1. By Brynne Tillman + Lisa Peskin Co-Authors: Leveraging LinkedIn for Business Development,

LinkedIn Contacts and LinkedIn App – Is LinkedIn becoming a CRM?

Is LinkedIn becoming a CRM? Sure looks like they are moving in this direction.  LinkedIn Contacts App may be the biggest and boldest move LinkedIn has made so far. It is also available on http://contacts.linkedin.com . From what I see, it hasn’t rolled out to everyone and many of these features look as though they may be for the paid accounts only. But what I am seeing is very exciting. Here is what you get:

1. Profile Organizer is now part of LinkedIn Contacts. Saved profiles, Tags and notes are now in one place under one convenient place – contacts.
2. Notes section, which used to be available to everyone, then was limited to the paid accounts only but looks like it is now back with the LinkedIn Contacts App. And, only you can see this space so you can write whatever you want.
3. You can save notes about your contacts and set reminders to stay in touch, unfortunately this is limited to 1 day, 1 week, 1 month or recurring. It would be ideal if you can set the date and time, but it is a start.
4. There is a separate note on how you met. What a great way to remind us how we initially connected and why.
5. Easily tag your contact in a group that you create so you can keep them organized and easy to manage.
6. Your Email threads are available on your connections profile now. What a wonderful way to review past conversations. LinkedIn really wants us using them as an email and contact database, and they are doing a great job making this easy for us!
7. Bring all your contacts into one place. Sync your address books and calendars. You can sync CardMunch, Evernote, IPhone Address Book, Outlook contacts, Gmail and on and on – bold and beautiful!
8. Searching is fantastic – within you connections there are fields that include company, title and so much more.
9. Once you sync – an icon will appear next to everyone’s profile to let you know where and how you are connected.
10. LinkedIn now gives us a daily reminder of who in our network has birthdays, new positions and other relevant updates. You can send a quick note to stay in front of them from one easy place!
11. You can still export you connection to, just click on settings and the download link is on the top right.
12. BONUS: You can see the date you connected. Boy I love this feature!

I will keep you all up to date as I learn more! CLICK HERE to learn more about how LinkedIn can grow your business? Check out BDU’s On-Demand Webinar -

Home Security: 9 Tips to
Keep You Safe

While some home security tips are common knowledge, here are some unique pointers from industry experts that you may not be aware of.

1. Hide valuables in kids’ rooms.  Many people put valuables in their master bedrooms or their own dresser, but it’s best to put these items in children’s bedrooms, where thieves may not look.

2. Don’t place your security system keypad near a window where a burglar can see it.  Not only can the burglar break the glass and reach in to attempt to disarm, but he can also see if the system is armed.

3. Keep car key fobs close to the bed at night.  That way, if you hear an intruder, you can easily hit the car’s “panic button,” which will likely scare off the burglar.

4. Pack your car for vacations discreetly, and don’t leave it packed overnight.  A packed car is an excellent indicator to a burglar that the home’s residents will be away for an extended period of time.

5. Store firewood away from windows.  A pile of extra wood can be used to access second-story windows.

6. If a service worker asks to use your bathroom, check later to ensure the window hasn’t been left unlocked.

7. Only use the services of a reputable locksmith.  The locksmith should also be bonded and secured.

8. When away on vacation, have a neighbor not only collect mail and newspapers, but also flyers and advertisements that may be left at the front door.  When these accumulate, it can signal to a burglar that the homeowners are away.

9. Use security system window decals and yard signs even if you skip the system itself!  The signs alone deter many burglars.

© National Security Institute, Inc.