Why LinkedIn Matters More Than Ever in Negotiations
Host: Philip Brown, Founder of The Negotiation Club
Guest: Jim Meldrum, LinkedIn Trainer
“Your LinkedIn profile is your silent negotiator—make sure it speaks for you before you even walk into the room.”
Episode Overview:
In this latest episode of The Negotiation Club Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Jim Meldrum, a seasoned Sales and Marketing professional with extensive experience in helping individuals and businesses harness the power of LinkedIn. Over the years, Jim has become one of the most sought-after LinkedIn Profile gurus, offering valuable insights, training, and strategies for individuals and companies alike.
Key Takeaway: LinkedIn’s Influence on Negotiations
One of the most striking insights Jim shared in this episode is that 75% of professionals check their counterparts’ LinkedIn profiles BEFORE meetings. Think about that—before you even step into a negotiation or a meeting, the other side is likely to have formed an impression based on your LinkedIn presence. This can shape how they approach the negotiation, what biases they bring, and even the leverage they perceive.
We delve into how a well-crafted LinkedIn profile can significantly impact your professional relationships and, more importantly, your negotiations. Jim’s expertise extends beyond just creating a good profile—he focuses on how your LinkedIn presence can become a strategic tool in your business negotiations.
The Growing Library of Podcast Negotiation Cards: "LinkedIn Rapport"
As always, we’re making sure you get to practice the lessons you hear on the podcast. For this episode, we introduce the “LinkedIn Rapport” Negotiation Card—part of our growing Podcast Negotiation Card Library. This card focuses on helping you refine and optimise your LinkedIn profile to:
- Build rapport before negotiations even begin.
- Control the narrative and bias others may form about you.
- Showcase your skills and credibility, turning your profile into a silent negotiator on your behalf.
Use this card in your practice sessions to role-play scenarios where LinkedIn profiles influence pre-negotiation expectations, and see how this added layer can affect the dynamics of your discussions.
Research: The Impact of LinkedIn on Professional Relationships
Research has consistently shown that LinkedIn has a profound effect on professional interactions. A recent study revealed that a well-maintained LinkedIn profile can boost your credibility by 35%, increasing trust in your personal brand and professional capabilities. This is especially important in negotiations, where first impressions and trust play pivotal roles.
LinkedIn also provides a subtle but powerful form of leverage. Profiles that demonstrate thought leadership, skill proficiency, and a broad professional network can influence how others perceive your negotiating power. Conversely, a poorly maintained or incomplete profile may detract from your perceived professionalism.
In Jim’s words, “Your LinkedIn profile is your digital first impression”—and in negotiation, that can make all the difference.
Check Out Jim Meldrum on LinkedIn
Want to learn more from Jim and see his LinkedIn expertise in action? Look him up on LinkedIn here. You’ll quickly see why he’s one of the best in the business at helping individuals and SMEs optimise their LinkedIn presence.
This episode isn’t just about listening—it’s about applying! Make sure to grab the “LinkedIn Rapport” Negotiation Card and start practicing today. Remember, the skills you develop through practice will set you apart from the 75% who only listen.
Now You Need To Ask: "What insights from your LinkedIn profile are impacting your negotiations?"
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