How to Use LinkedIn for Networking

LinkedIn is perfect to use for business and career development and has proved to be very valuable.  A majority of people using LinkedIn as a way to form a partnership, make a sale, and get a job.   It has been found that the average amount of LinkedIn connections for people who work for Google is approximately forty-seven people.  Research has found that people who have over twenty connections are thirty four more in all likelihood to be approached for a job possibility than those who have less than five contacts. 

There are well over 8.5 million professionals from all over the world that comprises over 130 industries.  Linked helps in a variety ways such as:

Increase your overall visibility by adding more connections as it will help to increase your exposure.  People will be able to see your profile when they’re searching for someone to do business with or to hire.  Many people prefer to work with others who their friends, previous co-workers, associates that they know well and trust. 

Improve your ability to connect with others.  Most new users will only put their current employer in the profile and leave it at that.  Doing this will limit their power to connect with others, instead you should fully complete your profile including past education, companies, affiliations, activities including volunteer work. Include a link to your LinkedIn profile as a part of your email signature.  The LinkedIn link will be seen by everyone you email which allows them to see your complete profile and all of your credentials. 

Reference:  http://jobsearch.about.com/od/networking/a/linkedin.htm