7 Ways to Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage

If you haven't heard of LinkedIn or you just simply do not know that much about it, it's basically a huge networking site for professionals. It allows you to create a profile to help others learn more about you and you have the ability to learn more about others as well. Setting up a quick LinkedIn profile and then letting it sit is not the way to take advantage of all that LinkedIn is capable of.
• Create a Thick Profile. You want to fill out your profile completely and accurately. This will immediately help you build trust with other people. If people stop by and see a poorly-written profile that lacks information about you, they may likely run in the opposite direction and never look back. They'll see you as not taking LinkedIn seriously too.
• Integrate Other Social Media on Your LinkedIn Profile. If you have a blog or Twitter account for example, take advantage of the availability of widgets and stream that information to your LinkedIn profile as well. It creates no extra work for you outside setting it up, which is easy. Others will be able to view your blog post and status updates to see what's new with you. This also shows that you're "present" which may encourage more people to get in touch.
• Use "Questions and Answers" to Ask Questions. Asking questions is one way to determine what others know and what they think or want. You can also post your own questions and answers to show prospects what you know.
• Join Groups Related to Your Business. Joining groups of related businesses is an easy way to network and work with more prospects. It can also help you stay on top of industry news which is always a must-do.
• Write Valuable Recommendations for Contacts. If you have experience with one of your contacts don't be afraid to write a valuable recommendation of them and always be honest. This could encourage some of your contacts to write recommendations of you.
• Stay Connected at LinkedIn. Some contacts may not use other social media outlets so it is important to stay in touch at LinkedIn. You don't necessarily have to check in everyday, but be sure to visit regularly and catch up with people or to update people on your status.
• Link to Other Useful Content. When you share useful content with others they will learn to trust you and look to you for more useful information. Link to other articles published online that are related to your business or line of work.
LinkedIn is just another powerful tool that is available online to help you grow your business. There is so much more that you can do with it then to just create a profile and sit back and wait. It is best to interact with your contact regularly because it shows that you are serious about networking and that you care about staying in touch with your contacts.