Online social networking, pioneered by websites like MySpace and Facebook, is the biggest online fad of the day. But one social networking site is taking things to a whole new level - catering to businesses...

It may be time for YOU to get LinkedIn!

Through sites like LinkedIn, many business owners and professionals are setting up personal profiles, creating networks, exchanging contact information, asking for advice, looking for jobs and collaborating on joint projects. These sites also help their members locate and connect with people all over the world.

How do Business Professionals Use Linked In?

Professionals in the business world are now using the online networking idea to make contacts, find employment, and network with hundreds of other professionals. For example, the LinkedIn.com website is a no cost social networking tool that allows business professionals to become members and make a profile that includes their working resume, as well as background and contact information that can be shared with other members on the site.  Other members could potentially include future employers, customers, and/or partners.  With its ability to create linked connections, LinkedIn helps members connect to other members, but then also gives them the ability to connect to other member’s connections, creating a pyramid effect.  For example, one member might connect to another member who has 10 connections who each in turn are connected with ten more.  Before long, the initial member can be virtually connected to thousands of other members.  Additionally, members can create interest groups such as HR directors, CEO’s, interns, etc. all in order to rapidly create relationships and a personal business network.  

How do small businesses Utilize LinkedIn?           

Small businesses can utilize Linkedin’s amazing capabilities in three key ways.  First, it allows them to connect with people and markets on a much broader scale.  Their connections could result in new partnerships or markets, or simply a lower cost way of getting their message out.  With LinkedIn, a business has the potential to reach thousands of potential stakeholders at once.  Second, you can use this tool to solve problems.  If a business needs advice from expert professionals in the field, they are able to consult with their network to get advice or search problems and get answers.  With a broad network, gaining expert insight from people in the same industry is only a click away.  Third, LinkedIn will allow a small business to evaluate and reach potential new markets merely by searching for a specific interest or social group.  For example, if Joe’s Pizza Shop feels that the students at a nearby university would be interested in his product, he can build a profile that would give the targeted students some insight into what his business has to offer, eventually leading to increased sales through this free, easy to use tool.   

Privacy and Control

While powerful in locating people and enabling collaboration, LinkedIn users also have a high degree of control over what information they provide and who is able to see it.  User settings allow the LinkedIn member to specify what information from their profile is available to direct contacts, other network members and to the public at large. 

Summary

LinkedIn has taken the idea of social networking and adapted it to fit the needs of the business world.  It can help users easily connect to others for advice, partnership and, collaboration.  The tool allows business users to identify potential customers through interest groups and create marketing campaigns specifically designed toward them.  Since LinkedIn is a no cost tool for regular users, companies will save money while both expanding their reach and targeting their intended market.