Introduction
Although professionals have always acknowledged the value of networking, today’s economic climate makes developing a solid network even more critical. LinkedIn, the leading social networking site for professionals, is the ideal tool for maximizing the potential of an online network. LinkedIn has more than 85 million members worldwide, including executives from all Fortune 500 firms and President Barack Obama. A new member joins approximately every second.
It’s clear that today’s technology has forever changed the way people find a job, promote their businesses, foster strategic partnerships, and develop their professional networks. But technology is just the enabler. The fundamental concepts of professional networking remain the same both online and off. Building relationships through mutual connections and trust is the foundation of success on LinkedIn just as it is in the real world.
Sams Teach Yourself LinkedIn in 10 Minutes, Second Edition is designed to get you up and running on LinkedIn as quickly as possible. This book focuses on standard LinkedIn functionality. LinkedIn rolls out beta functionality and new features on a regular basis, so the features available to you might vary at any given time. The companion website to this book will help keep you updated on what’s new with LinkedIn. For now, turn to Lesson 1, “Introducing LinkedIn,” to get started with this powerful networking tool.
Who Is This Book For?
This book is for you if...
• You’re new to LinkedIn and want to become productive as quickly as possible.
• You want to find a job or promote your business online, taking advantage of all that social networking has to offer.
• You want to become productive on LinkedIn as quickly as possible and are short on time.
Companion Websites
This book has a companion website online at http://www.patricerutledge.com/books/linkedin.
Additional information is located at http://www.informit.com/store/product.aspx?isbn=0672330857. Here you can find additional lessons and articles, including information about recruiting job candidates, working with company profiles, advertising on LinkedIn, and using LinkedIn on your mobile device.
Conventions Used in This Book
The Sams Teach Yourself series has several unique elements that help you as you learn more about LinkedIn. These include