This is the Transcript of the #WeddingMarket Chat on September 23, 2015, with Jesse Torres. The answers were made on Twitter so responses will appear different.

Jesse Torres is considered an expert in the evolving field of social selling – that is, using social media to enhance the business development and sales process. Jesse has trained thousands of professionals on how to best use social media in business. Jesse’s LinkedIn profile ranks among the top 1% of ALL LinkedIn profiles viewed. Most people with a LinkedIn profile can only dream of having that many views, as they simply use their accounts in the hope of getting a new job while advertising their resume (perhaps after using resume writing services in tennessee, or writers wherever they are based). Jesse has written several books on the subject of social media, including his most recent Human Resources Guide to Social Media Risks. Jesse is a frequently featured speaker at industry association conferences, seminars, and workshops. Jesse was selected as one of the Top 20 Most Influential Community Bankers on Social Media by the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA). Jesse is a regular contributor on Entrepreneur.com and hosts a CNBC Radio show, Money Talk with Jesse Torres.

See more at: JesseTorres.com

Q1: How did you get involved with social media?

Answer

Jesse Torres : In 2008 I was responsible for creating a social strategy for a bank in Las Vegas as part of my duties. Had no clue what social was. All I knew at that time was that MySpace was where to be. Things sure have changed in a short while!

Q2: What are the benefits of using Linkedin?

Answer

Jesse Torres : The most important benefit is the 300 million professionals on LinkedIn. Unlike Facebook or other social platforms, people are on LinkedIn to do business. People are not turned off as easily to sales pitches. The ability to search connections of connections makes it the most valuable database on the planet.

Q3: How important is a Linkedin profile photo?

Answer

Jesse Torres : It’s the MOST important. We use it to judge others. The image should match the expectation. Investment bankers should have a profile photo that fits the expectation. If I am looking for a surgeon I want someone that looks like a surgeon. Not someone sitting on the beach. There are several other LinkedIn photo mistakes to avoid.

Q4: Should your company name be included in your Linked profile name?

Answer

Jesse Torres : Not necessarily. I prefer to use the profile name description to catch my attention. Something like “Wedding Planner of the Stars,” etc. Grab my attention among all the 300 million users.

Q5: What should be included in your Linkedin profile?

Answer

Jesse Torres : Summary is most important. It is where you tell your story in your words. Grab attention. Use keywords! Make sure to use all the add-ons like the ability to share videos, documents, links. Provides the ability to let people know the stuff they would not know unless they already knew you.

Q6: Should you request recommendations on Linkedin?

Answer

Jesse Torres : YES! But request from people that have a reason to provide. I am annoyed receiving from those I don’t know. How can I possibly give someone a recommendation who I have never met? What can I possibly say?

Therefore, it’s important that you know from whom you can ask for recommendations. If you need more info on the same you can look for sample linkedin recommendation examples from pages like Career Climb and similar others.

Q7: What types of Linkedin connections should wedding pros obtain?

Answer

Jesse Torres: Anyone with a pulse! Depending on the niche, anyone that may be involved with a wedding in any capacity. One of the few fields where nearly everyone touches a wedding within one or two degrees of separation.

@JulieAlbaugh @Jstorres should you accept all Linkedin connection requests even if you don’t know the person?

Answer

Jesse Torres : I do. Unless it has no profile. After a while you can smell a suspicious one. You may want to lock down your connections so no one can see to protect against competition. You can always remove a connection. It’s only professional info – not personal – so you should be okay.

@FrillsBridal @jstorres with LinkedIn connections, is quality or quantity more important?

Answer

Jesse Torres : My policy: Accept All. Request as needed. It’s about quality but it is also about the size.

@danieladegrassi jstorres @FrillsBridal But what if the unknown request you accept only wanna spam you?

Answer

Jesse Torres : What’s worst case? A spammy message. Remove connection in 2 secs. Versus potential upside.

Q8: What types of groups should wedding pros join on Linkedin?

Answer

Jesse Torres : Focus on broad categories and specific niches. Can subscribe to up to 50. Some more active than others. Set yourself up as a subject matter expert and become top of mind by actively participating. Be a problem solver! People may not refer your business right away but they will recognize you as a pro.

Q9: How should wedding pros participate in Linkedin groups?

Answer

Jesse Torres : First, observe. See how things operate. Each forum can be different. Different tone. Different style. Then get active. Lead discussions. Answer as many questions as possible. Become the go-to person!

Q10: What is the difference between sharing an update or publishing a post on Linkedin?

Answer

Jesse Torres : Update=short statement/blast like tweet. Post = longer, well thought out expression of knowledge. Both are needed. Short to share links, info, etc. Long form post to establish oneself as an expert.

Q11: When should you create a post on Linkedin instead of your blog?

Answer

Jesse Torres : Use LinkedIn posts to drive traffic to blog. Use links of other articles on blog. Reach potential 300MM. Use links on LinkedIn blog post sending readers to blog where they get captured. Drives fresh traffic.

Q12: Are there any benefits to using Linkedin Premium?

Answer

Jesse Torres : Money well spent if willing to search out potential clients and make intros. So much info in LI database. Where else can you tap a database with 300 million users? And easy to search by multiple criteria.

#WeddingMarket Chat Questions:

@danieladegrassi How often would you post updates? Daily? Weekly?

Answer

Jesse Torres : 1X-2X per day is fine. LinkedIn streams & Twitter streams are very different.

@DreamyWeddingSK @jstorres for a wedding company would a picture of the decor/floral arrangement be ok or should it be a pic of the owner?

Answer

Jesse Torres : Owner. Use logo on Facebook or Instagram.

@AllAboutYouEnt @jstorres can you put job postings in LinkedIn?

Answer

Jesse Torres : Yes! That is a major source of revenue for them. If you use keywords well you’ll have great candidates FAST!
“@sytinvitations So having your logo in place of an actual picture is a no-no?

Answer

Jesse Torres : People do business with people. I don’t feel comfortable dealing with a logo.

@DreamWeddingSK @jstorres the story you tell your followers, should it include a short bio about the owner and not just generic company info?

Answer

Jesse Torres : Use LinkedIn Companies the company. Use LinkedIn Profile to detail the work of the owner.