Posted Under: Networking, Social Media

Who would not like to sell more, find more customers, and find the next project or job all via LinkedIn!?! Well, let me share all the rocket science of how I landed a full-time job (when I needed) and got (and still get) all (more than 70%) my clients from LinkedIn. Before I tell you the secrets, let me tell you that my philosophy of networking is pretty open yet pretty selective and in traditional argument of quality versus quantity i.e being connected to more people versus being connected to relevant people, you’d always find me somewhere in the middle of the road because I personally invite to connect people when I see a synergy where either I can help them or they can help me however, I accept almost all invites as an open networker unless A. the profile smells like a spam and B. the profile smells like a spam 😉

Another, ongoing argument is that the networking gurus tell you to have a “give to get” approach of networking, where you keep giving and expect it to come back, I think it is the sure shot way of setting yourself up to be disappointed. I believe in “give to give” and by that I simply mean is, accept the fact that you may never see a return on your efforts and do not expect anything in return. “Give to give” and you will be very pleasantly surprised with what your efforts will unfold…

So, without further ado here are the ‘nine’ that will help you shine, and remember most of these can be applied to other social and professional networking platform as well.

1. Fill out your profile completely and correctly to earn trust. Use widgets to integrate other tools, such as importing your blog, slideshare or twitter stream to enrich your profile.
2. Do market research and gain knowledge with Polls. Ask questions in Questions and Answers to get an idea on what customers and prospects want or think of your product, services and or industry. Spot their problem and solve that problem with your product/ service.
3. Answer questions inQuestions and Answers. Show your expertise but stay away from OVER self-promotion. This one is my favorite and most used one.

See all nine tips at http://www.evancarmichael.com/Starting-A-Business/5811/Rocket-Science-Behind-LinkedIn.html

Happy Networking!