Finding a $250K contract on LinkedIn Answers – Steven Shimek, Ruder Finn PR
Could the phrase “A penny for your thoughts” define the nascent urge of business consulting? If so, the LinkedIn Answers service presents the modern business equivalent of that phrase, and our ongoing series of successful LinkedIn users shows how this week. Where some employ the service to answer tough business questions, and others to gather quick market research, Steven Shimek uses it to showcase his expertise — and build business relationships which bring in lucrative contracts for his firm. Steven, a Senior VP at Ruder Finn Public Relations in Los Angeles, used LinkedIn first to find his current position, and then began answering questions on LinkedIn Answers. This led to multiple business developments for Ruder Finn, not the least of which was a a $250,000 contract.
A quartermillion for your thoughts? That’s the opportunity Steven found.
LinkedIn User Snapshot
Who: Steven Shimek, Senior Vice President, Ruder Finn PR (Los Angeles)
How: Steven replies to business questions posted on LinkedIn Answers and advocates drafting a response “in such a way that it showcases your company’s capabilities.” By posting a qualified, valuable answer to business questions, he builds relationships that often turn into business opportunities. Steven also describes LinkedIn as a “litmus test”, saying that when a company’s key players are not on LinkedIn, they’re often not serious about the business.
LinkedIn Tip from Steven
Showcase your company’s capabilities
• Search LinkedIn Jobs to find the position that best suits your talents
• Post qualified responses on LinkedIn Answers to showcase your professional expertise
• Be a resource to your friends and clients and associates, adding value to relationships that may help you
Check out the Learning Center to learn more about using LinkedIn
trackback
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matt martone September 5th, 2008
Thats awesome. Congrats Steven and Linkedin Answers team.
You’re spot on. LinkedIn Answers has helped me brand myself and its a source of great engaged traffic to my site.
I recommend it to every one.
Steven Burda, MBA September 5th, 2008
Very good tip, actually!
This shows what “butterfly effect” can lead to.
One never knows the value of its network until he/she experiences it for himself/herself.
- Steven Burda, MBA // Mother Teresa of Networking //
Eric Mariacher September 7th, 2008
This applies not only to companies but also to people in search of a new position, showing how they are appreciated/measured with the best and good answers tags.
This also applies to asking questions. By asking the right question, you can show people on which topic you are “active”
Answering and asking questions takes time and commitment.
I developed this subject in a blog post: “GROW YOUR NETWORK WHILE YOU DON’T NEED IT!” : http://eric-mariacher.blogspot.com/2006/05/my-2-cents-about-online-business.html
Jon Floyd September 9th, 2008
I whole heartly agree. I have had a tremendous success in helping people get the right answers, give direction on past success, failures, and future trends. And as the saying goes, when you help enough people get what they want, you get what you want.
Disha September 9th, 2008
Congrats Steven. I could’nt agree more, in this era if we are not making best use of such networking sites than its not in our best interest. It certainly is Litmus test.
Kudos to you.
Cheers!
Disha
Vadim Gorelik September 9th, 2008
Glad it worked out for you, Steve. I do have an issue though with one thing you said, and something LinkedIn naturally highlighted. A company who’s key people are not on LinkedIn is not serious about their business? Really? That’s a heck of a statement to make…
Divyakant Singh September 9th, 2008
LinkedIn is one of the greatest network,its helping me a lot
Tracy Wehringer September 9th, 2008
Great job Steve. I’ve been active on Linkedin for years and value the opinions that folks share within the Q&A. Great testimonial for you, Steve, and for the LinkedIn experience.
All the best!
Agraja Prabhakar September 9th, 2008
I really see critical hardwork done from the scratch to find the opportunities , by steve.
This is great and awsome , I pray god to him and his family to reach greater heights and his hard work started paying him back.
All the very best
Agraja
Rachel Schneider September 10th, 2008
LinkedIN is simply another resource that can be used for lead generation and business development. However, a few points:
1. Bad answers or answers that are poorly conceived can hurt a company or person, just as good answers can help. An image can be downgraded by the quality of answer.
2. The answer or connection was only the first step, it does take time to build a relationship. Answers only facilitate the development of credibility which in turn creates trust.
3. Relying solely on LinkedIN for any type of business development limits the reach to the general population or prospective wider market.
4. Concur with the comment, many companies are not only NOT on LinkedIN, they don’t even have websites – this does not denigrate the legimatacy of the company or purpose. In fact, some companies to protect competitive advantage and key personnel (from poaching) may prevent them from being on LinkedIN.
I am not sure the example here of a PR company is a good one (representative of typical), PR firms are in the business of image, communications, and reputation building. Granted, they did a heck of a job scoring a case study on LinkedIN and the amazing reach, but I would expect that of a good PR company. Lets see an example of someone who is “not in the business” next time.
tan bee leng September 11th, 2008
Hi,
One Up from me.i totally agree and appreciate the power of the linkedIN and it’s capability to be used for lead generation and business development. An excellent place for networking too and knowledge transfer.
regards
tan bee leng September 12th, 2008
yes, this is indeed a great way to network, share knowledge and lead gen. keep it up steve!
Tricia Converse September 18th, 2008
Very interesting, have not tried the Q&A, but sounds like it is worth checking out. Thanks for the info.
Steven Shimek October 3rd, 2008
Thanks for the positive comments! I had a fun time conducting the interview.
Some excellent points were raised that I’d like to build upon…
I do work for a global public relations firm, and, as such, I am extremely careful in responding to questions. It takes significant time to build a positive image and mere moments to accidentally tarnish it.
Some tips that have worked well for me, and on occasion, ’saved’ me:
1. Research the individual and learn about his or her company before you draft your reply.
2. Draft your LinkedIn Answer in a Word document first.
3. The subject line on your Answer is by default the same as the subject line on the Question. Imagine how many responses an individual may receive. Craft a unique subject line that will stand out- one that demonstrates that you took a little extra time.
4. Be succinct in your reply- a few paragraphs. I have received great replies when I have noted my firm’s experience as well as listed relevant clients #if applicable to the type of question#.
5. Finish off by including the best methods and times for the individual to reach you #if you feel comfortable including your phone and/or email#.
6. Finally, forward any great questions that you feel your peers or friends may be well suited to answer…
Best.
Steve