social website after all.
The hard sell is not the way to go, no matter how tempting.
Increase Sales with LinkedIn Customized add banners that link back to your company website are free of charge with LinkedIn.
Company pages that offer specific content targeted to LinkedIn member profiles are also offered.
These features can drive sales through the over 1.
5 million member Groups or communities that reside in the LinkedIn network.
Build and Strengthen Your Business Relationships Information sharing in the form of posts are allowed with LinkedIn.
Adding meaningful industry content that is beneficial and interesting to LinkedIn promotes visibility for your business.
LinkedIn analytics will monitor the effectiveness of your posts and enable you to change post updates to optimize your reach.
This will vastly increase your chances of connecting to the companies that can benefit the most from business with you and vice versa.
In conclusion, make LinkedIn a part of your overall business growth strategy.
You won't be sorry.