No matter how cluttered or confusing they may seem, all social networking websites can be great tools when used to their full potential. LinkedIn currently has over 120 million users and is an increasingly popular platform for connecting with business professionals and prospective employers.

To get started, you’ll need to create a profile that showcases your experience, education and any relevant achievements.

Once that is set up, you’ll be able to connect with friends, former colleagues and people you hope to work with. By developing a network, you’re also able to “link” with other networks through your connections.

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It’s similar to being invited to a networking event by a friend and networking with the event attendees, except you can do it from the comfort of your home and you’re in complete control of your “first impression.”

Setting up your LinkedIn account can seem perplexing, but if you have your resume handy (or the details you would put on a resume) then you’re already on your way to completing the first step!

Create a Thorough LinkedIn Profile

Using LinkedIn is not only relatively easy, but it’s also free! Your profile should be filled in as completely as possible. Your talents and experience are varied, and you never know what keyword will entice someone to view your profile.

You’ll want to make sure you include education, work experience and professional interests, as well as any website, blog or other social media site. Utilize phrases and keywords that stand out so you are easy to locate. Many people are “scanners” so avoid long paragraphs and treat the profile like an online resume.

Add Applications

Applications like Reading List, WordPress, SlideShare Presentations and Polls give you the opportunity to further personalize your profile and show other LinkedIn members the diversity of your interest and activities. You can locate these applications under the “edit profile” tab and adding sections you feel are most relevant to your profile.

The more you have, the better chance you have of attracting new connections and enhancing your networking efforts.

Start Making Connections

You can begin networking by importing your address book (Google, Yahoo, AOL, etc.) and finding friends and former or current colleagues. This, along with using the basic search function on the LinkedIn site, will help find a lot of initial contacts.

Once you’ve done that, you can begin looking at their contacts. You can ask for an introduction or introduce yourself. If you’re feeling shy, just remember that this is virtual networking and everyone is on the site for the same reason: to network and to form new connections!

Get Recommendations

Are you more likely to use a service if it comes recommended? Of course you are! By having recommendations, it lets prospective employers know that you are dependable and trustworthy. If you offer services, such as Web design or bookkeeping, it will get you listed in the service directory and you have a better chance of being chosen over other LinkedIn members who aren’t recommended.

Getting recommendations can be as easy as simply asking and you can return the favor by recommending the connections who you’ve worked with.

Keep Your Profile Active

Update your status, post frequently and add (appropriate) links. Anything relevant or interesting to your field is ideal. This can include events you plan to attend, articles on businesses you’ve worked with or blog posts specific to your business area. To avoid posting too much, try to update no more than twice a day.

Another great way to make sure your active profile is being viewed is to post during regular business hours.

Mastering the wide world of LinkedIn is easier once you know what will get you noticed. This can be easy and once you’re up-and-running, this networking tool can be the perfect way to land your new job or gain more clients!