LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional ( social ) network on the Internet.

Savvy Social Media Tips, Tricks and Tools is written by Gabrielle Laine-Peters 

Listen to Gabrielle talk about LinkedIn at the end of Show 38. If you have questions for Gabrielle about how to use LinkedIn please ask in the comments below! 

LinkedIn has more than 238 million members in over 200 countries and territories
and currently available in twenty languages (Oct 2013). Their mission statement is : “To connect the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful.”  “… access to people, jobs, news, updates, and insights that help you be great at what you do.”

In my opinion every professional should have a LinkedIn profile. It’s your digital CV. It forms the base of your digital footprint on the Internet. People used to check the ‘Yellow Pages’ to find services, businesses and professionals, now check LinkedIn. If you are a company/business it equates to the printed boxed advert. Also Google holds LinkedIn in high regard. If you Google your name, you will probably find your LinkedIn profile on the first page of results ( remember 80% of searches take place on Google )

Tips:

• Please use a good quality image. (Not fuzzy) It should be an easy way of identifying you, this photo should represent you and your profession. A simple head shot, a friendly smile and appropriate attire, it’s about making a good impression. (Not 10 years ago or with your dog, cat or child - save that for Facebook)
• Complete your Profile in full - Summary (try to be a Storyteller, standout in a positive way. Show your personality) - Experience - Skills etc.
• Yes, you are here to connect but be patient - take it slow and be careful who you connect with. Ask yourself “would you endorse them ?” Start with people you know or have worked with.
• Don’t just send the standard message, if it’s been a while since you last communicated add a reminder where and when you last saw/worked/met
• Find Groups within your sector, listen and watch ( leave if it’s not your thing or people are just pushing their “services” ). Try to add value to the discussion, answer questions, solve problems, become a “go to person”
• Optimize your profile use key words to be found.

More info:

1. Image Cheat Sheet - The Ultimate Guide to Social Media Image Dimensions  http://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/ultimate-guide-social-media-imagedimensions-infographic
2. How to maximize your LinkedIn profile http://www.boston.com/business/blogs/global-business-hub/2013/10/how_to_maximize.html
3. SlideShare - 5 Ways to take your profile from good to great http://www.slideshare.net/linkedin/5-linked-inprofiletipsinfographic