How to Benefit from LinkedIn as a Self-Employed Person or Small Business Owner

Member

By Ana Villaronga
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (7 Ratings)

LinkedIn is a very popular business networking site designed mostly for corporate executives, professionals and corporate employees. Those who are self-employed or small business owners can also benefit from LinkedIn! Here's how!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Computer
Website
Time
Photo

Step 1

Open a LinkedIn account and add a photo to your profile. It is important to show people who you are, especially if you are trying to grow your network. Your profile should summarize what you do and include at least a small portion of your past, including your education. Also, include any professional organizations that you hold a membership for.
Step 2

LinkedIn

Link your website to your LinkedIn profile. If you do not have a website, link to your Twitter page (if it's business oriented) or to your Google profile. Consider getting a website of your own and update your profile with it, when you do. In today's world everyone needs their own site. It has become much simpler and much cheaper to do, and will benefit you in the end. Do not add your FaceBook or MySpace profile here. LinkedIn is strictly business related.
Step 3

LinkedIn

Find others you already know that are already using LinkedIn, by uploading your email address book. Invite them to connect with you. Those who are not yet using LinkedIn, but who you think would benefit by being part of your network, invite to join.
Step 4

Try to get at least one connection to write a recommendation for you. You may also write a recommendation for any connection you think merits one.
Step 5

Browse through the LinkedIn groups and see which ones are of interest to you and/or your business. Join those groups. Once your group memberships are approved, begin joining their discussions by commenting and starting new discussions. Post articles that are pertinent to the group. If you would like to start your own group, do so! It is simple to do and a great way to grow your network. You might even decide to start several groups.
Step 6

People that are interested in your comments, groups and discussions will most likely look at your profile and invite you to connect. You will find yourself doing the same.
Step 7

LinkedIn can help you with credibility, re-connecting with lost or far away connections. It increases your Google space and helps you develop your personal brand.
Step 8

Get involved! As a self-employed person or small business owner, you need to get out and search people out. Filling out your profile and waiting is not the way. Join, contribute, discuss, comment, make new friends and contacts. It is surprising how nice and helpful people can be!

The corporate world does not need to dedicate much time to their LinkedIn account and profile. They can sit back and wait to receive a few connections, recommendations, etc.

Small business people, on the other hand, cannot sit back. LinkedIn is extremely useful, but only for those who choose to dedicate it some time and effort.