Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/633837
22 | I NSIGH T • F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 6 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m U P F R O N T CONNECTIONS B Y A N D R E W S C H A I C K T H E O F T H E A R D P H R A S E , "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas," doesn't really hold true anymore thanks to social media and the revolution of technology. With the click of a share button, a photo, status update or basically anything can be shared across social network platforms in a fraction of a second for the world to see. For power-networkers who use these tools daily to reach out to prospects and clients, this new way of life can prove incredibly powerful when done well. It's also potentially disastrous when done poorly. For business leaders and their employees, keeping social media accounts updated and active has become a business must. Greg Linnemanstons never met a networking opportunity he couldn't take advantage of to identify prospects and help his company's inbound marketing business grow. He relies heavily on social media not only to increase his reach, but to A lasting footprint Experts weigh in on how to leverage the power of digital networking reinforce the company's standing with Google. Social media networking is an addition, not a replacement, to traditional networking, he says. "It's part of a comprehensive approach to first make sure that Google does not miss anything we are doing," says Linnemanstons, president of Weidert Group Inc. While the giant social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter are part of Weidert Group's overall strategy, the business-focused LinkedIn has become Linnemanstons' platform of choice. For Linnemanstons, LinkedIn is used to vet people and companies Weidert Group may pursue as prospects. Its functionality has become an integrated part of how the company does business. When someone fills out a form on Weidert Group's website, the first thing Linnemanstons does is research them on LinkedIn and then look at the company's webpage. "is way I form an opinion of if they are a qualified lead and should pursue them," he says. "If they seem legitimate and if there is lots of well-developed professional profiles that represent their people, I will be more interested in pursuing them." When looking to network with professionals, the first tool many people turn to is LinkedIn. While it's easy to make connections just by sending a request to connect, experts in this field say virtual networking should incorporate in-person networking techniques as well. "LinkedIn is still a preferred business networking platform and connecting with someone should be personable just as if you were connecting with them in person," says Susan Finco, owner and president of Leonard & Finco Public Relations. "Sending a personal message with the invitation engages you with that person and shows you are more genuine in wanting to connect with them." LinkedIn allows you to see other professionals within an industry or SUSAN FINCO GREG LINNEMANSTONS AMANDA BETTS