LinkedIn is the world leader in social networking for business executives and CXO's. Stuart Crawford from Bulletproof InfoTech shares many of his tips and tricks on how to leverage LinkedIn in your business.

1. LinkedIn for Small Business Are you LinkedIn?

2. What is LinkedIn? "LinkedIn is the office, Facebook is the barbecue in the backyard, and MySpace is the bar," referring to the three major social-networking sites. ~Reid Hoffman CEO of LinkedIn LinkedIn allows professionals to connect with other business professionals, online

3. Why LinkedIn? Professionals leverage LinkedIn to build networks Trusted as B2B platform Connect with Small Business owners locally and across the globe Share insight, answer questions, become a resource Start building TRUST

4. LinkedIn is… A gold mine for business contacts The number one professional network Your profile Try googling your name and see what pops up. You will be surprised! LinkedIn has your audience from CXO’s, Gatekeepers, and management. 50% of executives are on LinkedIn.

5. LinkedIn stats 40+ million users worldwide Average household income $109,000 USD Calgary LinkedIn Users 255,000 85,000 new sign ups every day

6. How to get started www.linkedin.com

7. First things to do Create your profile Description Work history Education Summary Ensure your profile is as complete as possible Remember you are using this for business and networking

8. Building a network Type the name of the person you are searching for. Drop down list will present other options Search for colleagues Search for clients Search for alliances Don’t spam LinkedIn will put you in the penalty box

9. Don’t just use the defaults Customize your message, remember if you meet enough people they may have a hard time remembering you. Mention where you met them, why you want to keep in touch or what/how they maybe able to help you. LinkedIn frowns upon “name collectors”

10. Find a company Search for companies by name Shows info on: What the firm does Who works there Blogs and other info

11. Join groups Groups are a great gathering place Revolve around a special interest or common cause Great place to get information on what is happening around you Awesome for crowdsourcing You can search for groups by interest, geography, focus or browse the directory

12. Groups in Calgary Linking Calgary Calgary Entrepreneur/Small Business Chamber of Commerce 7:15

13. Why I love groups 50 group max as a member 10 group max as a manager But that is not it! Be a leader, give something back Start your own group You become the leader You control the content

14. How to use groups Use groups to answer questions Use groups to offer advice Do add your contact information Name, Company, Website is enough Don’t use groups to sell your services Don’t use groups to “say you want to connect” Don’t use groups to spam Use groups to take steps towards being someone people know, like and trust Groups are the most effective way to build your network

15. Be a true Go-Giver Recommend others you have done business with Use recommendations to promote the work others have done for you Colleagues who have helped you out Presentations you attended When someone does something awesome

16. Other important LinkedIn functions Job posting/searching Questions and answers Third party applications Link blogs Google docs Trip it Slideshare

17. Job hunting Post your open positions - $195 USD Search for careers Keep an eye on others around you Research candidates Search for their LinkedIn profiles

18. Answers Great tool to find out information Awesome resource to help with Crowdsourcing Get answers when you are stuck Ask 10 questions per month You can offer advice to those in search of help or in need Take that important first step to know, like and trust

19. How do you get noticed? Own a group Own a content rich blog Post relevant news topics to groups Post and answer questions Conducts seminars and webinars Use a professional headline in your profile Tweak weekly

20. The million dollar question Should I pay the monthly cost for LinkedIn? Answer it depends Do you have a need for: More InMail More introductions Better search OpenLink

21. Other take aways Add your LinkedIn profile to your: Blog Website Business card Answer questions and provide feedback to conversations daily Recommend a different person every day Stop using Facebook for your business networking online

22. Next steps Questions and answers Engage with me for a one hour free consultation on LinkedIn Stuart Crawford Bulletproof InfoTech http://www.bulletproofIT.ca http://ca.linkedin.com/in/stuartcrawford