Mastering LinkedIn: A Comprehensive Guide to Leveraging Aware for Efficient Networking
Explore the insights of experts Alex Boyd and Kurt Schmidt on maximizing LinkedIn efficiency and avoiding common pitfalls
Introduction LinkedIn is an indispensable tool for professionals, from entrepreneurs to sales reps and consultants. However, navigating its intricacies can be time-consuming and overwhelming. In a recent episode of the Schmidt List podcast, host Kurt Schmidt sat down with Alex Boyd, co-founder of Aware, a cutting-edge LinkedIn tool. They discussed strategies for optimizing LinkedIn use, building meaningful connections, and avoiding common mistakes. This comprehensive guide will explore the key takeaways from their conversation and provide actionable tips for making the most of your LinkedIn experience.
The Inspiration Behind Aware: From Personal Need to Professional Solution
Alex Boyd began his journey by creating Aware after realizing the need for a more focused approach to LinkedIn. "I'm the co-founder of Aware, which is a LinkedIn tool helping entrepreneurs, LinkedIn agencies, coaches, consultants, even sales reps spend less time on LinkedIn but be more focused," Boyd explained. Aware aims to streamline LinkedIn activities by offering features like engagement feeds, analytics, and CRM syncing. Boyd's first attempt didn't take off, but undeterred, he reiterated, eventually creating a tool that saves users time and optimizes their LinkedIn interactions.
Overcoming the Challenges of SaaS Development
Boyd candidly shared the ups and downs of transforming his reseller business into a SaaS company. His early version of Aware didn't meet user needs, leading to a complete overhaul. "We had built the wrong thing. So we had to spin it down and try again," he admitted. This valuable lesson in resilience and adaptability underscores the importance of listening to customer feedback and staying agile in product development.
Tackling Customer Feedback and Product Maturity
Both Boyd and Schmidt mentioned the flood of feedback they receive, pointing out that no product can fully escape scrutiny. Boyd highlighted the significance of constructive criticism in refining Aware, now boasting over 400 customers. "Please give me your feedback. And no, you can't have it for free," he joked, before acknowledging the perpetual need for improvement in such tools, even citing Salesforce as an example.
Building Efficient Workflows on LinkedIn
Boyd shared invaluable insights on building effective LinkedIn workflows, emphasizing the importance of minimizing time spent on non-productive activities. "We're going to build a way to have people say, if I was going to do an hour on LinkedIn, now I can do that same hour in 15 minutes," he explained. Aware's V2 helps users streamline their engagement by offering tailored feeds that save time scrolling and ensure more meaningful interactions.
The Power of Commenting
Commenting on LinkedIn isn't just about visibility; it’s about leaving a "micro brand impression," as Boyd terms it. He advised creating a strategic plan for commenting to make meaningful connections. Boyd’s workflow involves engaging with posts before and after his own go-live, creating a sense of community and reciprocity.
Curating Your LinkedIn Feed to Match Your Interests
Schmidt and Boyd both stressed the importance of curating your LinkedIn feed to enhance user experience. "Are you curating your feed? You can just turn them off," Schmidt advised. Boyd's Aware takes this further by allowing users to focus on people who truly matter to their business, reducing the noise and enhancing relevance in interactions.
Building Relationships and Reputation on LinkedIn
Both experts emphasized that LinkedIn is not merely a sales platform but a relationship-building tool. Schmidt reflected on how LinkedIn has been instrumental in obtaining referrals rather than direct sales. "LinkedIn is not the place to do spammy pitches. It's about providing value," he noted. Authentic engagement and building genuine relationships are key to long-term success on LinkedIn.
Actionable Tips for LinkedIn Success
Start Small: As Boyd suggested, "If you're starting from scratch, even 20 minutes a day is too much." Begin with a few posts and slowly ramp up as you get comfortable.
Comment Strategically: Instead of focusing solely on your posts, spend more time commenting on others’ posts to build a supportive network.
Offline Meetings: Utilize LinkedIn to set up offline meetings. The one-on-one interactions help build stronger relationships.
Curate Your Feed: Regularly update and curate your LinkedIn feed to ensure it stays relevant to your current interests and professional needs.
Balance Your Content: Boyd suggests mixing text posts with images and videos as your comfort with the platform grows.
Conclusion
LinkedIn, when used strategically, can be a powerful tool for professional growth and business development. By leveraging tools like Aware and following the expert advice of Alex Boyd and Kurt Schmidt, individuals can significantly enhance their LinkedIn experience while saving valuable time. Start implementing these tips today to build a more effective and engaging LinkedIn presence.
For more insights and tools, connect with Alex Boyd on LinkedIn and explore the Aware tool at Useaware.co.
