The Personal Property Appraisers Post

This is the first in a series of articles on how to use technology to enhance your professional appraising practice.

In the first 10 years, the Internet was mainly used for email, instant messaging, and web sites. Some companies built powerful web-based applications such as banking and information exchanges. A couple of years ago a seemingly new use for the Internet exploded in the media. Of course I am talking about MySpace and some other social networking sites. While MySpace has received considerable negative press (much of it deserved), there are other services that allow a professional to promote their practice in a business-like manner.

This article will discuss a free web service called LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a professional networking site. Appraisers can create a professional profile and connect with other professionals in the appraising, insurance, and legal professions. The idea behind LinkedIn is to promote your practice in a professional and consistent manner. LinkedIn also allows you to stay connected with your peers, clients, and business partners quickly and easily.

Back in the 1980’s a saying was; “It is who you know”. An appropriate saying for this century is; “It is who you know, and how much you know”. How do you let people know how much you know? One way is to provide information that shows you know your business, and that you are an expert in your field. This can be done through email, newsletters, and snail mail. (Click Read More for the rest of the article)

An alternative to more traditional communication methods is to create your LinkedIn profile to mimic your CV or resume. Then invite your peers, business partners, clients, and others to join LinkedIn and connect to your profile. You can then easily post newsletters, discussions, and commentary that your network will be notified of, and can choose to view. As your network grows, more and more professionals will have access to your profile through your connections. Imagine the value of having a network of attorneys, clients, and other appraisers plus being able to leverage it to promote your business.

A great example of the power of professional networking online is one of the members of my LinkedIn network discovered his son had contracted a rare neurological disorder. This member put out a notice to his entire network seeking referrals to the best neurologist he could find. It happened that one of his network connections was good friends with one of the finest neurologists in the country. This member was able to get a direct referral to this neurologist and get an appointment quickly.

While this is a personal case, imagine that you are connected to many attorneys through previous work or other professional interaction. If you keep your LinkedIn profile updated and send out periodic news and tips or information, you will be top of mind when that attorney needs an appraiser.

So before you discount the power of professional online networking, please check out LinkedIn.

Next…..How to create a company profile in LinkedIn

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with LinkedIn in any way and receive no compensation or other consideration for this commentary.

ResourcesLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com

Brian Hiatt
Collectorpro Software Inc.
www.collectorpro.com
information@collectorpro.com