How I’d start a business from scratch using LinkedIn
If I wanted to create a business from scratch today using LinkedIn, this is exactly what I’d do:
I would make a decision on a premium product or service that I’d like to sell. It could be consulting services, a la carte Zoom sessions, resume packages, graphic design packages, photography bundles (session + Photoshop + edits for social media), copywriting packages, etc.
I would find an easy, low-barrier platform to sell these products and services, and I would create an account. It could be Squarespace, Wix, Square, Acuity, Calendly, Moonclerk, Shopify, etc.
I would set my LinkedIn profile up for “Creator Mode.” This gives the profile more opportunities to be found in LinkedIn Search. It also rearranges the sections so that the Featured section is listed above the Summary section.
I would paste the links to my products and services in multiple places on my profile. I’d write a header for each link in the Featured section. I’d also include my prices directly in the Featured section. (When visitors see prices on a profile, it puts them in a buying mood. They will start to evaluate the LinkedIn profile as a buyer would typically evaluate a seller.)
I would write the text of my headline and summary to encourage visitors to explore my products and services. Step 5 is the most difficult step. It’s easy to create a product or service. It’s challenging to write the copy that will sell the product or service.
5a. The headline would include searchable keywords - ones that a potential customer might typically search for. I’d also include a power statement directly in the headline, like a tagline, motto, service statement (“I serve project managers across North America and Europe”), hero statement (“I solve x problems for y people with z challenges”), accomplishment (“Forbes 30 under 30”), etc.
5b. The summary would be written to encourage visitors to view me as a solution. I would write about the problems I help my customers solve. I would talk about the successes experienced by past customers. The summary is also a great place to include metrics if applicable (“My customers see their salaries increase by an average of $8,500”).I would take advantage of the LinkedIn profile banner to either 1.) add more information about my products and services, or 2.) encourage visitors to view me as a solution. I would sign up for a free Canva account and create the banner using higher-end fonts and graphics.
I would turn on the “Providing Services” feature on LinkedIn. I’d search the list of available services and choose the ones most aligned with my premium products and services. Turning on this feature creates additional opportunities to be found in LinkedIn Search.
I would start sending connection requests to the people I’d love to have as future clients. If I wanted to work with pharmaceutical professionals in North Carolina, I’d connect with pharmaceutical professionals in North Carolina. If I wanted to target marketing directors, I’d connect with marketing directors. If I was interested in any professional living within a 20-mile radius of my office, I’d restrict my search to those areas.
I’d write a LinkedIn post introducing myself and my services to the community. I’d encourage every reader to “click on my LinkedIn profile” to learn more. The more people who click on my LinkedIn profile, the more the LinkedIn algorithm will push my profile to the greater community.
9a. If I didn’t feel comfortable writing a public post, I’d start messaging the new people in my network to introduce myself.I would make a regular habit of posting about myself, my business, my products and services, my thoughts, my beliefs, my customer’s successes, my personal successes, etc. The first goal is to get viewers to click on your LinkedIn profile, and the second goal is to get viewers to click on the links to your products and services.
Update on the passive income plan: I’ve finished the outline for an online course I plan to sell directly on my website. The tentative title is The Profitable Resume Writer. I have 20 modules planned so far, but I haven’t yet settled on a final price.
I’m also working on a new course for Skillshare. I’ve been invited back to create a second class, and filming will start mid-September. The tentative title is How to Find Your First Resume Writing Client.
Book recommendations to accompany this newsletter:
- $100M Offers - Alex Hormozi
- The Lean Startup - Eric Ries
What would you like to see covered in the next newsletter? Message me to share your thoughts. Ask me any questions. -GT
