LinkedIn is a social networking site for business professionals that allows users to keep track of trusted contacts across 150 industries. In this article, we will examine what the site actually is, how to best utilize it, and how it can help your business.
What is LinkedIn?
LinkedIn was launched in May 2003, and unlike Facebook, MySpace, or even Twitter, is a social networking site used almost exclusively by professionals. Members use LinkedIn to establish a list of “trusted” business contacts, referred to as connections. These contacts are meant to be people you have spoken to in person, done business with, or have had some other contact with in the past – they are not meant to be random people. The trusted contacts listed by your connections are incorporated into your network as second degree contacts, and their contacts are added to your network as third degree contacts.
Once this network is built out, users may search it to help find job opportunities, potential business associates, service providers, or recommendations. In the past few years, LinkedIn has also become an important part of the job application process, as your LinkedIn profile is equivalent to an online resume. The idea is because all of the members are “trusted” contacts of their first degree connections they can all be considered worthwhile and reliable professional associates.
How to Use It
The first and most important aspect of how to use LinkedIn is developing a complete and honest profile. As LinkedIn is a professional site, you want to make sure you choose an appropriate username – Cuddles79 may be your favorite handle on AIM, but if you are looking to create business contacts it is wiser to use your full name, like JohnSmith, or your business’s name, like John’sPetStore. Uploading a picture is also strongly advised, but the same principles apply; a professional headshot or company logo is your best option.
Be sure to fill out all fields in the profile, including your previous employment experience, education, and specialties. Even if your last job was working as a fry-cooker at McDonald’s, you should add that in. Potential clients, associates, or employers viewing your profile may be interested by such facts and be able to connect to you through them, so leave nothing out! Before finalizing your profile, remember to proofread for any factual or grammatical errors. This is an online resume and is accessible to the public, you want it to be accurate.
Once your profile is complete and revised, begin searching for people you can consider first degree contacts and start “connecting.” LinkedIn offers a straightforward and easy to use search feature to browse through members. You can also type in key words or search by business names to begin building your network.
How to Use LinkedIn to Grow and Optimize Your Business
The best way to optimize what LinkedIn can do for your business is to use it to do business. Next time you need a small project done, search your LinkedIn network for people who might meet your needs and send them a message through the LinkedIn mail service, “InMail.” Also, consider joining some of the groups that LinkedIn offers, where you can connect even easier with professionals through common industries, schools, or trade organizations. Encourage members of your staff and the people you do business to join through the “Invite” feature.
Also, consider soliciting “Recommendations.” Recommendations is a new part of an individual’s profile where first degree contacts can write positive reviews of their business experience with you that will help employers or potential partners know about the quality of your work.