LinkedIn: Unlock Your Potential on the World’s Largest Business Network

“It isn't just what you know, and it isn't just who you know. It's actually who you know, who knows you, and what you do for a living.” – Bob Burg

Making connections with collaborators and joint ventures has never been easier — thanks to LinkedIn — the world's largest business network.

LinkedIn is a great starting point for a brand or business because it is very clear what the intentions are of the social media platform — to connect people professionally. The lines for Facebook and Twitter are not as clear as to what your personal and professional image should be. LinkedIn is a powerful tool when it comes to seeking out potential employees, searching for a dream job, and expanding your network. Its abilities far surpass any online job board in all of these areas.

There are ways that you can take this professional platform up a notch and completely unlock your potential:

• Google seems to favor LinkedIn for people searches — when searching for someone, it is rare that their LinkedIn profile would not be one of the first few websites to show up the the results.
• Make sure you claim a unique URL for your LinkedIn profile — so instead of www.linkedin.com/profile/view?randomnumbersthatdonthelpyourSEO — it will appear as www.linkedin.com/yourname. To change your URL, go to your edit profile page and scroll to the “Public Profile” section. Click “Edit” next to the URL to choose a new one.
• Your current position summary should have key phrases in it that will optimize your SEO. Consider this your 30second elevator pitch. You want it to be clear and memorable. Check out the profiles of other Entrepreneurs that you admire for ideas and inspiration.
• Provide links to your website(s), Facebook fan page, and Twitter. Provide links to your Website(s) and Facebook Fan Page. You can supply up to 3 website links in your profile.  You may need all three for websites; however, you may also choose to include a link to your Facebook fan page. LinkedIn provides a special space for your twitter Username and URL: take advantage of it.

• When you visit LinkedIn to update your status, continue to send out friend requests.  LinkedIn has a feature that shows you how closely connected you are to another person.  For example, a close friend of yours will have the number “1” in the top right hand corner while a person you know through a friend of a friend may have a “2” or “3” next to their name. The more people you are connected with, the more prospects you can get in front of.
• Joining groups and displaying the group badge on your profile is a great way to show that you care about interacting. Joining these groups is not only a good way to stay up to date with news, but is great for making connections with others in your niche, as well.  It is another great way to connect with joint ventures and prospects.

• LinkedIn is the perfect place to search when you're looking for a new hire. Check out their corporate recruiting page to find and attract the best talent, target the right person for the job, and showcase your company's brand and culture. 
• When trying to land a dream job, of course make sure that your profile is complete, add connections, network, be as open as possible about yourself and your skills, and seek recommendations from previous employers and coworkers. Showcase why you're the right person for the job!

What other ways have you used LinkedIn to advance your brand and/or business? Have you scored your dream job using the world's larges business network? Let us know with a comment below!