The site is unique, in the fact, that it is based on your resume or professional life. The user can give or receive recommendations from other users, much like a resume. As well, a user can utilize various applications to enhance their online curriculum vitae. It is touted as the definitive professional social media website.
An Overview of LinkedInUnlike social networking giant Facebook, LinkedIn has no poking, games or frivolous applications. However there are quite a few similarities between the two networking sites. A user can build a unique profile, meet people, join groups, send emails, create ads, and utilize applications.
You can add various applications to your LinkedIn profile, according to your needs. They range from linking to Twitter to displaying your portfolio (or work projects) to ranking lawyers or searching for homes. The apps are available for the professional to tweak their LinkedIn profile to their specific business goals.
There is an email messaging service and you can read other user's updates. You can join and participate in groups, but these groups are specific to your profession or interest.
One of the most important aspects of LinkedIn is the ability to make connections. You need to have permission to become someone's contact on LinkedIn. Actually you might even have to be introduced by another user to become a contact. This is a good thing as it cuts down on spamming and creates a professional venue to network.
Another important component to the LinkedIn site is the ability to recommend other users. Whether they were previous employees or coworkers or a business that you have did work with - you can write a recommendation that is displayed on their profile. This is an excellent way to show off a user's talents or ability to complete a job.
Other business related activities on LinkedIn are the ability to seek work using the site or to write tests to showcase your skills for clients or potential clients. All of these components come together to keep business practices flowing online.
Some Tips for Using LinkedIn Effectively
To market yourself effectively on LinkedIn there are some definite things you should pay attention to. LinkedIn is the professional network and it is less forgiving than other social media sites.
Some definite do's:
1. Do try to expand your network by using the various Connection finding apps.
2. Do link to other social sites (such as your blog or Twitter) to grow your profile. It gives your connections a better glimpse into your personal life.
3. Do utilize the applications that enhance your professional image.
4. Do ask to be introduced to the people that you feel that you should meet. It is a professional networking site - make it work for you.
5. Do join groups and participate in these groups. You never know who reads your posts and realizes your potential.
6. Do recommend people. You want to be recommended too. Hand the favour around.
And of course the don'ts:
1. Do not have an unprofessional or tacky profile picture. Do not use joke pictures or personal pictures to project your professional image.
2. Please...please do not make grammatical and spelling errors. They reflect negatively on your work and overall image.
3. Do not use lower case or initials for your name. I have noticed people naming themselves 'Johnny B' or 'suzie smith' on LinkedIn. This is not professional and creates the image of lazy and unprofessional.
4. Do not post annoying or personal posts on LinkedIn. No one cares that you are tired after a long day at work.
5. Do not spam users using the LinkedIn email!
6. Do not worry about the number of connections on LinkedIn. Instead focus on making the connections you have work for you or your business.
LinkedIn is the business solution for professionals to network online. It is an excellent way to round out your company`s social media marketing or to promote your business to other businesses. Whatever your goals - a properly laid LinkedIn strategy should benefit your company greatly.
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