LinkedIn keeps getting better and better. And that’s why I like sharing these updates. Have you used LinkedIn’s Card Munch App, updated event interface or the group statistics feature? If so, I’m interested in your impressions.  Tell me – what did I leave out?

LinkedIn’s Card Munch iPhone app Digitizes Paper

Am I the only one out there who misplaces business cards? Maybe I have too many pockets. It’s time-consuming to search and rescue all the cards I pick up at events when I get back to the office.

Cards play hide and seek in my business card case, in my pockets, in my briefcase, in my car – and sometimes even in my wallet!

I love to meet people and exchange cards, but if we don’t continue the connection, what’s the point?

How quick would it to be scan one and you’re done? That’s what you can do with the free Card Munch iPhone app.

When to Use . . . While You’re There

1. at networking events – scan while you’re there and either toss or return the card, preferable, while you’re there
2. on appointments – scan, impress the client and send them a LinkedIn invitation, while you’re there
3. at a trade show – input new connections right away, while you’re there

Why to use the Card Munch iPhone app

1. automatically adds to your contact list
2. shows how you’re connected via LinkedIn
3. lets you recycle paper and preserve information

Side, but Big, Benefit: You don’t have to worry about whether or not you mistype when you input contact information on your iPhone.

Want more information? Join the group for members using LinkedIn mobile apps.

LinkedIn Events Gets More Social

I love the look of LinkedIn’s new event interface and I like the comment section. Now the event dialog can start before the event begins.

But, I do miss the option to confirm whether you’re a presenter or an organizer. Now you can only be an organizer. Since I set up events for clients and often add events where I’m speaking, I’d rather not be listed as the one in charge.

Also – it looks like, right now, that there is no way to delete an event.

Have you found any other kinks in the new interface?

While we don’t use LinkedIn as a primary registration site, we do use it as a promotional outpost. Why? It’s easy to set up, our event is in LinkedIn’s search and we can easily share – to twitter and Facebook – and invite people from LinkedIn.

Your event will stand out because there’s less competition for listings. In fact, the number of events that have a listing here is much lower in comparison to what’s really going on in Chicago. How do the number of listings match what’s happening in your area?

How to set up a LinkedIn event page:

1. Go to the more tab on the top nav bar. Click on events in the drop down menu. Click on create a group in the box at the top of the right column.
2. You’ll need the basics: time, date, place, registration site
3. Compose an event description that starts off with the most important details first, like names of speakers. You only have 200 or so characters to work with in the preview section, but you can add more detail in the complete description.
4. Write a great headline or event title that includes keywords.
5. Think about industries and titles: you’ll include those in the listing.
6. Add an image or a logo
7. Share the event via email, on networks, etc
8. Invite key people to visit the page and click attend so that they show up.

LinkedIn Group Statistics Reveal Dynamics

These beauties popped up on the eve of one of my LinkedIn webinars. That’s why I always check the LinkedIn blog right before I go on. It’s fun to “break news.” People love being the first to know – and I like to be the first to tell them.

To find statistics in groups you already belong to, click the more tab in the vertical nav bar. Look for statistics in the drop down menu. It should be the last item.

For groups you’re checking out, but don’t belong to yet, look for the group statistics icon on the right hand side of the page.  Click on it and you’ll see them.

smc-chicago-linkedin-group

What you get with LinkedIn group statistics:

Demographics snapshot of the members by level, role, location, and industry

Growth over time

Activity shows what’s going on inside the group

Information about groups your group can connect with for cross or co-promotions, event invitations and broader community discussions.

What do you find most interesting about group statistics?

Why you need group statistics:

1. Decide whether or not to join a group based on demographics
2. Target communications: to execs or entry level to save time and be direct
3. Track growth: if you’re the owner or manager you can see how your group is shaping up and how activity is flowing

Thanks for sharing your thoughts – how do you use LinkedIn as a marketing tool?

Want more information? Browse the wiredPRworks LinkedIn archive.

Would you like to connect with me on LinkedIn?