Sticky Communication

Like most business people, I’ve had a Linkedin profile for some time. I’ve treated it mostly as an electronic all-purpose corporate resume, about as enticing as a gray one-size-fits-all T-shirt. Until last night, that is, when I went to a talk by social media expert Jaime Almond to the Professional Independent Communicators of Toronto IABC.

photo by Alan McKenzie Photography

No longer can I stand the tedium of a profile quickly written in corporate camoflogue style and the sloth of default invitations. First thing this morning, I revised my profile to reflect my current reincarnation, just like Madonna would, then wrote individual invitations to some people I’d met earlier in the week.

Of course, Linkedin is the ultimate followup tool. It allows me to tell myself I’ve done something constructive with those cards I collect at events or a familar face I see on its lists.

The trouble is that once I have those connections, I don’t do much with them. I read the weekly updates and sometimes send quick notes of congratulations. I’m always thrilled to hear that one of my connections reads this blog from the posts that go there automatically.

I enjoy some of the groups, especially IABC, through my participation is sporadic and devoid of strategy or pizzazz.

Have I sold any books or training through Linkedin? No. Of course, that’s probably because I wasn’t using my Linkedin page as my stage.

If Madonna were performing there, it would be lit up and decorated extravagantly. Excitement would exude from the musicians, dancers and  costumes.

I didn’t go to these extremes because Linkedin is still pretty button-down. But I did tart up my page/stage for my world tour. As Jaime suggested,  my heading  now says “Learn to write like you talk–only better.” Unique and much more Madonna-ish than “author, trainer.”

The list of jobs and accomplishments are still there, my greatest hits. But just like Madonna wants everyone who attends the concert to buy her CDs, I too want my audience to do more.

As Jaime pointed out, I want people to get on my mailing lists, so they can tell their friends about my book, workshops and other services. Unlike Madge, I have to offer them a gift in exchange. I’m thinking about an assessment tool so people can evaluate just what they need to work on to become faster, friendlier writers.

What do you think?

Not as sticky and sweet as the Madonna tour, but definitely more appetizing. Thank you, Jaime.