If you’re a Real Estate Professional, and you want to know a free, simple way to generate results on the Internet – this is a must read.

As I started creating a presentation I’m giving to Realtors regarding “Today’s techniques for generating Internet success”, I decided to tap into the power of LinkedIn.com, and found Brad Hanks.  Brad is a:

• Broker Associate at RE/MAX Alliance,
• Master Instructor at CRB (Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers)
• Senior Instructor at Colorado Association of REALTORS, and,
• Social Media Evangelist, Speaker, Trainer, Consultant!

It was obvious to me that Brad was, and is, a very heavily involved Social Networker – so I sent off an “Inmail” on LinkedIn asking Brad for the top tips on how he feels Realtors can use LinkedIn, he responded (Thank you Brad!).

Here you go:

1. Create your profile as something more than a resume.
   People want to connect with YOU, the person, first. Placing your work experience and accomplishments on your profile doesn’t cause people to want to connect with you. Humanize your profile. And make sure the keywords you use in your profile help identify you in other’s searches (every word in your profile can be searched in LI).
2. Don’t lead with a sales pitch.
   One sure way to lose connections or have invitations ignored is to launch into the benefits of using your services on your opening message. Social media marketing operates under a different set of expectations. Connect first and create a relationship. Business will come later.
3. Participate.
   Engage others through discussion forums, groups, Q & A. Your profile alone isn’t enough to attract attention to you and your network. You need to elevate your profile (and subsequently your SEO) by participating in these areas to increase your visibility.
4. Share.
   Give more than you receive and you’ll reap benefits. If you show that you’re helpful and willing to share, you’ll attract more connections (meaning more opportunities).
5. Don’t let social networking take up all your time.
   SN can be a huge time sink if you let it. Develop strategies to manage all of your social networking activities with 30 minutes per day.

If you want to learn more about Brad, please visit his LinkedIn Profile:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/bradhanks

You can learn more about Brad here as well:

http://www.BradHanksSeminars.com/

If you’re curious about my LinkedIn Profile, you can view it here:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/charlycaldwell2

If you want to learn more about how to get involved in LinkedIn, be sure to follow my blog post “Your 7 Steps to Create More Business“.  Remember, LinkedIn is free, there are upgraded pay accounts available, but you can do everything you need at no charge.

Do you have a question?  Feel free to contact me – I look forward to hearing from you!