LinkedIn Class Helped me…

Learning more about LinkedIn during Bellingham Network Group’s Presenter Hollie Hilde!

On Tuesday March 26 the Bellingham Network group gathered at Bellingham Library to learn more about the growing professional social media site called LinkedIn. The speaker was Hollie Hilde, Marketing Manager at Moss Adams who was ready to go with her class as evident in her cheerful attitude that was probably fueled by Starbucks. She started out by talking about some interesting statistics about Linked in. Today over 135 million professionals use Linkedin for posting resumes, networking, marketing and getting connections with other professionals.  This stat covers over 200+ countries worldwide. She recommends that people really take the time to fill out the information on their profile to showcase their skills, talent and interests beyond work because it will show they are comfortable with using the network.  A naked profile won’t get the same attention and could hurt the person’s chances of networking with professionals.  Some of the interesting tools she mentioned were applications that can be added to your page to share more information on yourself. The apps include event listing, amazon book list, e-bookshelf, blog link, polls plus many more to choose from on linkedin. This can lead to more connections when people learn you have the same interests as them. Many of the employees have formed groups that allow co-workers to share information and news regarding their employers or just discuss what’s happening on the job. It is a good way to learn what’s going on in your particular industry, employers’ current situation and competitors.  The funny thing about groups is not all of them are serious business related. Some even cover bacon recipes for the many who love bacon on everything.

One of things she talked about at length was getting recommendations from former employers, current and also you giving them will help your network get to know you better. Giving more recommendations will lead to more people giving you one on your page.  Try to get them after you know that you will be leaving the employer, finishing a major project or even trying to land that big promotion after that assignment.  Don’t ask for recommendations from people that are not in your business such as family members or friends. It looks unprofessional and could risk your chances of moving up in the business world. Hollie stated that Linkedin is not Facebook or any other social site, it is not a good idea to post non-business related topics on your status. Keep fun and work separate was her main message. Linked In is also a good way to learn about a business if the website doesn’t give you enough information you can learn more detailed information on the business you may be interested in applying for in the future.  It is also good for your business to have one if you don’t. You can gain huge numbers in networking.

One of the last things she covered was using linkedin on a daily basis to keep updated on who is trying to connect with you, reading the group forum and see who has visited your page. Also another way to gain more networks is by having your URL (your page’s address) printed on your businesses cards, website, flyers and email signature in case people want to learn more about you and what you do for a living.

After words there was some questions asked and people seemed to be more comfortable with the idea of using Linkedin as another tool to network in the business world.

–Jeremy Moore, Gateway Volunteer

Linkedin Tips and learning Event

The Bellingham Business Network Group is hosting LinkedIn class at Bellingham Public Library in the lecture room on March 27th at 8 am. Topics covered will be using and sharing profiles between professional’s users.  Hollie Hilde, Marketing Manager at Moss Adams will be giving the presentation.

To be added to the list you must RSVP at viens@acnrep.com. It is a free presentation.  In Addition, Bellingham Networking group meets every Tuesday at 8 am in the Fairhaven library.

Source: Bellingham Business Journal

Those that have not been on LinkedIn very much and would like to get some pointers, I have written about the Settings options. To maximize your experience on LinkedIn go to Settings which is located to the left of your name on the upper right corner with a small down arrow to show a menu. Click on Settings. You will see a menu of options on what you want to do with your profile.  The first option is Profile. In these settings topics include activity broadcasts, which can see your profile activity, change profile pic and select who can see connections. The second option is email Preference which covers types of messages to send, email frequency and who can send you invitations. The third option is Groups, Companies and Applications which allows you to control groups you are in, companies you are watching or turn off invitations. The last menu options are Account.  This covers language options, security settings, and password and usernames changes.

These topics and more will be covered in the presentations. So be ready with questions and practice using LinkedIn.

Start a Business Month when???

