How to Make LinkedIn Work for You

LinkedIn is the perfect website for any individual or company who is interested in networking and making connections. With Linked In, you can make connections with other persons who may work in the same company as you, however in a different area. Writers, entrepreneurs, craftsman, publishers, business owners and many others can meet one another and learn tips from others in the same similar field. For those who may be looking for a job or are unemployed, it can be a useful way to make business connections as well.

LinkedIn was born on the web in 2003, and now presently (as of 2010), has 65 million members in 200 countries across seven continents. Multiple languages are displayed on the website such as English, Spanish, French and German. One of the best parts of LinkedIn, is that it is free for everybody to join.

To begin your experience and start your networking adventure, the most important first task to complete is to create a profile. Create an account when you come to the website by typing your first and last name, email and a desired password. Once an account has been created, click the "Profile" tab to begin building your job title, interests, education, location and more. Your profile can be created quicker by uploading your completed resume. You may also import content from your Twitter, Facebook or a blog too by adding simple widgets to your profile. By simply adding your profile or blog URLs, your latest posts can also be viewed at your Linked In profile. Once you have completed the information that you would like displayed, you may view your profile to see how it will appear to other website users. If you have one available, add a photo of yourself too. Be sure that it is a professional yet tasteful photo. For example, you would not want a photo of you "hanging out" last weekend or anything that would nor represent yourself in a professional matter.

After you have created your profile, edit your contact settings. You can decide whether to accept introductions or mail from other members. You can decide if you would like to accept career opportunities, business deals, expertise requests or basically a request to connect with that other person.

If you are searching for a specific person or company, you may try to find them in the search box. You may search for people, jobs, companies and groups. If you find a company or specific group that you are interested in, you then may share your profile and request a connection. Be sure to always keep your profile updated with your current job status, title or company. Also keep your contact information current so that others may get in touch with you to make a connection.

LinkedIn has a simple interface to use and it is also resourceful. It is an excellent referral if you are in search of a job with a specific company or are looking to contact the correct people in a certain field in order to move up on your "career ladder. " After a basic profile set up, and a little bit of "website surfing," you can find that the Linked In website will be very beneficial for you to use for both every day activities as well as in your job career(s).

http://learn.linkedin.com/profiles/#overview