Web Exclusive- A Rookie’s Guide to LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a social networking site that distinguishes itself from the likes of Myspace and Facebook by catering to a different demographic- professionals interested in networking. For those who have heard about the benefits of online networking, but are unsure of how to get started, here are some basic steps for using LinkedIn as a business networking tool.

Create Your Profile
This is the “face” you’re presenting to the network so you should be as detailed as possible. Your profile not only serves to casually “pitch” you as an expert in your field, but also will help other find you while using the site’s colleague and classmate search tools. Be as detailed as you’d like, but always keep in mind that random strangers may be browsing the info you put on it.

Build Connections
LinkedIn can automatically search for connection using your email contacts. In the Contacts section of your profile, click on “Imported Contacts” will give you a list of the people in your contacts with a small “in” logo next to those who are members of LinkedIn. From here you can send connection requests or invitations to join LinkedIn (for contacts who are not yet members). 

Build Your Expertise
One popular feature on LinkedIn is the question and answer tool, where anyone can post questions on topics ranging from starting a business to their favorite network TV show. These questions are open to anyone who’d like to chime in, and the best answers will be given “expert” status by the questions original poster. Building up your LinkedIn expertise can be a great free way to align yourself as an expert in your industry.

Keep Building Your Connections
Joining a LinkedIn group can be a quick and easy way to build your personal LinkedIn network, but be aware that joining groups does have its drawbacks, such as unsolicited messages sent to your LinkedIn account. Creating a group also gives you a chance to display your logo and create an email list of people who share your same interests. Posting questions and giving expert answers can also bring you unexpected connections, and LinkedIn’s recommendation feature is a great recruitment tool.

LinkedIn is all about meeting people, and its approach to connecting business people has been constantly evolving since its launch. Just recently, they have released “LinkedIn Applications,” which provide additional functionality (such as collaborative work spaces presentation software), some of which may play a significant role in your future networking plans.