LinkedIn is a business-oriented social networking site. Founded in December 2002 and launched in May 2003, it is mainly used for professional networking.
LinkedIn has more than 80 million registered users, spanning more than 200 countries and territories worldwide
As far I’m concerned, Linkedin is “THE” appropriate social networking site for B2B communication and should be part of any professionals toolset for networking.
For those that are concerned that it’s hard to manage, most “effective” users spend an hour a week or less to utilize the four main functions that the site supports.
Stay in touch with colleagues and friends
In today’s professional world, people change jobs and locations constantly. By connecting on LinkedIn, your address book will never go out of date. Your contacts update their profiles, keeping you current with their latest jobs, projects and contact info. You’ll stay in closer contact with great tools to communicate and collaborate.
Establish your professional profile
LinkedIn gives you the keys to controlling your online identity. Have you Googled yourself lately? You never know what may come up. LinkedIn profiles rise to the top of search results, letting you control the first impression people get when searching for you online
Find experts and ideas
Sometimes your immediate circle can’t resolve a unique business challenge. Tools like Answers and Groups let you locate and interact with experts through trusted introductions. LinkedIn Search lets you explore the broader network by name, title, company, location, and other keywords that will help you find the knowledge you’re looking for.
Explore opportunities
Whether you’re looking for a career opportunity, winning new clients or building your professional reputation, LinkedIn connects you to jobs, sales leads and ideal business partners. With our powerful search engine, company research tools and a jobs board that shows who you know at listed companies, LinkedIn is the place to turn for new opportunities.
A quick overview is available on YouTube at the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzT3JVUGUzM
Finally, there are a wide range of tutorials available on the main Linkedin website, www.linkedin.com.
