Brady Anderson, Founder of Solutions Digital Marketing (www.solutionsdigitalmarketing.com) joined us to discuss LinkedIn to help us better understand how it can be used. LinkedIn was founded in 2002 and launched in 2003. It is a professional social network with 500 million+ members where you can manage your professional identity, build and engage with your professional network and access knowledge, insights and opportunities. It was acquired by Microsoft in 2016 for $26B.

There are 4 areas Brady suggested using LinkedIn for:

1. Recruiting and Job Search – it is best to keep your background up to date on your LinkedIn profile. Employers often look at your background on LinkedIn first so it should be kept as up to date as possible. Consider it your on-line resume! LinkedIn is both an active and passive tool for identifying potential employees.
2. Professional Networking – Relationships should be a constant in your professional career, constantly networking to develop and enhance your network and professional relationships.
3. Content sharing – LinkedIn provides an avenue to share articles and information you find meaningful. Consider the quality and relevance of the information you send out as well as the frequency (do not wear out your welcome).
4. Sales & Marketing – Possible between 10-25% of the content you send out or post can be related to selling your products or service but Brady feels you do not want to be too aggressive in your efforts in this area.

LinkedIn also offers programs where you can pay for advertising, sponsor content and send text ads. In addition, for a subscription fee or a cost based on number of transactions, you can send out “InMail’s” (messages to people) outside of your network for sales and marketing purposes.

When using LinkedIn, it is important to understand what not to do! This is not Facebook – it is professional and business oriented! Avoid politics and inappropriate content. Be professional and not too salesy.

Howard Johnson led us in the invocation and Tanya Franzen-Garrett introduced our visiting Rotarian, Kemper Freeman.

Two Sammamish Students of the Month were introduced: Ana Espindola is BBRC Student of the Month for January 2019 (Tanya Franzen-Garrett) and Dasha Zotov for February 2019 (introduced by Eli Enger). Congratulations to both!

Jeff Cashman introduced some new Paul Harris Fellow recipients but not all were at the meeting.

Brad Baumann is to be congratulated as he is taking on a new role (a promotion) with Banner Bank. Unfortunately, he will be leaving our club as he and his wife Tina will be moving to Walla Walla. Brad will be missed!

Wendi Fischer led a round of Happy Bucks and did a roll call on the longevity of our club members – how many years in BBRC! Ann Norman and Robin Callan discussed the Dine Around and all were hopeful that the weather would cooperate. And Dustin Walling reminded us all to sign up on the volunteer website for the AI4A Walk Run on April 29! The meeting was adjourned by President Chris Boland at 830 AM.

About the Speaker