LinkedIn is now one of the highest used social networking platforms for professionals.  LinkedIn is a powerful online business tool to use for social networking and allows people to connect and communicate with like-minded driven and ambitious business individuals.

It seems unbelievable for those of us who remember walking around with our CVs under our arms, just how much easier making these connections are by building a complete professional profile on LinkedIn.  This is because if you build a complete professional profile those viewing you online can very easily see exactly what you offer, so make sure your profile is perfect and is kept updated.  Don’t be lazy - when you use LinkedIn make sure you do it properly!

 Why Use LinkedIn profile as a tool to get that next big connection?
Your LinkedIn profile is like a quality landing page on a website.  When someone visits your profile they want to find out key information about you quickly.  They want to see where you have worked, your experience, your achievements and most of all how you can benefit them.  Remember, people want to see how you might solve their problems so give them solutions!  This works for people who are employed or are running their own business.

Your aim, whether in business or as an individual, is to make your social networking community grow, so you have as many connections as possible working for you. Plan to promote yourself positively. 

 Why Use LinkedIn groups?
LinkedIn groups can be used as a huge resource library.  Your groups are all talking about the same interests and topics that you are.  If you want to continuously learn from others, join the right groups. It is important to give back though, as you also want to show your expertise to others.  This is because you could be referred to as an expert in your particular niche or just helping a fellow professional achieve their goals.

The answer to why use LinkedIn has many different parts due to the fact that there are many ways to connect and network within this ever-increasing social networking platform.  Ever thought about finding answers to questions you needed clarification on or showing how you are the specialist in your area?  It is like brainstorming online with people from all over the world. 

 What is LinkedIn Answers?
LinkedIn Answers is a category that gives people an opportunity to give and receive feedback, to participate within a transparent online community.  You can share your knowledge and expertise and link to information that supports your expertise.  When you think about why use LinkedIn and LinkedIn Answers you can easily find out what your potential marketplace is asking and then give them the best answer you can.

The business use of social networking sites like LinkedIn is you can show and express key messages and information that speed up the selection process dramatically.

At www.bda.co.nz we understand many people are searching for answers to problems on the Internet.  LinkedIn allows you to capture huge amounts of up to the minute news and data to your advantage. It’s a revealing and information gathering channel where people can learn a lot about you depending on how much you want to share or how clever you are about sharing.  LinkedIn has been extremely successful in providing a positive online communication climate that encourages relationships to grow and develop.