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Does Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2015 Connect to LinkedIn?

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Updated · Originally published

According to an Accenture study, CRM integration saves up to 30 minutes of time per day while increasing sales productivity by 17% per representative.

Based on that statistic, you will be happy to know that LinkedIn has announced a deeper integration between LinkedIn Sales Navigator and Microsoft Dynamics CRM. This will allow companies to connect social selling activities to customer engagement efforts.

LinkedIn information within Microsoft Dynamics CRM will help you identify and build relationships with new and existing customers more easily. Directly from Microsoft Dynamics CRM, you can:

  • Send connection requests
  • View the latest lead and account updates
  • Discover similar decision makers
  • Access important company information
  • Send InMail messages

According to the LinkedIn website:

What’s LinkedIn for Microsoft Dynamics CRM, and how’s it installed?

The LinkedIn for Microsoft Dynamics CRM application lets you view LinkedIn information about leads, contacts, accounts, and opportunities directly in Dynamics CRM. After installing the application, you won't have to switch between multiple tabs and browsers to gather key profile, connection, and activity information about your leads and accounts.

To use LinkedIn for Microsoft Dynamics CRM:

  • You must have both a LinkedIn Sales Navigator Team account and Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011, 2013, or 2015.
  • Before you begin using the application, your Dynamics CRM administrator needs to install the application and provide you with access.
  • You will need to enable JavaScript in your browser. You will also need to have the latest version of Flash Player installed.

LinkedIn for MS Dynamics 2011 Installation Guide

LinkedIn for MS Dynamics 2013-2015 Installation Guide

What is the LinkedIn Sales Navigator?

But wait, not just everyone can use this integration. You must have the LinkedIn Sales Navigator Team account. Major features include:

  • A standalone sales platform
  • Advanced Search with Lead Builder
  • Lead Recommendations
  • Real-time sales updates
  • InMails
  • Who's Viewed My Profile
  • TeamLink

You must upgrade to a Premium account. It looks to me like this is $779.88 a year. However, other research says that you must have a team account, which I heard quoted at $1200 per year.

linked in image

You can test it out with this: Free LinkedIn Sales Navigator Demo

Read the white paper: Social Selling with LinkedIn Sales Navigator

A Step-by-Step Guide to Social Selling Best Practices with LinkedIn Sales Navigator

Due to the cost, I predict this feature will be most helpful for companies such as staffing and recruiting firms that are power users of LinkedIn.

But it is helpful to every Microsoft Dynamics CRM user to know that they have this LinkedIn Integration option.

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By Ryan Plourde, ForgeXRM, www.forgexrm.com

Ryan Plourde

By Ryan Plourde, Principle and Owner, ForgeXRM

As Founder of ForgeXRM, I bring 30+ years of experience helping businesses streamline operations and strengthen relationships through CRM/XRM solutions built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform. My focus is on delivering tailored software solutions that solve real business problems, whether you're managing people, products, or processes. Previously, I founded AbleBridge, a leading Microsoft Partner/CRM solutions provider acquired by Crowe LLP, where I led the firm’s Microsoft practice.