Tips on using LinkedIn

I recently attended a LinkedIn event organised by the brilliant Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce http://www.businessinbrighton.org.uk/.  The four excellent speakers identified these key ways to make LinkedIn work for you:

• LinkedIn can be used to develop and enhance your reputation as an expert in your field. To do this, join groups, ask questions and contribute to discussions.
• Use good English and only link to quality content/sources/blogs etc.
• Use LinkedIn as more than a place to get a job and to passively connect with as many people as possible.
• Don't try and promote or sell something directly.
• LinkedIn can be used to source good deals from local suppliers (just use the search function).
• Set up a company page.
• Raporrtive was recommended as an easy way to get social media details from an email address. 
• And finally, if a company as big as Microsoft takes LinkedIn seriously then so should everyone.

Thanks to those of you who shared your expertise and insights:  Al Tredinnick of Digicave, Kate Bacon of Kate Bacon: Communication Genius and Caroline White of White Write along with sponsor Guy Anderson from zero G media

Kate Gare