So you are already on either Facebook, MySpace, or Friendster (or multiple). These social networking sites have helped you share your interests, pictures, videos, and events with friends (and lets admit it, people you hardly know too!). You’ve stayed up to date with the ongoing lives of the people you have connected to and even stalked a few.

Now What?

Its about time you joined LinkedIn. Its a new type of social networking, actually focused on networking. As important as it is to let the world know your favorite movie is Old School its just as important to let those in your network know the strength of your resume. LinkedIn profiles are built similar to resumes displaying education, past work experience, and qualifications.

In addition to this online resume, LinkedIn has the benefit of allowing users the option to write recommendations for others. These can come in handy when recruiters or other interested parties scan your resume.

This is probably a good time to mention that there are two types of membership. A free membership and a paid membership. I have only explored the free membership and have managed to make 79 connections (Importing my e-mail address book helped me find lots of users). These connections have resulted in 3,000+ contacts that are two degrees away and 267,600+ contacts that are three degrees away. That’s a lot of potential people I can meet!

In order to meet these people that are two or three degrees away, LinkedIn offers free introduction forwarding. I used this once when a friend (Friend A) of a co-worker wanted to get in touch with a friend (Friend D) of mine. So Friend A created a message for Friend D. She then forwarded it to the Co-Worker, who forwarded it to me, and I sent it along to Friend D.

LinkedIn has proven to have endless possibilities when it comes to networking. Its a great tool that I’m sure will grow with new features.

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