LinkedIn: The Whats, Whys and Hows
You may have heard by now that as a business, you should be using LinkedIn as a marketing tool. Many people, however, are unsure as to what exactly LinkedIn is, how it works and why they should use it. So as I’ve done with Facebook and Twitter, I have broken down LinkedIn for you. Read on to learn about an important and vitalizing social networking platform that doubles as a unique tool to grow your brand!
WHAT EXACTLY IS LINKEDIN?
LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 175 million members and growing rapidly. LinkedIn connects you to your trusted contacts and helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals.
HOW IT WORKS
LinkedIn is essentially Facebook for professionals. Like Facebook when you open your account, you set up a profile. The difference here is that everything on your profile is work related and there’s no posting of cute cat pictures and the such. Set up your profile page with a profile picture (a nice business headshot), your company, and your resume. Then you can start making connections. Connections are made by finding people you know in the business world and send them an invitation to connect (i.e. a friend request). You can also connect with people who are acquaintances or a third-party connection (if they’ll accept the invite). Also like Facebook, you can utilize groups to find other like-minded connections. On your page and in groups, you can post business updates, blogs, resume updates and start conversations.
WHY YOU SHOULD USE LINKEDIN
LinkedIn is the best tool for networking among like-minded professionals! Here you can find upcoming movers and shakers, people who are not only willing but eager to do business with you and so much more. When you can’t do face to face networking, LinkedIn is the way to go.