LinkedIn

Here are some basic starter steps to get you started with LinkedIn

The big difference between LinkedIn & Facebook is that LinkedIn is purely business. Be sure to keep it that way, or you'll be quickly reminded by your LinkedIn contacts.

Also there is no wall or Chat in LinkedIn, unlike Facebook, and as a result the interaction between people is limited.

The most important thing about LinkedIn is your profile. Fill out EVERY section fully. Make like you're applying for the most important job of your life and this is your resume. A contact's desire to network with you will be based on your profile. And remember, be mindful of constistency with your other Social Network Profiles.

LinkedIn has a better search functionality than the other social networking sites Which means you will find people more easily, as they will you . This seach function is the real strength of LinkedIn, so be sure to leverage it. Search for your peers AND your ideal client. You can drill right down in a LinkedIn search, even as far as the geographical area you want them to be in.

Groups are important because the discussion boards make up for the fact that there is no wall or chat, like in Facebook. Search for groups based on your Keywords and participate in discussions, answer questions, start discussions, ask questions. This can open the space for you to begin conversations and build your reputation as an authoritive voice.

You must be careful about inviting people to connect because your invitations are number limited and once you've used them they're gone.

Therefore you want to be known as someone who is open to meeting and connecting with lots of new professionals.

Now search for the LinkedIn Group "LIONS" and join that group. You will be invited to post your contact details and other LIONS will start to invite you to connect. You can also invite those you find to be of interest.

Next go and edit your name in your profile. Next to the name of your account add "LION and will accept open invites".

In order to do this you must make some adjustments to your Linkedin profile. Sign into your account, on the left click on your "Profile". Scroll down to the bottom to "Contact Settings". Click on "Edit". Update your information to include the fact that you accept open invites

There is an unwritten rule on Linkedin that is NEVER reply with "I don't know". This can get people's accounts suspended.

If you do not want to accept an invitation you simply archive the request. When you take this step you will give other people the peace of mind that you will not say "I don't know this person" and thus getting a strike against them.

Now you do want to grow your LinkedIn contacts as soon as possible without exhausting your quota of invites. Join OpenNetworker.com. It's THE secret 2 build larger, more diverse & valuable networks on the world's top social networking sites.

OpenNetworker.com is SO worth the annual subscription so be sure to check it out! I joined and my LinkedIn network has grown by over 2,000 in 6-months without using one of my own LinkedIn invitations!

Once you join OpenNetworker.com be sure to change your profile name to YourName- Open Netwoker/LION.
 

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