We all recognize that LinkedIn is one of the most powerful social networking sites in existence.  There are dozens of blog postings, and even books, being written on how to leverage LinkedIn for business. 

One of the ways to get the most out of this network is to join groups where you have a common interest.  I have joined several marketing and sales groups on LinkedIn.  So far....

• The good news is that I have permission to connect directly with all the other members in the group. 
• The bad news is that I have yet to receive value add from being a member.  

This got me thinking about what I would like to see from a group focused on Inside Sales so I created one!  Here are my initial thoughts on how it will work:

• Inside Sales Practitioners - We are targeting members that are Inside Sales Reps or Inside Sales Executives.  We will deliver information on best practices, compensation trends, training, technology etc. 

• Recruiters - Yes, this group is a great place to find new talent but we are going to ask you to give as well as receive.  On a quarterly basis you will be asked to submit an update about what is going on in your industry.  What trends you are seeing and what challenges you are facing? This will be a great way for us to understand more about you and your business!

• Vendors - Call center and technology vendors will also be asked to contribute.  What is new?  How can we as Inside Sales practitioners most effectively utilize your product or service?  What guarantees success when we work with you?

Networking events, job fairs, seminars, group discounts on products and services....these are all under consideration.

So, sound good?  If you are a member of the LinkedIn Inside Sales Experts Group and you have ideas about what you would consider value add, please post your comments.  If you are not yet a member and are an Inside Sales practitioner, please feel to request membership via this link.

To make this work we all need to contribute so don't be shy!  This is our forum to share information so let's make the most of it.

I must be getting a bit long in the tooth because all this talk about how to promote your business via social media has me in a panic!  Now, don't get me wrong, I love technology and I am one of the first to embrace whatever will help me expand my network and build my business. But really...do I have to build a profile on Facebook?

I just put my picture on LinkedIn and it took years for me get up the courage to do that.  Now every time I go to my profile I see myself staring back at me.  When the heck did I have to start wearing glasses?

So, I decided to start to educate myself.  I read a great blog posting this week written by Jill Konrath author of "Selling to Big Companies".  In it she talks about what she has learned about effectively using LinkedIn to your advantage and how to present yourself most effectively on the site.  She also quotes other authors and experts - all very interesting!

Take a peek at http://sellingtobigcompanies.blogs.com/selling/2008/02/can-linkedin-in.html

I can only assume there are many of you out there on the same mission. So I ask of you....what social media sites do you use to promote you and your business?

I look forward to your feedback!