How to Use LinkedIn To Grow Your Business

Building a business takes great management skills. Managing time, money, people and their skills can help you grow your business. With online tools like the LinkedIn Web site, you can make connections with future employees and service providers without spending a lot of time networking and see your business grow.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet connection
• LinkedIn account

Visit LinkedIn to Network

1. Log on to the LinkedIn network through the home page (see Resources below). You must enter your email address and password to gain access to your personal home page, or you can create a new account from the LinkedIn home page.

2. Enter the names and email addresses of colleagues you wish to invite. Once they have joined your LinkedIn network you will have access to their extended contacts as well.

Find Future Hires

3. Search for potential new hires for your business by clicking on the "People" tab from your home page.

4. Use the "Advanced Search" feature to look for people in specific industries or with specific skills. You can also search for prospects within your geographic region to save money on relocation costs.

5. Post a job in your business by clicking on the "Jobs & Hiring" tab.

6. Hit the "Post A Job" button to begin the posting process.

7. Provide as much detail as possible about the position and give correct contact information.

8. Confirm your job posting before you complete the purchase process. Be aware that you can purchase job postings singly or in packs of 5 or 10.

Find Service Providers

9. Look for individuals who offer services to help you grow your business on LinkedIn. Click the "Services" tab to see recommended service providers within the LinkedIn network.

10. See reviews for services providers made by people within your direct network under the "You" tab. See additional reviews from your extended network under the "1st" and "2nd" tabs. Read reviews from throughout the LinkedIn network under the "Recommendations From All LinkedIn Users" tab.

11. Use these reviews to select the best professional service providers for your business.

Tips & Warnings

• Additional assistance can be found at the LinkedIn Help & FAQ page (see Resources below).
• Sharing payment information such as credit card account numbers online can be risky. Always be aware of the level of security any Web site offers for protecting your private information. Review LinkedIn's security information before upgrading or making a purchase from their Web site (see Resources below).