Introduction to LinkedIn
Have you ever wondered, “With all the social networks out there, why should I join LinkedIn? What can LinkedIn do for me? How does it work?”
Many people have been and still are in that same situation. Hopefully I can help you understand some of the basics of LinkedIn and in turn answer some of those questions.
With LinkedIn you can:
- Create a professional profile that helps achieve your professional goals
- Develop and manage a network of professional contacts
- Reconnect with former colleagues and classmates
- Find jobs, consulting opportunities and clients
- Recruit job candidates
- Request and give professional recommendations
- Find and give answers to compelling business questions
- Join groups to discuss issues with like-minded individuals
- Establish your credibility as an expert in your field
- Conduct marketing research
- Promote your services as a LinkedIn service provider
- Advertise your business
As a person, some of the ways you may find LinkedIn useful is if you are interested in finding jobs and attracting recruiters by developing a solid network of professional contacts. You can connect with professional contacts in a particular industry or connect with types of people who might hire you or who can provide you with job leads.
As a business, if you participate in LinkedIn Answers and LinkedIn Groups you can promote your expertise and attract business leads. You can maintain your current contacts and develop new connections with other professionals that have similar goals and interests.
Today’s technology has changed the way people find jobs, promote businesses, build relationships and partnerships, and develop professional networks. Even though LinkedIn can seem like a simple idea, the way to really thrive on it is to develop the best online networking strategies to accomplish your specific goals.