LinkedIn is a social networking site, similar to Facebook, however it is different in that it isn’t used like a Facebook business page to promote your business to clients, as much as a networking area for professionals without all the games and distractions of Facebook.

You could think of it as an online Chamber of Commerce.

What Linked in allows you to do is:

• connect with professionals in your own area of expertise in the Groups area. You can use these areas to share ideas, pick up a few tips and connect with people who have the same interests.
• Help your search engine optimization efforts. With your personal profile and company page, you can link back to your own website, giving you a higher rank in Google.
• Stay on top of industry news.
• Demonstrate your expertise by posting answers in the sites Answers section.

When you sign up for LinkedIn, you make connections rather than becoming someone’s friend. This introduces you to their connections, which helps you meet more professionals.

Joining relevant Groups is a good way to make connections as well as share information and find support. For example, I’ve joined groups to do with SEO and website design.

You can also ask for recommendations from clients, colleagues and other people in your network to endorse you through LinkedIn Recommendations. Like a reference letter, they reinforce your professional identity online. You can then easily return the favour. These recommendations are considered “social proof” that someone has vouched for you that you are good at what you do, and can deliver results.

But LinkedIn isn’t just about promoting yourself, it is important to use it as a tool to help others and their business as well.