Mainline showed dealers how LinkedIn could generate new business for them and a specialist training partner provided plenty of advice and guidance on how to make the most of the business networking site.
Topics covered in the two intensive half-day sessions included using group networking and advanced search facilities to target and win new business; building an effective profile; creating advocates for your business; enhancing relationships and retaining customers.
Participating dealers compiled an action plan for their business and set themselves short-term goals in order to ensure the quick and effective establishment of a successful presence on LinkedIn.
Launched in May 2003, LinkedIn has over 175 million members across the world, who use the site to exchange information, ideas and opportunities. The Mainline workshop was designed to help dealers to make the most of this global shop window by targeting local and regional prospects who are also part of the network.
Dealers were unanimous in their praise for the event. “The session was thoroughly interesting and gave me valuable information on how to drive new business and grow my network,” says Mandip Singarda of Aspect Mobile.
“The event was a real eye opener,” says Iain Sinnott of Direct Telecoms. “I now see our LinkedIn pages are a living part of our business. We need to commit time to LinkedIn like we would to any member of our team, because we want it to deliver results.”
“Social networking is becoming increasingly important in the success of every modern business,” says Mainline’s Gail Hollinshead, who chaired the sessions. “This training is designed to equip our dealers with a sound knowledge of LinkedIn, along with practical advice on how to use it to their advantage.”
Mainline plans to roll out the LinkedIn sessions at venues across the country as part of its drive to provide dealers with useful information and training via workshops, elearning and webinars.
“The feedback we have received suggests there is a real demand from dealers for ideas and knowledge that can help them to compete and succeed in a very competitive marketplace,” says Gail. “Our aim is to provide that support in a way that is effective, accessible and dealer-friendly.”