Jacob talks with LinkedIn Ads expert AJ Wilcox. They talk about college, taking risks, growing and scaling a business, entrepreneurship, and how to be successful on LinkedIn. 

AJ’s Story

• LinkedIn - A Professional social network
• LinkedIn tends to be a safer social network because people’s comments are tied to their professional profile. 
• AJ came from a conservative family and never thought he would be an entrepreneur. 
• He has technical experience and got a degree in Marketing. 
• After getting laid off from a job, he started thinking about creating his own company. 
• He took the leap and decided to start his company. 
• B2Linked has now been in business for over 5 years. 

Is College Worth it? 

• You don’t necessarily need a degree to excel. 
• If AJ were to do it again he would get a degree in information systems. 
• Find a marketable major!
• College can be good for more than just the classes and course material. 

Taking Risks

• Prayer! When trying to make big decisions in life, it can help to be grounded in prayer and spirituality.
• It’s not easy. But it’s worth it. 
• The first 5 months were some of the hardest times of AJ’s life. 

Growth, Scaling, and Hiring

• B2Linked has grown a lot and now has 6 employees.
• You can do everything on your own, but you will spread yourself thin. Eventually you need to scale. 
• AJ made the mistake of hiring two 20-hour a week interns instead of one 40-hour a week employee. 
• It’s scary to hire people because it’s such a large expense. 
• It’s great to support other people and their families.

Entrepreneurship Advice

1. Invest as much time as possible in things that don’t bring immediate revenue.
2. Don’t be afraid to work for someone else and be trained in a skill. 
3. Become the best at something.

About LinkedIn tips, tricks and strategies

• LinkedIn is the easiest network in the world to go viral on. 
• Everyone that likes, comments, or share’s your post expands the network that can see it. 
• While LinkedIn isn’t as big as Facebook, the demographic of people that are on the platform are more affluent and decision makers. 

LinkedIn tips, tricks and strategies

• Complete your profile! 
• Professional photo that’s tight around your face.
• A Headline that lets people know the value you provide. 
• Fill out your about section!
• Send customized, authentic connection requests.
• Be active on LinkedIn!
• Like, comment, and share posts from people you like, know and trust. 
• Post often.
• Make real connections with people!
• LinkedIn ads can be expensive. The average cost/click is $6-9.
• LinkedIn ads are good for big lifetime value products. For example, if a sale brings $15,000 or more over its lifetime, LinkedIn may be a great platform to post ads on. 

Follow AJ

• B2Linked Website
• LinkedIn
• YouTube Channel
• Twitter

Follow Jacob:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Twitter: @jacob_m_harmon

Follow Kalob:

• LinkedIn

Follow SuccessQuest:

• Website
• Blog
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter: @MySuccessQuest

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