How to Use LinkedIn To Find Business Opportunities

LinkedIn is not just a professional networking Web site for posting and finding jobs. Business owners can promote their companies and find business service providers they can trust through LinkedIn peer reviews. You can also find new business ventures and opportunities by utilizing your network of LinkedIn contacts.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet connection
• LinkedIn account

Use LinkedIn to Find New Business Opportunities

1. Log in to your account via LinkedIn's home page or open an account (see Resources below). You will need to supply your email address and password to gain access to your personal home page.

2. Use the "Get Leads" feature to find contacts within your direct and extended networks in specific companies. Enter the company name in the "Find Inside Contacts At:" field on your home page and hit the "Go" button.

3. See names of people you may directly contact for business prospects within a specific company.

4. Use the "Service Providers" home page to find LinkedIn members who offer specific business development services, such as recruiting and career coaching. Select the "Services" tab on your home page to start.

5. Browse the categories supplied by LinkedIn under Services. You will find providers of services like graphic arts and Web design to help promote your business online as well as many other types of service providers.

Promote Your Services on LinkedIn

6. Use LinkedIn to promote your services online and grow your business. Get listed in LinkedIn's directory of service providers by asking a former client for a review. Click on the "Request a Recommendation" link on the "Services" home page.

7. Select an individual or individuals you would like to solicit for recommendations from your LinkedIn connections.

8. Click the "Send" button to send your request. Once reviews of you have been submitted, you will be listed among the recommended service providers within LinkedIn's network.

Tips & Warnings

• Build a bigger network of business contacts by inviting friends and former classmates to join LinkedIn. The more people in your network, the more opportunities you will have to make strong business connections.
• Upgrade your account to a business account to gain more access to public profiles outside your network.
• Find additional instructions or help at the LinkedIn Help & FAQ section (see Resources below).
• Sharing financial information with an Internet acquaintance is not advisable. Do your research before investing in or disclosing financial information to contacts you might make on LinkedIn.