ADVICE FROM ANGELA KAMBARIAN Most people assume that it s very hard to make connections online. Therefore, they usually use LinkedIn as a resume site. They don t realize that this underutilized social media network has tremendous potential. I have even heard LinkedIn referred to as the red-headed stepchild of social media. Some individuals have created a LinkedIn account and left it dormant for months. Not a good way to go, if you ask me. Are you one of those people, by the way? Let me share some interesting facts about this often misunderstood but powerful network. I hope this article will help you benefit significantly from some of the features and opportunities it presents. First and foremost, LinkedIn is a search engine. It has a great deal of authority on Google and other popular search engines. If you have a LinkedIn profile and Google you name, it will show up on the first page of Google. This says a lot about the ranking authority of LinkedIn. Here is what you should do to get the most of it. 1. Use LinkedIn to boost your Search Engine Optimization Now I would like to share one simple strategy with you. Instead of displaying My Blog and My Website, click on "Edit" and then click "Other". What keyword phrases your prospective clients are more likely to use to find your business? For example one of my clients changed his mortgage website to say Foreclosure Options. Another one changed My Blog to Social Media Marketing which is his area of expertise. Let me assure you that this is an easy way to boost your rankings in the search engines. Why don t you optimize your LinkedIn profile NOW, before your prospect enters your main keywords and finds your competition? 2. Promote Your Blog You can import your Wordpress blog feed to your profile by searching for the Wordpress application. Others will have a chance to scan your blog content at a glance. 3. Create LinkedIn Ad Campaigns As it turns out LinkedIn has its own Direct Ads Campaign targeting business professionals. It is a professional site which means that there is less likelihood that your data will be viewed by random people. For the most part, it will be people interested in business-related information. You will have a chance to reach a fast growing community of over 57 million professionals and customize your ad. Believe it or not, you can get started with as little as $50. 4. Utilize Events to Engage Clients You can create an event if you are planning on attending an event or will be an attendee. All you have to do is send invitations to your LinkedIn network and take advantage of an opportunity to meet your contacts face to face. You can also view all of your network s upcoming events. 5. Use Groups to Connect with People Most people join groups and never come back to participate in them. Why don t you start a group and keep in touch with your group as it grows? Of course, you need to put some time and effort into the process, but a great place to start is to invite your current network. As you know, business professionals like to network. 6. Get Recommendations to Attract More Clients Recommendations is a unique feature of LinkedIn that sets it apart from other social media networks. The best way to gain credibility and promote your business is to have your colleagues or clients say good things about you and praise your work ethic. You know what the best way to obtain recommendations is? I live by the old adage: Give and you shall receive. Recommend your peers and they will return the favor. I hope my suggestions above will come in handy and help you spearhead or enhance your social media campaign. Good luck with your endeavors!