How to Get Started on LinkedIn and Build Your Business Career

The popularity of professional social networks is skyrocketing among business associates who want to build connections and relationships, meet other like-minded business professionals, and promote themselves to give their career a boost. One of the most popular social networks among business associates and office workers is LinkedIn. In this business and career article, we'll show you how to get started on LinkedIn and start marketing your skills to a global business audience.

Setting up a LinkedIn Account and Creating a LinkedIn Profile

1. Visit LinkedIn.com and register for a free social network account.

2. Create your LinkedIn profile. This business social network profile will summarize your past work and career history. Think of it as an online resume. Unlike a resume, it will go beyond just business and career information and will also talk about your professional passions and interests. Simply follow the on-screen prompts.

Tips to Create the Best LinkedIn Profile: Use action verbs. Define breadth of your projects. You didn't "Write articles for a magazine," you "Write articles read by 45,000 of Utah's most affluent residents." Upload a picture. Insert keywords into your LinkedIn profile to promote your profile in Google and othe search engines.

Building Your LinkedIn Business Network

The strength of the LinkedIn social network is building connections with other business professionals. Through your professional network, you can connect with other career experts, promote your strengths, and even find a new job or career. Add professional contacts to your LinkedIn profile, which is made easy by searching for your co-workers names or email address.

Tips to Building Your LinkedIn Contacts: Keep it professional, just add other business professionals. Don't be afraid to reject friend requests from people you don't know, or from people who may not reflect your values and you don't want to show up on your LinkedIn social network.

Be Productive on LinkedIn's Professional Social Network

There are various business tools to increase your networking productivity and help you stay connected to the LinkedIn business social network. All of these business tools can be downloaded from LinkedIn, including a web browser toolbar to access LinkedIn at all times. It would also be helpful to add a link to your LinkedIn profile in your office email signature.

LinkedIn can help you connect with other business professionals, network among like-minded career associates, and expand your connections to make your current job easier. Don't pass up on this opportunity to make the most of your career by networking on LinkedIn.