Getting started with LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a superb way for you to gain credibility in your sector without the need to brag about your connections. You can build your authority and share information through groups and discussions.

Over 3 million people in the UK now use LinkedIn, and the things are set to get even better for the professional network in 2010.

Last month, LinkedIn announced that it is opening its platform to developers who might be interested in integrating LinkedIn into their applications and websites - so expect lots more developments in the coming months.


If you're new to LinkedIn, here are Promote's 10 FAQs to help you get the most from the platform...

1. Should I include a profile photo?
'People buy people' so always include a photo of yourself in your personal profile. Ideally a head and shoulders shot that looks professional and friendly.

2. Can I link my profile to my business?
LinkedIn now has the capacity to include company profiles, so create one for your organisation and encourage your team to include it in their profiles.

3. Who should I connect to?
Only accept connections from people that you know. This way you can be sure that your network remains of the highest quality. Start by inviting people that you have contact with regularly from your outlook address book. Try to personalise your invitations a little rather than just issuing an invitation to everyone you have ever sent an email to (a process that LinkedIn offers).

4. Should I join groups?
It's a good idea to join some groups that are relevant to you as it provides an indication of your interests and is a great way to connect with people.

5. What's the benefit of updating my status?
Regularly updating your 'status' on LinkedIn provides your connections with a quick indication of what you are doing. This can now be done directly from Twitter (and vice versa) so you only need to post your news once to reach two audiences.

6. What other tools can I use?
LinkedIn offers a number of other tools to help you share information with your network. You can recommend the books you are reading or want to read is and share slideshows and presentations. You can can also link your blog and Twitter feed into LinkedIn.


7. Is it worth paying extra to upgrade my account?
There's so much great stuff that's currently free on LinkedIn that I wouldn't recommend that you pay for the extra level of membership, especially if you are just getting started.

8. How should I promote that I am on LinkedIn?
Adding your LinkedIn address to your email signature is a really simple way to encourage people to link in to you. Some people also include details on their websites, blogs, twitter profile etc

9. How much time should I spend?
I would recommend spending at least 30 minutes a week approaching new connections and updating your status in order to see the benefits of an expanding network.

10. Any thing else to help me get started?
A really simple way to ensure you link in with as many contacts as you can is to download the LinkedIn toolbar. This enables you to immediately see if anyone that emails you is already on LinkedIn, and gives you the option to invite them to link in to you with the click of your mouse.