Yes, Facebook and Twitter dominate our mind space when we think about social networks but don't let LinkedIn pass you by. I meet so many people who still aren't using LinkedIn but this platform is more powerful than you think. Here's why.
LinkedIn and why you need it....

LinkedIn may have had a slower start but according to an article on the Small Business Trends site, LinkedIn is the 2nd most popular social networking site out there! If you're new to the idea of LinkedIn, it's a network of professionals and a place to meet and connect with like-minded pros in your field. Besides getting hired or finding employees, LinkedIn allows you to identify professionals with similar skillsets. There is also now a way to upload documents to your profile to share with others among other awesome applications that can be added to make your profile shine.

Sharing valuable information is the standard "net currency" and how you build trust, credibility, and make people listen to you. Your currency with people is only as good as your information and it's no different on LinkedIn. Offering whitepapers and other informative materials is a great way to establish credibility and grow your network and you can do that by using box.net with LinkedIn.

See It, Understand It...
Here's a great video to explain how LinkedIn can help you with branding. Recommending people and asking for recommendations on LinkedIn is super important, plus there is nothing more powerful than honest testimonials from people who have worked with you!

Another point in the video, talks about LinkedIn's link-consolidation ability and the benefits of joining groups. It really does say something about your brand to let people see what types of groups you are a part of. Help people to understand you by showing them what you support.

Just Imagine...
A majority of your female friends are linked to a particular doctor or medical establishment. You also see that this person or establishment has received many recommendations from your friends. If you needed a new doctor, wouldn't this be a great way to find one? This will work the same for any and all solutions you need. Instead of calling all your friends and having lengthy conversations there is a place where you can do your own research and find information from multiple sources at one time, all from your computer

Make sure to upload a good photo and fill out your profile COMPLETELY. Join groups you support and post helpful documents. Get to know LinkedIn and soon you will find that you are the one trying to explain why LinkedIn is so great to your fans and friends.

About the Author...Natalie MacNeil is an Emmy Award-winning digital media entrepreneur and the Founder of SheTakesOnTheWorld.com, a website for women entrepreneurs which was listed by Forbes on "Top 10 Entrepreneurial Sites for Women." Her first book, She Takes on the World: A Guide to Being Your Own Boss, Working Happy, and Living on Purpose is available now and gives you a Master Action Plan (MAP) for building a business and a powerful personal brand online. Download a free chapter here.

Comments: