Cyber Stalkers, How to Use LinkedIn Free Access to Get Unlimited Access
I am a numbers guy. There is a fascination with numbers that I have had since I was a kid. It started when my father could not understand why I was only getting “C’s” in math. He spent many hours with me reviewing math problems, helping me learn the importance of numbers, turning them into useful tools.
During high school and college my fascination grew with numbers. Studying engineering, I always found ways to excel in courses with numbers. Arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, and statistics were classes I did well in. Today I use statistics to analyze social media tools to discover how I can help my clients get business sooner than later.
The statistical numbers games you can play with LinkedIn are fun, especially for those who have the FREE membership. Your LinkedIn networks are driven by the numbers of people you are connected to. Everyone knows that. However, have you noticed that LinkedIn markets the “For Fee” membership by offering Upgrade now when you click on certain aspects? I notice this when looking at Who’s Viewed Your Profile section and when using the “Advanced” search.
As an example, when looking at Who’s Viewed Your Profile section, I have noticed a “cyber stalker.” This is a person who knows me, yet we are not connected on LinkedIn. This person is grouped by LinkedIn with typically four to six other people who may have looked at my account. These other people I never know. The intrigue of who they might be, for many, I am sure, is the lure to get them to upgrade their membership. LinkedIn tells me to, “Upgrade your account to see the full list of who’s viewed your profile.” For me the “fun” is in figuring out who has looked at my profile. I figured out it was my “cyber stalker” every time! I can even find those who want to connect to me when I see that they are in my network. Reviewing the Who’s Viewed Your Profile can become a tool to increase the size of your LinkedIn Connections!
The Advanced search for some may be frustrating and can cause many people to “Upgrade Today” as LinkedIn tells when we want to go past 100 connections. Please let me explain. When I search zip code 92008, key word CEO, and within 10 miles I have access to 4,258 connections, if I had a paid membership. With a FREE LinkedIn membership I can only access 100 connections. To see the 101st and beyond I need to pay for membership. When we understand statistics I can replace one zip code search with another zip code. There are over 100 zip codes in San Diego County. When I can see 100 connections in each zip code in San Diego County, and my market audience is CEOs, then I will have access to 10,000 prospects. When I have been introduced to the first 10,000 LinkedIn connections in one market match area (CEOs) I will then look at another market match. Using CPAs as another market match, I can connect with 4,257 in zip code 92008 in a 10 mile radius with a paid membership. Extrapolating the statistics to each of the 100 plus San Diego zip codes, I can connect to 10,000 CPAs I can be introduced to through my existing LinkedIn contacts with the free membership. Understanding the ability to change search parameters is important when using the free membership. Knowing that you have nearly as much access with the paid versus free membership should allow most of us enough prospects to last a lifetime.
Gerry Rose runs INTEGRITY Networking Solutions in Oceanside, CA. He works with people in business who want to attract the right prospects and generate more referrals. More than 10,000 businesses have been presented the INTEGRITY Networking Solutions system in San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange Counties
Gerry’s stimulating presentation Unlimited Prospects, Unlimited Referrals is ideally suited for small business owners, home-based businesses, and independent professionals who want clearer direction and want to attract more prospects, develop dynamic systems, and strengthen their companies’ accountability. Gerry does one on one consulting, conducts a range of keynote speeches from thirty minutes to full-day education workshops. His book series, Unlimited Prospects, Unlimited Referrals, are available on the website, www.integritysd.com.
Gerry has more than 20 years’ experience directing business owners how to grow their businesses. He is a networking dynamo. Those who know him will assure you that he does a great job of bringing people together—which is why he started INTEGRITY.
Involved with networking organizations since 1984, Gerry is a Distinguished Toastmaster, a member of Toastmaster International, and has chaired numerous chambers of commerce and non-profit organizations.
Are you truly committed to attracting the right prospects and generate more referrals? If so then contact INTEGRITY Networking Solutions for availability and information. You can contact Gerry by mail at 1610 Quiet Hills Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056. Direct dial (760) 439-4623; e-mail to gerry@integritysd.com. For more information, go to www.integritysd.com
