Insights & Trends

Unlocking the power of LinkedIn for business

August 2024

If your business isn’t fully utilising LinkedIn, then it is missing out on some golden opportunities. LinkedIn is not just any social network; it provides an ideal platform for trade marketing and sales teams to maximise brand reputation, create relationships and drive sales.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The state of play: why LinkedIn matters more than ever

LinkedIn is where business thrives. With 96% of B2B marketers worldwide using the platform for organic social marketing, it has become the go-to space for networking and lead generation. LinkedIn offers a direct line to buyers, making it an ideal platform for meaningful connections.

  • Brands invest huge sums in time and money creating content and don’t reap the benefits, LinkedIn can maximise the potential of hero content (reports, guides etc) and the reach and existing connections of their marketing and salespeople. A piece of content shared by an employee is 561% more likely to be engaged with than something shared from a company LinkedIn page. Yet how many businesses proactively train and encourage their teams to do this?

 

  • A real challenge for B2B sales and marketing is reaching buyers. The platform’s advanced segmentation and advertising tools allow you to precisely target your audience ensuring that your content reaches the right people. Not only does this create an uplift in awareness and engagement but also, real interactions with prospects.

 

  • Being recognised as an influencer on LinkedIn is increasingly important for leadership teams. It helps to humanise the corporate brand vision and values and build wider awareness and engagement in the industry. Whilst industry leaders recognise this many aren’t doing it, primarily down to lack of time.

 

  • When it comes to a brand differentiating itself through thought leadership it’s generally become more challenging. There are less opportunities to get long-form articles in trade titles, as more and more are going digital. LinkedIn provides the perfect channel for this not only with content but also through LinkedIn Live events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LinkedIn 360: Supercharge your LinkedIn strategy

William Murray knows very well that there are business possibilities on LinkedIn. That’s why we’ve introduced LinkedIn 360: designed to help clients maximise the brand reputation and sales impact they can have on this platform.

We provide an end-to-end solution through our LinkedIn 360 programme:

  • Organic content creation and promotion: We create and amplify content, working with teams to encourage them to share with their network.
  • Social selling: We provide automated social selling outreach. Taking over individual profiles where we can build target audiences. We then run personalised messages to drive engagement and leads.
  • LinkedIn live events and webinars: We help you be seen as thought leaders by bringing your content to life with live webinars and online events.
  • Paid media management: We manage your LinkedIn advertising campaigns to ensure you receive value for your budget.
  • C-Suite profile management: Our C suite and SLT LinkedIn personal brand building and profile management service relies on expert content editors.
  • Account-based marketing (ABM): We run highly targeted campaigns focusing on specific accounts. These combine organic content, social selling, and paid media to help you unlock key accounts.

 

To discuss how LinkedIn can drive your success contact: anita@williammurray.co.uk or 07703065266

Insights & Trends

Arena Networking Navigator is back for 2026

January 2026

We know first-hand that careers in foodservice and hospitality are built on relationships. That’s why we’re proud to be returning for a second year as partners of the Arena Networking Navigator Programme 2026, alongside Arena and Performance Works International. 

Following a successful inaugural year, the programme is back with renewed momentum and a clear purpose: to continue addressing a recognised skills gap among early-career professionals who have not always had access to the in-person networking experiences that are so vital to long-term success in our industry. As the way we work evolves, the ability to form meaningful, career-defining connections remains a critical skill – and one that doesn’t always come naturally. 

Launching in February 2026, the six-session hybrid programme once again blends expert-led online learning with high-impact, face-to-face experiences at two flagship Arena events. The structure is designed to build confidence step by step, ensuring delegates can put theory into practice in real-world industry settings. 

The programme begins with the fundamentals: understanding why networking matters, what makes a strong first impression and how to become a more effective, authentic networker. Delegates then focus on refining their elevator pitch, learning how to break the ice, prepare for events and adapt their approach for in-person and online environments. 

A core strength of the Networking Navigator is the opportunity to practise these skills live. The Arena Futures Live Event provides a supportive space for delegates to connect with peers and industry leaders, while Networking 101 sessions tackle practical challenges such as entering and exiting conversations, steering discussions with confidence, following up effectively and approaching new contacts. 

Preparation for one of Arena’s most prestigious events is another key milestone. Delegates will set clear objectives, rehearse introductions and receive practical guidance ahead of the Arena Savoy Lecture at The Savoy, London. The programme concludes with a graduation ceremony at the Savoy Lecture itself, where participants are invited on stage to receive their certificates. 

Our own Olivia Charles was one of the successful 2025 cohort. Here’s what she had to say about it: “Before joining the Networking Navigator programme, networking felt daunting. The course pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me realise that most people feel exactly the same. We are all simply there to connect. It shifted my mindset, strengthened my confidence and gave me practical tools to approach people, hold meaningful conversations and navigate interactions with ease. It has been a genuinely valuable experience for both my personal and professional development.”

Priced at £950 + VAT, including attendance at both Arena Futures and the Arena Savoy Lecture, the Arena Networking Navigator Programme is a powerful investment in future industry leaders. 

Head to area.org.uk for details.