"Cold calls are dead" - Drew Neisser, Renegade

If advertising execs have been watching AMC's "Mad Men" with a knowing eye, it's likely because they say the show nails the period, the culture, and the industry. Advertising is a tough business that requires a deft hand at finding and managing prospects, which in turn requires maintaining great relationships. Renegade President & CEO Drew Neisser knows a thing or two about advertising, having been in the industry for, he says, "decades, so to speak."

"LinkedIn is part of the fabric of Renegade and how we do business," Drew tells us. His executive assistant vets appointments; HR seeks out the best talent; biz dev finds and qualifies leads, all on LinkedIn. Drew even proposes LinkedIn to clients as a resource for reaching targeted niches. But most importantly, LinkedIn helps Drew stay connected with decades of clients while developing new ones.

Drew had to move on to his next meeting, a client that remembered Renegade from nine years ago. They had reconnected on LinkedIn. "That shows you the power of staying connected with people — it's a long-term game."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84CvQhpg1DU&fmt=18]

LinkedIn User Snapshot

Who: Drew Neisser, President & CEO, Renegade (New York, NY)

How: Drew needs to maintain relationships with decades of clients and former colleagues, as well as reach out to new business opportunities.

LinkedIn Tip from Drew

Cold calls are dead - know enough about someone to have a warm conversation:

• Research every contact before you reach out to them with LinkedIn's next-gen Search
Upload your address book to reconnect with colleagues and clients
• Maintain a robust profile to help old contacts find you and new contacts vet you

Check out the Learning Center to learn more about using LinkedIn