Emirates NBD today announced a partnership with LinkedIn, a business-oriented social networking service, to leverage the power of social media to undertake strategic advisory and selling.

The bank, a front-runner in digital banking in the UAE, will use ‘Sales Navigator’ LinkedIn’s sales solution tool to enhance customer engagement, interaction and prospecting through proactive, targeted identification and communication.

Sales Navigator uses a sophisticated algorithm to provide customised lead recommendations and insights to licensed users. LinkedIn will license a select number of Emirates NBD users and equip them with intensive training on socially-led online public relations, leveraging the LinkedIn platform.

Commenting on the partnership, Suvo Sarkar, Senior Executive Vice President & Group Head – Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Emirates NBD, in press release, said, "At Emirates NBD, we believe strongly in the power of digital tools and social media to enhance the overall customer experience. We are pleased to partner with LinkedIn to create a digitally savvy team that can actively understand and identify the best opportunities for their clients. Sales Navigator will help us refine our advisory capabilities through a precise and targeted approach."

LinkedIn estimates that relationship managers, wealth advisors and sales staff using Sales Navigator have reported up to 70 per cent improvement in productivity. Further, the company states that social selling leaders create 45 per cent more opportunities, are 51 per cent more likely to reach quota and outsell peers who don’t use social media by 78 per cent.

Dylan Sharkey, Head of Sales Solutions, LinkedIn MENA, said, "In today’s competitive business environment, sales teams want tools and tactics that give them an edge in reaching their targets. LinkedIn’s unique social selling solutions will complement Emirates NBD’s existing business strategy by helping employees grow their portfolio, leverage a wider network of partners, and enhance client services over the long term."

Source : WAM