5 Reasons To Join LinkedIn

Sites include LinkedIn.com . Published on August 24th, 2011. Written by Tony Smith.

Many people assume they have no use for LinkedIn because they’re not currently looking for a job; however, LinkedIn is more than just another place to post your curriculum vitae. LinkedIn is a social network designed for professionals. No matter what business you are in, networking is important. People who actively network on LinkedIn often find that it is an invaluable experience. Here are five ways LinkedIn can help you.

1. Reconnect with old colleagues. People often take different paths in their careers and LinkedIn offers an easy way to keep track of where your former co-workers are at now. You never know when you many need to call on an old friend and ask them for introduction to someone you want to do business with, or possibly they know someone you’re considering doing business with and can give you some advice. When these situations arise, it’s always best to consult with someone you know and trust.
2. Give people a way to find you. Your LinkedIn profile is more than just a resume; it’s a summary of your achievements, experience and background. Someone who is considering doing business with you is likely to see if they can’t find you on the Internet. LinkedIn profiles usually show up very high on Google’s search results page. A fully developed LinkedIn profile will help you make a great impression.
3. You can build recommendations. Friends, coworkers, client and anyone else you’re connected to on LinkedIn can write a recommendation about their experiences with you. Most people will gladly write you a recommendation if you ask. Recommendations are the showcase of your LinkedIn profile, each one is like a gold star that shows others that you’re a good person to deal with.
4. Find out information about other LinkedIn members. Say you have an upcoming meeting with a high level manager at your company that you’ve never met before; you can look him or her up on LinkedIn and find out that person’s background, interests, etc. Perhaps you even know some people in common from other companies you’ve worked for. The information you can find on LinkedIn is a great way to start conversations out in a friendly way.
5. Network with professional groups. Networking on LinkedIn groups allows you to discuss current issues in your field and make connections that may pay off in the future. Once you establish your credibility in one or more groups, people will remember you. LinkedIn groups are a great way to quickly connect with a lot of other people in your field and open the door for future prospects.

LinkedIn isn’t just another social network you should be a part of; it is a source of professional opportunities that you don’t want to miss out on. Whether you work for someone else or you have your own business, joining LinkedIn is an investment in your future success. Spend some time networking on LinkedIn and you will see a return on your investment.