LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for your company and can help ensure growth in a number of ways. If you are not currently a member, signing up now makes a lot of good business sense.

LinkedIn might seem like just another social networking site to the uninitiated. However, you’ll quickly find that this site is a bit different from the tradition of Facebook or MySpace. What is LinkedIn? In essence, it’s the biggest social networking site aimed specifically at business owners. With more than 40 million users, it’s one of the most powerful networking tools out there for businesses.

How do you use LinkedIn to increase your business success?

Make Use of LinkedIn's Tools

Unique tools such as the company page provides vital information about your company, in an easy-to-use setup. This page combines a brief synopsis of the company, a rundown of employees, a blurb for news, other categories that your business falls into and vital stats about your company. This offers visitors a tremendous amount of information about your company, within a single webpage.

Incorporate LinkedIn Widgets into your Profile
LinkedIn offers a multitude of widgets to enhance your profile. Add a survey or poll to do market research. Incorporate your blog into your profile. Save time by linking your updates from other social media sites. You can even include videos, product tutorials or presentations.

Use LinkedIn Answers
LinkedIn Answers is a unique tool that allows you to pose questions to all of your contacts (and their networks in some cases). Not only does this provide you with a wide range of information that you can use to your benefit, but it also opens up the possibilities of creating new connections. Answering questions can quickly establish you as an expert in your field.

Improve Your Business’ “Connectability”
LinkedIn is primarily a networking site. It’s surprising just how much you can grow your network with just a few clicks. The more connected your company is, the more likely you are to get a job offer, to get new contracts or to make new contacts or find new customers. Grow your network by joining groups related to your industry.

LinkedIn profiles are indexed by Google, raising visibility of your website and the “connectability” of your company to Internet users who aren’t even a part of LinkedIn. Be sure to include your service or product keywords when creating your profile to ensure maximum exposure.

Build your Brand with Recommendations
Before choosing a vendor, many people will research online to gather research - authentic recommendations can ensure you're company is in the short list. General recommendations are nice but provide little value to a potential client. Highlight your successes by asking customers for project specific recommendations. Provide honest and insightful recommendations for others in your network.

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