It’s time to focus on the most important online networking tool, LinkedIn. After celebrating their 10th birthday, LinkedIn is still a hot topic.
What’s LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is a purely professional website and app that
allows you to “link in” or connect virtually. The site, built
on the idea of “six degrees of separation,” actually breaks down the degrees
and opens your network up to millions of people. Set up a free basic
account and instantly upload your online resume!
Why Is LinkedIn Important?
Where do I even begin? To
start, LinkedIn is personal and accurate because you can only link with those
you have met in person. In order to connect with them you need to have worked
at the same location, gone to the same school, or have their email. It’s a
great way to make sure you’re not wasting your time on spammers. Secondly,
everyone in business today, especially small business, knows that referrals are
only becoming increasingly important. You can refer one of your links to
another! Finally, LinkedIn is a place for those who need to hire or be hired.
They have a fantastic job section where you can filter through thousands of
positions all over the world in many fields, or look through
millions of online resumes.
LinkedIn is the site that EVERYONE uses. According to
mediabistro.com, 175 million people all over the globe are Linked. To be more
specific, of the 25 million daily active users, 55% are women and 45% are men.
Of those people, 61% use it as their primary professional networking site. Are
the light bulbs turning on yet? And these are educated users. Half of them
have a B.A. or graduate degree.
How To Use It?
Thankfully, LinkedIn is
designed to be user friendly. When you initially sign up, you will
be given some guidelines to help you set up your profile. Add on all
important jobs, charity work, education, interests, how to contact you, your
skills, and more! Get recommendations from bosses and clients or even get
endorsed for the skills you list. This is the place to show off!
The site is divided into sections via tabs such as companies, jobs, profiles,
a search, and more. Yes, I said companies! Create a company page that explains
what your business is all about and what you have to offer!
It’s time to break down boundaries, people! Expand your network and learn HOW to network.
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