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One of the most popular social networking sites, LinkedIn is used by professionals for networking and other business-related purposes. Even though LinkedIn may require more dedication than other social networking sites, it can become a powerful tool for business professionals when used effectively.

Simple ways to start using LinkedIn effectively:

1. Fill out your profile completely to earn credibility.
2. Use widgets to integrate tools, such as importing the company blog entries or Twitter stream, into your profile.
3. Answer questions in Questions and Answers.
4. Ask questions in Questions and Answers to get a feel for what customers and prospects want or think.
5. Link to LinkedIn on all digital marketing collateral, including email signatures, email newsletters, websites and blogs; prospects can not only learn more about your business, but also review your business on LinkedIn.
6. Grow your network by joining industry and alumni groups related to your business.
7. Update your status with examples of recent work.
8. Use the search feature to find people by company, industry and city.
9. Start and manage a group or fan page for your product, brand or business.
10. Research your prospects before meeting or contacting them.
11. Write honest and valuable recommendations for your contacts.
12. Request LinkedIn recommendations from satisfied customers willing to provide testimonials.
13. Post your presentations on your profile using a presentation application.
14. Ask your first-level contacts for introductions to their first-level contacts.
15. Share news articles and content posted elsewhere, with a summary of its value within your industry. Not only does this tactic add to your credibility, but it also feeds your contacts valuable information.
16. Find experts in your field and invite them as a guest blogger on your blog or speaker at your event.
17. Post job listings to find qualified talent.
18. Be tactful in your interactions on LinkedIn. You may turn off prospects with hard-sell tactics.
19. Set controls to receive LinkedIn messages in your inbox so you can respond right away.
20. Aim to be active on LinkedIn and encourage company employees to participate as well. 

Included within a monthly Internet marketing campaign, the Blue Archer Internet marketing team is able to assist you in setting up a professional LinkedIn account and further networking on LinkedIn.

Elizabeth Williamson
Marketing Analyst

Check out our Blue Archer LinkedIn