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1. Local Expert Needed:
Using LinkedIn

2. Did you know that you can use LinkedIn.com's
free features to build your reputation as a local
expert in your niche? Well, if not, you do now!
LinkedIn.com is a more formal social network
made especially for business. You're not going to
get on LinkedIn.com to update your connections
about the potty habits of your pets or children.
You're not going to make comments about the
woman in front of you in line who smells like a
skunk. No, on LinkedIn.com, you're going to keep
it all business, all the time.

3. On LinkedIn.com you have a variety of tools
at your fingertips. When you first to get to
LinkedIn.com, what you'll see is the home
page, profile page, contact page, groups,
jobs, inbox, companies, news and more.
Believe it or not, you can use all the features
on LinkedIn.com for free. While there is an
upgraded version you can get for a small
monthly fee, I highly recommend that you use
the free version first to see where take you.

4. Let's go over the different areas of
LinkedIn.com, and discuss the best ways to
get the most out of LinkedIn.com, and to
establish you as a local business expert.

5. On the LinkedIn home page you will see a
stream of updates from other members of
LinkedIn. Every time you make a change,
share an update, make a new connection, or
have any activity on your LinkedIn.com
account, it will show up on the stream. This
‘stream’ provides a lot of opportunities to
become a local expert and keep themselves
at the forefront of their connections minds.

6. Your profile is probably the single most
important aspect of your LinkedIn.com
account. Unlike other social media sites such
as Facebook or Twitter, it is very important and
that you establish a very professional presence
on LinkedIn.com. Use the most professional
picture that you have, or find a local
photographer to take a new proto. The next
aspect of your profile that is very important is
that the headline that is under your name.

7. Creating a key word rich headline will
garner a lot more searches for your
business. Don't try to be clever with your
headline, instead be very direct, if you are a
virtual assistant, or a marketing expert, or
are you sell widgets at a local store this is
the time to say so.

8. The next important part of your profile is your
summary. Your summary should describe a
complete picture of what you do, in other
words it explains your "why" for being.
Naturally, you should include keyword rich
data so that your target market can find you.

9. It's also important to list your current
business name, links to your website, and
any other relevant information that will help
your customers find you.

10. One really exciting feature is the ability to add
sections to your profile. A section could be a
stream of your blog, a twitter and link, or your
Facebook link, for instance. Don't be shy;
add every relevant business oriented section
that you can. Your profile is where you can
shine.

11. Once you complete your professional profile,
it's time to invite contacts. Look through your
contact list, people that you already know,
and choose those highly valuable people
whom you want to invite to connect with you
on LinkedIn.com.

12. Unlike other social Media Networks, focus on
quality connections over quantity. Your goal
is to establish your expertise in your particular
niche. There is no need to add your mother,
your sister, your children, or your best friend
unless these people are also valuable
business connections.

13. Now, look through the different local groups
that are relevant to your target audience.
While it is okay to join groups consisting of
other professionals that do exactly what you
do to advance your professional
development, what you're really looking for
here are groups that consist of your target
audience.

14. Initially, limit the group you join to 2 to 4 so
that you can have time to participate fully.
Once you are a member of the group, answer
questions and ask questions without
dispensing any sort of spam to the members.
Frankly, people are sick and tired of social
network users who do not participate, but
instead compulsively link unrelated content all
over the place.

15. Finally, look through jobs, inbox, companies,
news, and the ‘more’ features. Learn about
each of these areas so that you can use
them to their maximum benefit. Becoming a
local expert can increase your sales
exponentially. Put your best foot forward, act
with integrity, and before you know it you too,
will be an established LinkedIn.com local
business expert.
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16. END