Top 6 LinkedIn features for entrepreneurs to hustle for business success!

Good things happen to those who hustle.

~Author Unknown

The words hustle and grind are seemingly synonymous with entrepreneurship. They convey the intensity startups and small business owners put into making their businesses successful. Many of them describe the experience as the hardest they have ever worked, yet the most professionally gratifying. It is the constant process of leaving no stone unturned. Giving constant attention to every detail, aspect of the business. Often times those who do not stay on their grind miss opportunities or don't achieve their desired outcomes.

Undoubtedly, many entrepreneurs may not factor LinkedIn into their hustle and grind process. But they should! As the #1 social media platform for professional and business purposes, LinkedIn should be prioritized as a business marketing tool. Not as a direct, traditional sales tool, but a marketing tool in which social selling is used to advance one's brand and generate sales leads.

The process of applying the hustle and grind mindset to LinkedIn includes maximizing key features. Doing so allows entrepreneurs to stand out from the crowd and gain the attention of their ideal clients/customers. Here are the current hot LinkedIn features that are must-dos for entrepreneurs:

• LinkedIn Stories - If you want to grab people's attention without them even being on your profile, this is the feature to hustle 365/24/7. The Stories expire after 24 hours. This features allows LinkedIn users to post images and short videos. You can even add links and stickers to your images! This is a way to reach those who may miss your content in their newsfeed. Maximize this feature to showcase moments from your typical business day, client/customer success stories, to promote your events, etc.
• Customize Banner - ALL entrepreneurs should have a customize Banner. No LinkedIn defaults images or generic ones. Maximize this feature to convey what services/products your provide!
• Cover Story - Add a 20 second video in your Profile Image space. This is a GREAT way for you to share your elevator pitch. Maximize this feature to showcase your personality and let viewers of your profile hear directly from you about what you do!
• LinkedIn Lives - Yes, you have to submit an application to go Live. But once your application is approved, you then have an opportunity to be LIVE in front of a massive audience. Viewers are able to engage with you in real-time by leaving comments. Maximize this feature to by creating a show that aligns with your the scope of your business!
• Featured Section - Before the addition of this section, LinkedIn users could add multiple media options in their Summary (About) section. Now users are able to add showcase items and they are displayed in a carousel fashion. Maximize this feature by adding key links, documents, photos that showcase why viewers should do business with you!
• Creator Mode - This feature is drumroll worthy! This new feature allow LinkedIn users to gain greater exposure for their content, get discovered more and grow their audience. With this said, users are encouraged to create consistent and engaging content that provides value. Maximize this feature so your top five hashtags are prominent below your Headline and the order of your profile is shuffled around to showcase your content more.

If you are not fully maximizing all of the features highlighted above, now is the time for you to include them in your LinkedIn grind process. Hustle the platform on the daily basis to help you and your business stand out from the crowd. When you stand out, you fill your sales funnel with potential clients/customers. If you still are not convinced of the potential that awaits entrepreneurs on LinkedIn, perhaps this quote from the CEO, Ryan Roslansky can help change your perspective of the platform:

Using LinkedIn from a very basic level, will generate basic results. Always keep in mind, LinkedIn is NOT just for job seekers. A world of opportunity awaits entrepreneurs on the platform as well. The more you Shine Online, the more you can grow your business on LinkedIn! You can't use LinkedIn at a basic level and generate sold business results. Explore the platform to see what every button and feature does. When new features are rolled out, be sure to quickly test them out. Leverage the platform to its fullest!

For ongoing LinkedIn related information, join Clarene's private Facebook group, LinkedIn Power Moves w/ Clarene. She goes Live in the group every 1st Friday at 7 pm CST with a different LinkedIn topic.

What LinkedIn topic suggestions would you like me to cover in future editions of the 'Shine Online Bulletin?' Feel free to send me a LinkedIn direct message with your suggestions.