Don't forget about LinkedIn!

I should... but to be honest I don't because I've been too busy. Posting value-rich content that your contacts will benefit from is the next step in the process I listed above. Doing so will establish you as an expert... and done well can establish you as their "go-to" expert.

What's more, posting on LI doesn't have to be hard. If you already have a blog or website where you publish articles, simply re-post them on LinkedIn. For best results, post articles showing your contacts how to solve problems they're experiencing. (LI groups are a great way to identify these problems.)

Also, be sure to include your "bio box" at the end, further establishing your credentials and linking to your website (or wherever you prefer your prospects contact you). And be sure to include a call to action in every article.

For content marketing, I suggest a softer sell... with at least 80% of your article being valuable, actionable content. Then drop in a plug for your services, a product or free report, to sign up for your newsletter, etc.

Example: Let's say you're going to post an article showing how to double your profits using LinkedIn. At least 80% of the article should explain how to do it. Walk the reader through the process step by step. This establishes goodwill and to some degree a sense of obligation.

Then, close your article by giving the reader an even easier solution -- contacting you to do the work you've outlined above for them. Or perhaps an invitation to try your in-depth LinkedIn Profit Machine info-product/service risk-free for 30 days. And don't forget to tell them exactly HOW to contact you. (I'm always amazed how many offers forget this critical element!)

You know... now I feel like I need to kick myself in the butt and repurpose some of my old articles by posting them on LinkedIn...

In a nutshell...

I'm a direct response copywriter and marketing consultant. So I connect with decision-makers in companies that hire people like me. At first, the effort was mostly on my end. However, it didn't take long before they started coming to me and inviting me to connect.

I don't hard-sell my services. I just network and be of value. Sometimes I'll put them in touch with someone in my contacts who meets a particular need they have. For instance, if they're looking for a graphic designer... or if they're looking for a copywriter and my schedule is full or my fee is too high for their budget.

In other words, I "pay it forward." And it works like a charm.

When someone in my network needs a copywriter or marketing consultant they often come to me. If I don't like the project or don't have the time, I politely decline -- and point them to someone who might be a better fit. While if I have the time and interest, I schedule a call to discuss the project in more detail.

End result: I've banked well over $200K just from LI contacts, not counting any royalties earned. And for the most part, with very little active lead-generation effort on my part.

Of course, it helps to have solid testimonials from people you've worked with. So don't overlook that aspect of LinkedIn. Reach out to people you've provided good service to and ask for a testimonial. And be willing to give testimonials in return.

Just don't ever fake one. No matter how good it looks, customers (and prospective clients) can smell a faked testimonial a mile away. Better to have one or two real ones than 20 that put doubt in your prospect's mind.

That depends... do any of your prospective customers use LinkedIn? If so, then I'd say, "Very likely."

I obviously can't say "Yes" definitively without knowing more about your business. And how effective LI can be depends a lot on your target prospects. If they're people who gas up at a 7-11, LI may not be very effective. But if you sell business services to Fortune 500 companies -- or even office equipment -- you may find it very effective.

Even if you only market/sell to your prospects offline, LI can be a great resource. Use it to find your prospects, network with them in a non-sales atmosphere... establish yourself as an expert and valuable resource... then follow up offline and include a lift note that: (1) references your interactions on LinkedIn; and (2) tells them why you believe they'll find the information you're sending them to be helpful.

In other words, even in your offline follow-up, make it all about addressing your prospect's needs. Not yours.

Feel free to PM me with more details about your specific situation, or share them here if you'd like others to be able to offer suggestions as well.

:Linkedin is a great resource, but you would be best to offer whatever it is that you do (graphics or web design or seo etc)

Linkedin is not the place for get rich schemes and shady deals or little reports
It is real people who own a business, or have (good) jobs

You establish relationships rather than hit and run. Don't spam or annoy people

Some of the junk thrown round this place would not be acceptable on Linked in LOL