If you are a regular follower of this blog, you know I am a fan of LinkedIn^®.

Like anything in life, it’s not perfect, but, here is what I do like –

• It has a more professional feel than other social media platforms
• It helps showcase your work
• It builds professional relationships

Recently, I had a string of positive experiences in using LinkedIn^®.

Just when I needed it most.

If you are like me with –

• More sales pitches than you will ever need
• Bad experiences with customer service, and
• A need for quick, reliable help

Then you might want to think about LinkedIn^® as a solution.

Faith Restoration

Here are examples of how the professional network restores your faith in social media.

Most people love to share

If you have not used the Answers or Groups functions, you are missing out on some of the best free consulting out there.

Sure, there are the marketing spammers that take every opportunity to hit you with garbage. Somehow I find them easier to ignore on LinkedIn^®. And if you choose your Groups wisely, the Group leaders nip them in the bud.

Examples – here are just a few ways I benefited.

Answers – I was in the market for a new desktop computer. I posted a question in Answers (why don’t they call it Questions?) for recommendations on computers.

Of course, I got some of the Mac versus PC debate, but I couldn’t believe the time people took to share detailed responses (amount of memory, processors, etc.). This is my first post on my new desktop computer that I purchased using suggestions from those who responded.

Groups – I belong to Groups that are made up of my peers, as well as some related to my niche. Since starting my own business in 2008, I have been amazed at the generosity of freelance writers in offering help.

I used the Groups for writers to seek advice on everything from the type of software, recording devices to information about specific markets. I share what I know so it is a two-way street.

Groups is also a great introduction to potential clients in a comfortable environment that doesn’t tolerate the hard sales pitch.

Editorial: Now that LinkedIn^® is moving forward on the IPO, maybe we can do something about the not-so-new Groups format. I find it difficult to view for topics of interest. That’s my 2 cents.

It’s a free trial run

I don’t mean the platform itself – you can have the Basic membership at no cost or a Premium account for a fee and more services.

What I mean is LinkedIn^® is a trial run on the individuals in the network.

In essence, you “work” with people without the strings.

• You receive insight into their personality, their set of values
• You can measure their experience
• You can see if you want to do business with them

It also allows you the opportunity to strut your stuff to people and markets you might not otherwise meet.

Do you use LinkedIn^®? Are you a fan? If so, what’s worked well for you?

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