LinkedIn has been recognised as the number 1 online business networking tool.  If you want to get the most out of LinkedIn, then I recommend you read some of Chris Brogan‘s excellent articles:

• Use LinkedIn Effectively
• Keep LinkedIn Clean

Some people, however, are overly keen with using LinkedIn! A client recently told me that he’s managed to accumulate 5 different LinkedIn profiles and asked for help to unify them all into one single profile.  Thought I’d share my suggestions with you…

How to Unify Duplicate LinkedIn Profiles

Step 1:  identify the one profile that you want to keep

I recommend you select the profile that already has the most connections and recommendations on it.

Step 2: move all connections over to your main profile

Step 3: close down the redundant profiles

What you need to access each profile

Making the Most of LinkedIn

When thinking about a name for your business, and when thinking about how to display it, how about calling it what it is?

Driving down the A5 in Hendon on Saturday, I stopped at the lights and spotted this coffee shop. The actual name of the business is “The Upper Crust Cafe”, but what immediately grabs your attention are the huge words “Coffee Shop”.

When you’re out looking for coffee, that’s where you’ll find what you want. Simple. The smaller words below it “The Upper Crust Cafe” give you a glimpse into what else they may serve there – baguettes in this instance.

When naming my business “Total Marketing Control” I spent time clarifying what my business does, how it serves, and what few words would best describe it. I wanted to serve businesses by helping them make a transition from the “pick ‘n’ mix, see what sticks” type of marketing, towards a more considered strategic approach that uses the most relevant elements of traditional and digital marketing channels. Hence, Total Marketing Control – how to get total control over your marketing.

When Sawan Gosrani (credit goes to him for quickly taking the photo before the lights changed back to green) named his business Video Sound and Photo, guess what his business offers?

Whether it’s a new business you’re starting or a new product you’re launching, consider calling it what it is. It’ll take away any confusion and will help your customers quickly identify with it.