LinkedIn Connector to Dynamics CRM Setup and Installation – My Experience

Mark Smith, 21 May 2012

I decided to integrate LinkedIn to our CRM 2011 online deployment, so that I could see if all I heard about it was true. 

The reason that I wanted to use it is due to the following features that come with the connector:

1. Qualifying Prospects (as LinkedIn users add their own information online you get a good feel for the person you could be working with)
2. If I do not know the person at this point in the engagement, I can see from my connections how I can connect to the person
3. I can see from the groups I am connected to where there may be others I should be talking too
 

I used the following to get setup and running:

Go to the Dynamics CRM Marketplace where the LinkedIn solution is showcased read about all it can do and clink the “Buy From Company” link provided.

LinkedIn for Microsoft Dynamics CRM - Sales Insights within CRM

 

By clicking the Buy From Company link on the Dynamics CRM Market place you will be taken to the pricing page for using this new service as shown below:
 

Please note this is the New Zealand pricing and here is the US pricing:
 

LinkedIn provides detailed instructions on installing the LinkedIn solution, its straight forward like installing any other solution into Dynamics CRM.  You need to have a security role that allows you to do this.

Installation Guide from LinkedIn

Also LinkedIn provides the link to download the solution file for Dynamics CRM

  
I have been using it for a few days and have found it is very effective however it has thrown many JavaScript errors not only for me as the only user but also for anyone else in the business that accesses Lead and Contact records.

I have found the following support section on LinkedIn that has helped in logging in but nothing on the other errors. I will update this post when fixed.

• LinkedIn for Microsoft Dynamics CRM - Frequently Asked Questions
• Installing LinkedIn for Microsoft Dynamics CRM
• Requirements for Using LinkedIn for Microsoft Dynamics CRM
• LinkedIn for Microsoft Dynamics CRM – Overview
• Can't Log In to LinkedIn for Microsoft Dynamics CRM
• Team Link Settings

So what are the end results?  Here are some screen shots of what you can expect. I have only included the Contact record but you can expect a similar result on the Lead:

LinkedIn Member Profile on a Contact Record

 

LinkedIn Company Profile on a Contact Record

 

At this stage nothing is showing up on the Account record, however when I look at the Account Entity from the customisation settings I can see there is a LinkedIn link to the Company Profile, however it is not displaying.  I will have to do some troubleshooting to resolve this.

Feel free to comment or question anything below.