States are continuing to open up, albeit slowly, as we enter the “new normal” in this post-Covid era. However, despite transitioning into Stage 2 (or Yellow Phase, or whatever your state has chosen to call it) all business is being done with extreme caution. Masks, social distancing, and working from home are still mostly the norm, and most likely will continue for quite a while.

As we continue to pivot our businesses to reflect this “new normal”, digital tools to connect with clients and customers have become even more important. We’re all well aware of Facebook and/or Instagram Live, with many of us having either gone live ourselves, or watched our fair share. Businesses have quickly learned how to take advantage of them, and monetize their content creation. Retail businesses have started live selling their products in fun group events bringing together their customer base. Coaches have started live streaming trainings to small groups. And with the recent announcement that Facebook will begin to allow users to charge viewers to access their lives, it’s going to become the go to for live events, concerts, conferences and performances.

But for those whose network of influence extends beyond some of these more “casual” platforms, LinkedIn Live may be your next step. Popular in the marketing, real estate, sales, tech and software companies, LinkedIn has quickly grown to 675 Million monthly users, and over 30 Million companies.

LinkedIn introduced LinkedIn Live back in November of 2019, but just recently opened it up to company pages, increasing its popularity by 158%. In order to go live you must first apply to be a broadcaster, something that really helps maintain the professionalism of the broadcasts.

Once accepted, you’ll have to set yourself up with a 3rd party broadcasting tool, as LinkedIn isn’t set up for direct streaming yet. When setting up your livestream, it’s important to follow the LinkedIn rules, which include things like no selling, promoting, pre-recorded content or streams under 15 minutes. This means that since selling or promoting is off the table, what are your best uses for the platform?

1. Virtual Events - Since integrating with LinkedIn Events, participants can RSVP for an upcoming lecture or conference and then stream it live all in one place.

2. Announcing a new partnership - Answer questions and outline your companies future with new partnerships.

3. Launch a new product - Explain your new product, showcase its features and answer questions from the audience.

4. Recruit new employees - If you company is consistently hiring new talent, look no further. LinkedIn is already the hub for recruiting and hiring, and a Live showcasing what a day in the life of your company is like is the perfect way to drive interest.

5. Become a thought leader - Showcase how your company is the expert in your industry, by going live, either on your own or expert panels, to discuss recent news and hot topics.