Are You Linked?
LinkedIn has become a major resource for majority of business people who want to develop their professional networks online. On Oct. 14th, 2009, the LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner announced on the LinkedIn blog that the site has reached 50 million members, and it’s roughly growing one member per second (LinkedIn Blog). So what is LinkedIn? For those of you who want to learn more about the basics, you can refer to this article that I wrote a while ago. The following content will help you build a professional image on LinkedIn. You can also find tons of built-in resources and links with which you can further enhance your knowledge about this site.
Why do you need a network?
That’s the question being asked by lots of business people today. My answer is that collaboration allows you to accomplish more. LinkedIn is a perfect example. According to the CEO Jeff Weiner, when LinkedIn was first started back in 2002, it took the company 16 months to gain its first million members. But today, LinkedIn gained its last 1 million members within the 12 days. This is how the term “Network” works in the social media context, which is precisely why we all should develop our own networks. Simply put, a network makes it easier when it comes to marketing and promotions. Isn’t that why Seth Godinwrote the book “Tribe?“
How do you enhance your personal brand?
LinkedIn has its own mechanism to help us develop our own brand. I still remember the old days when I used to find a job. I had to put the line at the bottom that says “References available upon request.” With LinkedIn, you can kiss goodbye to those problems. If people like you, they will leave you a recommendation on your LinkedIn profile. Of course, you have to approve all incoming recommendations before they can go visible for the public. Isn’t that wonderful? Now if someone asks me for references,guess where I am going to send them to. My references on LinkedIn work for me 24/7. As an example, see a screencap of my LinkedIn profile.
Andrew's LinkedIn Profile
Besides, there are other LinkedIn features that will help build your personal brand, such as the options to join a professional group, start an event, and connect with more business professionals in your industry. Of course, you can always complete your education and experience sections to help people get to know you better. Remember, the more genuine you are, the more likely they are willing to follow you. You can check out Dan Schawbel’s article on Mashable,“How to: Build Your personal Brand on LinkedIn” .
What are LinkedIn groups? Why are they important?
LinkedIn Groups is your destination to find and join communities of professionals based on common interest, experience, affiliation, and goals. Stay in touch with organizations, schools, and companies that you are and were a part of, network with professionals with similar interests and goals, and collaborate in a professional community online. At most, you can join 50 LinkedIn groups. So make your own picks wisely. To facilitate your work in finding great groups, please read 30 Top LinkedIn Groups for Entrepreneurs, eMarketers, and Social Media Enthusiasts.
Where can I go find more LinkedIn tutorials and resources?
I’ve done a search on “LinkedIn How-to Guide,” there is no lack of how to articles in this category. It’s overwhelming. Here are a couple of very helpful resources that should help you build your LinkedIn network.
1. Ten Ways to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job
2. 5 ways to get more from your LinkedIn Group
3. How to be a LinkedIn superst
4. How to Get Started With LinkedIn
5. 33 Ways to Use LinkedIn for Business
6. HOW TO: Build Your Company’s Profile on LinkedIn
7. 30 Top LinkedIn Groups for Entrepreneurs, eMarketers, and Social Media Enthusiasts
That’s it for this LinkedIn Guide. Do you have more resources to share? Please add them in the comment section.
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