This blog was initially about .NET development, and I find myself to diverge from that goal more and more. But this, is also about development, about professional development. 

Laurence and I composed together some best practices on how to use LinkedIn, to better your professional standing. By following these practices you will better your career. When I followed them I better my professional standing over night. 

1.      Read, Ten Ways to Use LinkedIn | Guy Kawasaki article and follow his 10 steps their real and they help. 

2.      Follow LinkedIn advice, it’s the best, they are not trying to cost you but really help you. 

3.      Present yourself, fill out the profile page, add all your career position you worked and that you are occupying as small they may seem. 

4.      Search and Invite. Search LinkedIn for all the existing peoples you know and work with they might already be on there. Invite everyone you know, they might know someone that is on LinkedIn and can help you with your career. Or some co-worker in their next job might need your skill set. 

5.      Recommend and be recommended. Recommend your colleague, the people you work with and your clients, they’ll appreciate and you break the ice so you can ask them in return. Employers and clients look for this and some require it. 

6.      Frequently ask questions, answering them will demonstrate that you are dynamic and capable in your industry. Answer the question ask by your target market first this will help you break the ice and get new customers.  Asking them will initiate business relationship that ultimately pay off.  

Once you’ve applied these, have your friends, colleague, clients and employers read these LinkedIn best practices, apply them and your network is growing.