Build a Business Network with LinkedIn

In a recent article on Mediate.com, I suggested that tapping into online social networks may create the kinds of connections that help build practices: “Social networks are the big technology buzz for 2006. While the jury’s still out as to whether the more than 200 social networking sites have anything to offer beyond buzz, they do seem to have potential for business networking and referrals. SNAs (social networking applications) can help you connect with people who share an interest, have a business need, or have some other purpose that links you. It’s the six degrees of separation idea, online.”

LinkedIn is one of those SNAs. While I’ve been a member for a couple of years, I’ve not bothered to do much with it. I think I’ll start experimenting and see what happens.

If you’re unfamiliar with LinkedIn and how it can be used, take a look at LinkedIn in Three Steps and be sure to visit the “read some examples” link at the foot of that page. I also recommend Dave Taylor’s recent primer, Getting Started with LinkedIn. In addition to advice for creating your own free account, he provides two creative examples of the ways that LinkedIn can be used.

If you’re a veteran LinkedIn user and have some usage examples to share, I hope you’ll leave a comment here!