Given the (on average) more affluent and educated masses on LinkedIn compared to Twitter and Facebook, and the fact that LinkedIn appears to be the preferred social networking site of registered investment advisors, it would appear that LinkedIn should be a prime target for IROs. However, we have not seen LinkedIn being used to the same effect as Twitter and even Facebook for public companies’ investor relations. 

So the question becomes, how can a company use LinkedIn as an investor relations tool?  Here are just a few ideas to get started: 

• Ensure that your company profile is accurate and links to your corporate website and/or blog;
• Ensure key management profiles are actively and accurately maintained, and linked to the company;
• Have key management participate in relevant LinkedIn Groups where they can demonstrate their industry expertise;
• Have key management profiles include links to corporate social media sites (blog, Twitter, Facebook Page, etc.);
• Upload investor materials to management profiles; and,
• Most importantly, build relationships!

We have all heard the old adage, "it's not what you know, it's who you know that counts."  In today’s age of social media and social networks like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and others, many online networkers seem obsessed with how many friends, followers and connections they are able to show on their social media profiles.  However, I am sure most would agree that “who you know” is far more relevant than “how many you know”.  I would much prefer to be a part of a small but highly engaged network of professionals rather than having a “network” of hundreds or even thousands of people I don’t know.  

The bottom line here: People with strong networks get more things done more effectively than people with large, loose networks with little in the form of member engagement.  

Remember, to keep your network engaged, keep your connections up-to-date.  Let your network know what you’ve been doing lately and have planned for the near term.  Status updates on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are great for this.