Linkedin operates the world’s largest professional network on the Internet with more than 150 billion members in over 200 countries (as of Feb. 2012).  As a result, Linkedin is the best known and most widely used business networking site in the world.

Designing a profile that is professional, complete, up to date, and well organized will best represent your professional accomplishments and maximize the primary benefits of this social network including:

• Building your personal brand
• Generating business leads
• Increasing your business website SEO ratings
• Establishing your authority or expertise in a subject area
• Increasing your ability to be found by recruiters or other hiring authorities
• Helping you make important professional connections
• Providing you the opportunity to learn and share information
• Allowing you to discover relationships between your connections
• The primary content is free!

Here are some simple best practices for maximizing your Linkedin profile:

1. Use a good profile image
   1. Your profile image is the first thing people notice when they visit your page. Use a close up of your smiling face without a distracting background.
2. Create a descriptive headline
   1. Consider expanding on your job title. Use words that paint a broader picture of what you do.
      1. Instead of “Consultant” use “Results Driven Business Coach | Tech Blog Author | Copy Writer
      2. Instead of “Fitness Instructor” use “Fitness Instructor | Wellness Coach | Personal Trainer”
3. Use good keywords throughout your page
   1. Use keywords that you want to represent the skills, competencies an experience that you most want to highlight. Use those keywords in your current an past positions, in titles and in descriptions.
4. Post important updates
   1. Click on the Linkedin “Home” button and then “share an update.” All of your contacts will see this info in their updates feed.
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   2. Consider sharing
      1. Blog posts
      2. Newsletter links
      3. Business and professional milestones
5. Use the “other” box for your website title
   1. In the website section of the main profile area, click the edit link next to the websites section.
   2. Select “Other” from the drop down menu and type in a unique name for your website, blog, newsletter, Facebook page, etc.
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6. Join a few professional networking groups
   1. After joining and participating in relevant groups related to your business or work, share updates in those groups.
      1. After sharing an update on your home page news feed, navigate to your profile page and click the “share” link below the update
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      2. Then, type in the name of the groups you want to send it to and add a subject and description. (click to see larger image)
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7. Install additional applications
   1. Linked in offers the ability to ‘plug in’ additional application on your page including WordPress blog articles, Events, Google Presentations, Box.net files and more.
      1. In the Linkedin menu bar click on “More…Get More Applications”
8. Customize the contact info box
   1. Move the contact info box up towards the top of the profile and add your phone number in the ‘what advice would you give’ text area.
9. Ask for recommendations
   1. If you are a small business owner this is one of the most important features of Linkedin. Positive recommendations from other professionals is extremely valuable for building the trust of new potential clients, customers and connections.
   2. Visitors can see who is recommending you and also see how they are connected to your connections as well.

For more tips, tools and technology for small business, visit my website: www.loebigink.com

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