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10 Tips to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
http://esitesecrets.com/articles/5190/1/10-Tips-to-Optimize-Your-LinkedIn-Profile/Page1.html
By Patrick LeMay
Published on 02/3/2012
 
LinkedIn is a social networking website that has become very popular among professionals Despite the soaring popularity of several other social media sites, LinkedIn continues to be used by millions of professionals to build contacts that can lead to business success

LinkedIn is a social networking website that has become very popular among professionals. Despite the soaring popularity of several other social media sites, LinkedIn continues to be used by millions of professionals to build contacts that can lead to business success. Here are top 10 LinkedIn tips to increase your visibility on the website.

1. Build a client focused profile
Many people have a LinkedIn profile that looks like a CV. LinkedIn isn’t only meant for recruitment. For business owners, the aim should be to attract potential clients and business partners. Adding a few previous employment details van give you credibility but make sure not to make it look like a job application. Design you profile in such a way that it encourages a business relationship.

2. Connect
LinkedIn provides you the facility to connect to new people, which is this social media site’s most powerful feature. The more connections you have, the more you benefit. You can find new people either through the search function or through your contact connections.

3. Choose connection strategy cautiously
There are two different strategies to connect on LinkedIn - Trusted Partner Networking and Open Networking. Open Networking involves accepting and sending as many connection requests as possible and growing the network size. On the other hand, Trusted Partner Networking involves adding those who you know and trust to your network. Open Networking may not get you as many strong referrals as Partner Networking.

4. Search for potential business partners and clients
Always keep searching for potential clients. Use LinkedIn Search. This feature allows you to search by name, job title, company or geography. This is an effective way you can get business from LinkedIn. It is one of the most important top 10 LinkedIn tips.

5. Provide testimonials to gain connections
Having testimonials in your profile increases your credibility and indicates you work quality and your relationships. Give testimonials to your trusted associates or to those with whom you have enjoyed working with. Once they accept, ask them if they would like to reciprocate. Chances are that they probably will.

6. Have an interesting headline
The first thing that people see when they want to connect with you on LinkedIn is your headline. By default, LinkedIn puts your job title as your headline. This is not particularly impressive as people cannot understand if you would be able to help. An ideal headline is an apt and brief introduction.

7. Join LinkedIn groups and interact
Interaction is an essential part of LinkedIn to gain more connections. Join groups that interest you and interact with as many people as you can. You can also interact with people through the LinkedIn Q&A section. The more you interact, the more connections you can gain.

8. Update your status regularly
Let people know interesting things about you and your daily life by updating your status messages.

9. Initiate contact if you find someone's status interesting
Keep track of people through their status messages. Get in touch if the status indicates something important for you.

10. Don’t forget to add those who you think will benefit
Always connect with those who could be of any benefit to you, even if in the long run.

Following these top 10 LinkedIn tips can help you promote your business and get new clients.