Social Media Boot Camp Day 18: Using LinkedIn to Go Beyond the Web: Meeting Connections in Person

Just remember, the rules of networking apply here – don't reach out just to promote or sell yourself. Make it about them, and what they need.

Use your groups

Often, members will post information on events or get-togethers on group pages, but not create an actual event. Join groups, and participate in them. Visit the pages often, and make sure you're an active member. That way, when a group member with similar interests posts information on an event, you can reach out to them and say you're interested – and perhaps you two could meet up while there.

Tips from other members

What else works? Check out these responses to a recent LinkedIn question on meeting face-to-face: "Have you ever met a LinkedIn connection face-to-face? If so, did your meeting 'differ' from the ones you have with a 'traditional' contact?"

• "When I got going on LinkedIn earlier in the year, I decided to make it more than a 'yellow pages' so set up with LinkedIn members and some existing clients and friends a networking breakfast. First breakfast 11, 2^nd 45, and 10^th (tomorrow), 73! Over 300 people have joined the group 'Breakfast Networking – Perth' and other groups have now been established hosting similar events. I now meet more LinkedIn folks at this function every month than I could shake a stick at. All are excellent folks who are networking for the greater good and not just to sell to their next prospect."
• "We had a little LinkedIn Kansas City meeting several months ago. I think it went great. There was about 15 or so individuals that came to the meeting. We talked about the ins and outs of LinkedIn and how to use it to your advantage. I took a lot from it."
• "Our neighborhood has a LinkedIn group and about 20 of us met recently. I met with another yesterday and it was interesting to already know some background and go from there. On interviews, for engaged companies, I try to know as many as possible and some 'who knows who' research. … There are three folks in the group who put the meeting together tied to a local career center move to its new location, so this kicked off as a job club format."
• "RI is a small state; I see clients and LinkedIn connections I have worked with at the gym, church, the grocery store and even at the local parks. I have met several in Newport RI; Tampa, Florida on vacation and even the airport as well. I must say that having a photo is absolutely vital here on LinkedIn. Another near place to meet LinkedIn connections for me was Yankee Stadium; we knew each other from the Yankee Fan Groups here. Of course we immediately have so much in common…"
• "I recently found myself in Atlanta with a totally unexpected afternoon and next morning free (i.e., wasted unless otherwise utilized!). I downloaded my connections in Atlanta and focused on those (had to look at addresses) in the Buckhead area. I made calls on seven connections close to my hotel and scheduled appointments with six of them in this short period. Future opportunities will arise from that meeting. Bottom line is that absent LinkedIn, my 700 other "connections" on mailing lists in Atlanta would not have resulted in meetings. How do you call 700 people? And what direct connection do you have?"

Have you met LinkedIn connections or prospective connections face-to-face? And if so, how did it work out for you?

Christina Pellett is the editor of the Agent's Sales Journal. She can be reached at [email protected] or 800-933-9449 ext. 226.