Linked-in for Brazil Real Estate Investors

What is Linked-in?

Founded in 2003, Linked-in has grown to be one of the most well known professional networks on the web with over 40 million members (and rising rapidly). The easy to use website has a number of features which enable you to build your own professional profile, stay in touch with colleagues, find experts in your field and explore opportunities.

Watch this short introductory video to Linked-in

Why, as a Brazil real estate investor, you should be on Linked-in...

The Brazil Investment Guide (Real Estate) is actively encouraging all its subscribers and readers to join the network. As a Brazil real estate investor, below are a handful of features that you will be able to benefit by using Linked-in:

• Build your own professional profile - unlike most social networking sites, Linked-in is focused on specifically detailing your own work and business experience and maximising your presence within its vast database. It is this feature that makes Linked-in unique, particularly in terms of boosting your profile to not only the network, but also to the web as a whole (after some time due to the size of the site, providing you are an active member, people will be able to see your 'Linked-in' profile when searching your name/company in Google). This is an excellent way of letting the Brazil real estate community know that you are actively in search of opportunities;
• Networking - a simple search we undertook of the term 'Brazil Real Estate' came up with over 3,000 names of people involved in the industry. The network enables you to connect with people who have the same objectives as you as well as learn and develop your own knowledge from people already investing in the Brazil real estate.
• Groups and Forums - a number of Brazil real estate investment related hubs of information exist throughout the Linked-in network, such as our own Brazil Real Estate Investors Network.
• Find experts in your field - you will also find a number of Brazil real estate industry professionals including sources, developers, brokers, insurance providers, financial advisors to name a few. The more of these contacts you have and communicate with, the better;
• 'In-Mail' - this is used as a method for you to approach and create dialogue with others in your field. You will usually need to be introduced through someone mutual or through a group that you may be a part of (or you can join Linked-in's subscription service). All-in-all, this is an excellent way to network with other like-minded people interested in Brazil property investment;
• Promote your own business interests - if you have business interests that may be of appeal to other Brazil Real Estate Investors, feel free to post them to the various groups and forums that exist across the network (including our own). We would encourage you to not adopt a 'sales' approach as most people are slightly weary. Aim to encourage discussion and build rapport primarily then move on to things you may have to offer.
• Ask questions via Linked-ins' unique service which is regularly viewed by business experts. If they do not have the answer, they almost certainly will know someone who does. You can also boost your own profile by answering other peoples questions using your own knowledge and expertise;
• Market Research - use Linked-in to undertake market research on a company or an individuals particulars;

Other features that Brazil real estate investors may find of interest...

Below are some other unique characteristics of the Linked In network that many investors currently find of use:

• Update your status - for example, state that you are 'solid yielding investment properties in Brazil' or 'looking to connect with like-minded Brazil real estate investor' to help boost your contacts list;
• Blogging - if you have a 'Wordpress' blog (which are, incidentally, free to set up) - attach it to your profile so people can head straight to it. This will also help the search engine rankings of the blog.
• Produce your profile as a pdf enabling you to save it and use to promote your professional image (such as attaching it to emails);
• Import people from your existing email address book to your Linked-in network (and introduce new people you know to the service);
• Receive testimonials from contacts that you know and/or have worked with previously - this will undoubtedly serve to boost your own personal profile;
• If you have Outlook, add Linked-in to your toolbar - you will be able manage your network from within Outlook and see mini LinkedIn profiles for everyone who e-mails you;
• Linked-in E-mail Signature - create a custom e-mail signature in Outlook, Outlook Express, and Mozilla Thunderbird with a brief version of your LinkedIn profile and a link to your full profile.

Do nots!

Remember to never do the following:

1. Leave negative feedback about another investors or contacts unless it is 100% justifiable (even then, be sure to check your facts);
2. Lie - be truthful and real; it will serve you better in the long term;
3. Spam - avoid 'shoving' your services down peoples throats. Aim to build a profile with integrity that people can trust;
4. Gossip - do not post information that is not really yours to post, particularly if what you are sharing is unwarranted;

How to get started...

First you need to set up a profile: Join

Enter all your details, contact information etc. and you will then be able to add your business and work experience, qualifications, interests and so forth (fairly similar to writing a CV) as well as your picture. The more detail you can provide here the better as it will serve to highlight your presence on the network. Keep your introductory profile short and snappy. Throughout the profile building process, remember to be be honest and don't be afraid to highlight positions you have (or previously had) outside of property investment.

Please email your questions about getting set up and running a Linked-in profile to info@brazilinvestmentguide.com - we are more than happy to help.