LinkedIn is a social network website aim primarily as a business networking tool. It can be used for recruiting staff, managing your business connections, making new ones, finding old ones and seeking business advice. Think of it as a traditional CV drag into the digital age. Since Facebook exploded onto the scene early in 2007, Linkedin has taken a back burner for me. So why have I decided to take another look?
This town isn’t is big enough for the both of us: Facebook and LinkedIn
I’ve realised that although Facebook does have some uses for business, there is room for two social networks. One for primarily for business and the other for personal life with a bit of crossover in between.
LinkedIn has signed up to Google’s OpenSocial. I think this has massive potential to rival Facebook in many different ways.
The LinkedIn has started opening its platform which was probably one of the biggest reasons why Facebook exploded last year. Its called LinkedIn Intelligent Application Platform.
I have another years worth of contacts, and I think to be successful with LinkedIn you need to reach a critical mass, invest time and get recommendations.
Need to educate the people you invite to LinkedIn. I’ve invited people to the social network, but not really explained what they need to do to get the most out of it. And in turn, they probably won’t contributed anything to your network.
Getting started with LinkedIn
Doing nothing with your LinkedIn account isn’t of any real benefit to anyone. So, follow these 8 simple steps to getting started.
1. Sign up!
2. Fill and complete your profile, as much as possible. Don’t forget to include your public profile.
3. Search for people that are already using the network.
4. Place a badge on your blog or website, or even on your email signature.
5. Invite people not using the network, this can be co-workers, friends, suppliers, business contacts and clients.
6. Send them this small list, so they expand their network. As I mentioned above, educate the people.
7. Install Outlook Toolbar so you can check to see if people are using LinkedIn, there are other tools for Mac, Linux and web browsers.
8. Recommend people’s business in your network and in turn ask for a recommendations back, this is key to LinkedIn.
All the advice you could ever need
Loads more advice about LinkedIn, Facebook and social networks for business.
LinkedIn Profile
Extreme make over of your LinkedIn profile explained using screen shots.
8 Things you can do to get work through LinkedIn
More in-depth advice on how to get the most out of LinkedIn for Freelancers.
20 Ways to use LinkedIn & How to get most out of LinkedIn
20 reasons why and how to get the most out of LinkedIn
LinkedIn and the future of Business Networks
Facebook verses LinkedIn for Business, including the advantages and dis-advantages of using LinkedIn as a business tool.
Twelve Ways to Use LinkedIn
More ways to use LinkedIn.
A better Business Social Network
More on LinkedIn’s development network
Smart ways to use LinkedIn
50 more links to LinkedIn related posts.
Making your LinkedIn Business Network Pay Dividends
You won’t make a dime on LinkedIn, unless you help others. LinkedIn isn’t just about making sales, their are indirect benefits too.
LinkedIn to Open Up - How It Can Take On Facebook
How with Google’s OpenSocial LinkedIn can take on Facebook. Although I personal feel there is room for two social networks in your life.
Your advice?
Do you use LinkedIn, have you gain business through the network? What are your recommendations for using LinkedIn?
Oh and if you wish to add me to your LinkedIn profile…
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