If your model is Business to Business–LinkedIn is THE social media channel you need to have a presence in, be familiar with, 
and use often. LinkedIn is more than just a recruiting website–it's a social media networking site for professionals. Unlike Facebook (which is mostly casual interaction), LinkedIn is all about connecting with former colleagues and business contacts.
What do you need to get started on LinkedIn? I'd say 20 minutes, an email address, a photo, a copy of your resume, and your rolodex, uh…your phone contact list handy.
Create a profile by logging into the site and following the setup wizard.
You're the Headliner!
Your Professional Headline is one of the most important keys to getting found on LinkedIn. It's placed right under your name.
For example, I used to have Marketing Consultant, Owner as my professional headline–that doesn't say much. I changed it to use key search words: Online Marketing Consultant | WordPress Web Designer | Graphic Designer | Email Marketing Strategist. Yes, I have 4 titles in my headline. There are no rules here–just how you want to describe yourself and what your business does. I don't list my business name here as it shows up multiple times below in my profile and as Current Company. Seriously, I ran out of room.
Add It Up
Think of your summary as your “sales pitch” to really explain who you help, the benefits of using your service and/or product, and the results. This area is so much more than just a summary of your resume. Take advantage of the summary area to express your mission and business purpose. Highlight your accomplishments and talents, using the key search words you define for you and your business. Bullet points are great in this area so it's easy to read.
Make sure you put links into this area to your website, direct landing pages (for instance a program you sell or your portfolio page), and other social media network links.
Are you Experienced?
All hail the mighty guitar legend, Jimi Hendrix. Jimi knows you need to be experienced. The experience area is where your resume comes in handy. For your current position (especially if you are an entrepreneur) this is another area to expand on what you listed in your summary section about your business. You can add current projects–and soon you'll be able to add videos here as well. The video capability is a slow roll-out. Our lucky Canadian friends already have this ability. Aw shucks, Kanucks!
As for the remainder of your resume–take a high level look at look at the content, and then add it from your ideal client's perspective–what would they really want to know about you? What qualities and experiences set you as a leader in your industry? Write this as proof of your innate awesomeness.
You've Got Mad Skills
Under the skill section, list all of the most pertinent expertise and skills to your business first. Then add on the others that you also have.
GABBA GABBA HEY!
Three cheers for your Alma Mater. Yes, listing all of your education institutions will give others access to your profile if they type in the same University criteria in a search.
Give a Little Help To Your Friends
Don't flat out ask for recommendations–give them. People will be more likely to send you one in return. For full profile all-star status, LinkedIn likes you to have 3 recommendations. These are harder to get than the system-prodded skill endorsements, which is just a mouse click. Writing a paragraph requires thoughtful commentary. You can bring your A-game to recommendations and really shine with giving some to colleagues. They are always appreciated.
Group Love
The profile is just the tip of the iceberg. Join groups join in the conversation. The smart business person not only joins industry peer groups–but also the groups of where your ideal client hangs out! Use LinkedIn as a research tool to find out what your ideal client is interested, where they like to hang out, and what services they truly need. There's a lot of question and answers floating around LinkedIn. Be there with the answers.
No Tweets Allowed
LinkedIn has a status update area. Think of it more as a way to share interesting articles that might be helpful to your ideal client, industry stats, or articles you've written. It's not for Twitter-like or Facebook-like updates. Keep this feed professionally focused.
I'd venture to say that sharing articles you've written will go further in a group-type format for driving people back to your site than flat out status updates. Experiment and see what works best for you and your company.
If you're looking for a great course on LinkedIn for business, check out Punch!Media's LinkedIn training course by social media maven, Leslie Hughes. I just completed the series and I found myself revamping my entire profile!
