Should I LinkedIn?

I have recently been considering the value of the networking phenomena that is LinkedIn. So what is it and can it really help build stronger business relationships.




Wikipedia describes it as "a business-oriented networking site ..., mainly used for professional networking". If you haven't already done so check it out.

Once you have explored it a little you will no doubt be asking yourself how relevant it is to you and is it worth the effort?

Here are 5 good reasons LinkedIn will help you build and maintain better business relationships:

1. You'll Be Found
Your proper name, once registered with LinkedIn will appear at the top of most on-line searches. This is due to the fact that LinkedIn is a trusted source by all the major search engines and the sites content, including your name, has been optimised for searching. You will also be found by other users because LinkedIn suggests members based on shared college or company histories.

2. You'll be seen
Once someone has found your name they will want to look at your profile, this includes a photo, as much history as you want to include and your websites (blogs, flicker, YouTube posts, etc).

3. You'll be heard
With an easy to find profile, on a respected forum you are no longer an anonymous voice in cyberspace. Now when you post a comment on a forum, blog or other site other users will now be able to associate a

4. You be contactable
Over the years we have all had various email addresses from work, college or other. With InMail you no longer have to rely on a friend or associate knowing your active email address.

5. You can give and receive recognition
Recommendations can be posted by colleagues or associates to your profile. You can also post answers on various topics, again building you credibility.

Resources worth checking out to get a better understanding of this networking tool are:
Blog: Linked Intelligence
Book & Blog: I'm On LinkedIn Now What