LinkedIn is an online social networking site where over 30 million users exchange information, ideas and opportunities.
Are you using it to your advantage?
What is LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is a powerful online networking tool that helps you connect with people
you know and people your friends know. You can set up your own profile, similar to a resume, where you list your education, all your past employers and positions, and groups to which you belong.
This resume-type information is what helps drive LinkedIn to suggest people you may know. For example, LinkedIn combs through their database looking for people that worked at the same company you did during the same time period. Then they list people you may know in the sidebar. It's up to you to send them a connection request.
Building Connections
So the connection goal is to try and make as many solid connections as you can by searching for people you know and requesting a connection with them. They can either decline or accept.
A network is defined as a group of LinkedIn users that can contact you through connections up to three degrees away. You are at the center of your network with the following degrees of connections:
- Direct connections make up the 1st degree of your network.
- Connections to each of your direct connections make up your 2nd degree.
- Connections to those in your 2nd degree make up your 3rd degree.
This chain of trusted connections gives inside access to a network of professionals, companies and industries across the world. Relationships that you can use to help one another as you advance your own career.
Find People, Jobs, Companies, Groups, and Ask Questions
LinkedIn isn't only about finding people. You can also search for jobs, companies, groups and ask questions.
Let's say you have a business-related question and want to poll a few million people. You can post your question - to only your connections, or all people on LinkedIn - and you will see a response within minutes! Now that's powerful! Imagine how much time could be saved if you were writing an article or doing some research.
Search Engine Results
If you're on LinkedIn and someone searches for you in Google, or any major search engine, chances are your LinkIn profile will come up at or near the top of the search engine rankings. All they need to do is click on the link to see your profile - if you've made it public - and then they can contact you.
Who knows what the possibilities are - whether it's a job offer, a new client or reconnecting with an old friend, it makes online networking all the more powerful.
Make a Connection
Go ahead and check out my profile at http://www.linkedin.com/in/leslietrosset. If we know each other, or you feel as though we should connect for business purposes, send me a connection request.
If you're not yet on LinkedIn, I encourage you to sign up today and start making connections. Go for it! Visit www.linkedin.com.
Just in case you're wondering, I have no affiliation with LinkedIn and do not benefit in anyway from people signing up for their service.
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