Window Film Professionals Group Formed on Linkedin
April 16, 2009

The expression “It’s all in who you know” has been around a long time. But, in recent times the concept and social networking systems behind this belief have changed drastically. Since their debut, web-based social networking sites have taken the world by storm. And one member of the window film industry believes it’s high time for dealers to join in.

“I started a Window Film Professionals group on Linkedin to give people in the industry an opportunity to learn from each other and network in a way that’s not currently possible on [other social networks],” explains Patric Fransko with National Glass Service Group LLC in Dublin, Ohio.

Frankso believes that social networking isn’t so much the wave of the future as much as it’s the now of business prospecting. Once upon a time, Fransko relied on his Microsoft Outlook contacts list for networking (See related article on page 18 of Window Film’s January-February 2009 issue) and though this list hasn’t grown any less important, he has discovered a way to expand it exponentially. And while he has always relied on social networking to generate leads and help link members of the industry together in forming deals, he suggests that new web-based methods should also serve as a source for information sharing.

“There have been many leaders in the industry from installers to manufacturers’ employees that have joined,” Fransko says. In order to even view the group, one must become a Linkedin member. But Frankso believes any dealer who hasn’t already explored these opportunities is behind. “If they are not members of Linked In, they need to join to see the group,” he explains. “However, these dealers really need to be on Linkedin to begin with.”