How to Find Answers To Business Questions On LinkedIn

LinkedIn has created a network of professionals through its Web site. Besides offering job networking opportunities, LinkedIn has also created a way for users to find answers to common business questions by tapping the expertise of its vast network of professionals through LinkedIn Answers. Here you can ask questions and search for answers to problems or questions in your field or industry.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Business question
• Computer with Internet connection
• LinkedIn account

Enter Business Questions for Answers from LinkedIn

1. Log on to your LinkedIn account (see Resources below) to use LinkedIn Answers. Click on the "Answers" tab from your LinkedIn home page.
2. Ask a question of other LinkedIn members by entering it in the "Ask a Question" field and hitting the "Ask Question" button.
3. Use the "Details" field to elaborate on your question.
4. Select a category for your question from the menu in the "Categorize Your Question" field. You will be able to narrow your question's category down more specifically depending on the category.
5. Note whether your question is specific to a set geographic region by clicking in the corresponding checkbox.
6. Check any of the applications your question has in the last field. You may use any or all of the checkboxes to indicate whether your question concerns recruiting, promotions and marketing, or job seeking.
7. Hit the "Ask Question" button at the bottom of the form to submit your question. Check back for answers from your network and the experts at LinkedIn.

Become an Expert

8. Answer questions asked by other members by clicking the "Answer Now" button.
9. Browse through the list of open queries, and click on the link to the question you feel you are qualified to answer.
10. Become an expert by consistently providing appropriate and correct answers to other members' questions. LinkedIn uses a rating system to award expertise points.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose to share your question only with select connections by clicking in the "Only Share This Question With Connections I Select" checkbox. You may receive fewer answers but you will be able to choose from your network those specific individuals you wish to ask.
• Read the LinkedIn Privacy Policy to understand how LinkedIn treats the information you post on the site (see Resources below).
• Even though LinkedIn is primarily a professional networking Web site, all users may not always conduct themselves in a professional manner. If you find a question or answer that is inappropriate, you may flag it for review by LinkedIn's staff. Read more about flagging on LinkedIn's FAQ page (see Resources below).