February last year was Start a business month.  Legal Zoom says it is March.  And May is Small Business Month.  Maybe you Think of it in January,  start it in February, get your papers back in March, and become a small Business by May.

However it is done we still help everyone with an address at professional building (and phone number too if you like).  Our Virtual Office program from 29.95 for mail service to 149.95 for full reception services is a great way for you to get your business started.  Call us to sign up at 360.685.4200 or visit us on the website: www.GatewayTotalOffice.com

Our great past tenants

Businesses grow. We have had 2 former tenants who grew their businesses physically to where they had to take on a second, third, and even 4th office before moving out of the building. We should consider having a Gateway reunion of sorts. And if you are out there and run into anyone from the Lustick Law Firm or from Credo Construction tell them we miss them. Those were two of the many great tenants at Gateway Centre Executive Suites!

Hold Music Goes Irish

We found an interesting cd “50 Irish Party Songs”.   It is now playing on our hold music for the month of March.  Feel free to call in and say “Put me on hold” if you want to have a listen.  360.685.4200

What kind of music do you like when you are on hold?  We are always curious.

Start a Business Month is Today!

We Heard on the Radio that it was National “Start A Business” month… February of 2011.  Whatever month you start we came up with some solutions.  We have offices with everything included in the price as many of you know.  Which is great when you already have a reception staff to greet clients and answer phones, and all the equipment and business support services you need too.

We also have that in-between step  of a Virtual Office.  From mail only to an address and phone number and use of an office up to 8 hours a month.  That way clients looking for you come to a professional office building instead of your home or garage office.  You have an address you can register to get licensed.  And so much more.

Our tag line fits in so well with National Start a Business month.

“Gateway Centre: Virtually the best place to start or grow your business!”

Gateway Centre: Now with Fiber Internet!

All of our current and potential tenants will be happy to hear that Gateway Centre has upgraded our internet service.  Our new provider, the locally-owned company Black Rock Cable, has set us up with a fiber optic cable network that will give us our fastest speeds yet!  We are proud to be able to provide our clients the high-speed internet access they need for their businesses to thrive in the age of the internet.

Networking Groups Seek New Members

Are you looking for new ways to expand your business and build connections within your community?  Join a local networking group!  Whatcom Referral Network (WRN) and Building Business Connections (BBC) are two such organizations currently seeking new members.

Please feel free to drop by and see what we’re all about.  Whatcom Referral Network meets every Thursday morning from 7:00 to 8:30 at Gateway Centre Executive Suites.  Building Business Connections meets every Friday morning from 7:30 to 8:30, also at Gateway.  Membership in a networking groups costs only $10/month or less!

Both networking groups currently have openings in the following areas:

  • automotive sales or repair
  • banking (business or personal)
  • catering
  • event planner
  • florist
  • health/fitness
  • jeweler
  • landscaping
  • security systems
  • travel agents
  • And many more – just ask!

Learn more about BBC at: http://www.gwcentre.com/bbc

Learn more about WRN at: http://www.whatcomreferralnetwork.com/index.asp

Welcome, First Impressions!

Gateway has a new tenant! We would like welcome First Impressions Prenatal 3D Ultrasound to our building.

First Impressions Prenatal 3D Ultrasound provides 3D and 4D pictures and videos of your unborn child. The amazingly clear pictures provide a unique experience and a new way for the whole family to bond with its youngest member. If you schedule an appointment between your 28th and 32nd weeks of pregnancy, they will guarantee an image of your child’s face (or you may return for a second appointment at no charge).

Learn more about them on their website, http://www.1stimpressions3d.com/.

In Honor of “Poetry Reading Day”

We have meeting space galore

And 40 suites on the 2nd floor!

Virtual offices are hard to beat -

Check ours out, they’re really neat!

We’ll answer your phones and greet your guests

because Gateway offers only the best!

Your suite is furnished, utilities free

We even have unlimited coffee and tea.

We sincerely hope this little poem

will make you want Gateway as your home!