How to Utilize Linkedin to Bolster Your Bottom Line

LinkedIn is ranked 14 globally in Alexa’s top websites in the world, as of August 2013. They also have more registered adult users compared to Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram, and over 3 million companies across different industries using LinkedIn's Company Pages to connect with their respective target audience.

With some know-how, you can take advantage of many opportunities that LinkedIn offers to webpreneurs. Below are smart steps to take if you want to get the most from LinkedIn.

Start making valuable connections

There is great value in developing the right connections on social media, LinkedIn in particular. 

Begin by reviewing your profile and making sure that it’s complete and optimized. Upload a high-quality professional headshot of yourself and make your profile description compelling. Remember that your profile is your “first impression; the decision to connect, read more or move on, it's made based on what people see on your profile.

And when it comes to connecting, only connect with people or businesses you know. When it comes to networking on LinkedIn, quality beats quantity.

Join discussion groups

LinkedIn groups allow professionals in the same industry or people with similar interests to share information, make business contacts, post and view jobs, and establish themselves as the go-to person in their niche.

You can search through the LinkedIn Group Directory or check out the suggestions of Groups You May Like to join a specific group that can be of value to you or your business. 

Lend a helping hand

Go join the community of your alma mater. Oftentimes, students will look for club/sports sponsorhips or internships opportunities from alumni. This is your chance to lend a helping hand. If you don’t have the resources yourself for their sponsorship or internship needs, maybe you know someone who does. Feel free to help any way you can.

Endorse others

Every “Thank You” goes a long way. 

And Thank You’s on Linked are equivalent to endorsements. If somebody in your network has done something especially nice or if you've received a commendable service from a company, why not say “Thank You” by endorsing their profile pages?

Do you have any other LinkedIn tips to add? Please share them with the MACsWomen community by leaving a comment below.