Take a good look at your resume. Is it updated? Do you have current references? If you’re anything like me, I’ve got to update mine constantly. If you want an easy way to gain references in a professional online community, do it with Linkedin.

Linkedin is like an interactive resume that allows you and your colleagues and business professionals to refer and endorse skills.

Many other SM and websites are more about a great user experience. Linkedin is about your professional life and skills. If you haven’t gotten the DL on marketing on Linkedin, follow these steps to getting it up and running.

A Complete Profile

Making yourself big and bad on the Linkedin network means having a full profile. Think of it this way – if you sent an incomplete resume to a job interview, it wouldn’t look too keen on you, would it?

Your Linkedin profile is accessible to the public so take the time to fill everything out. This includes past work history, volunteer opportunities, and achievements or awards.

A note on your profile picture – do NOT choose a selfie!!!!! Your Linkedin profile picture should be the most professional picture you have. Professionally polished pictures from weddings may be a good place to start. Remember, these are business professionals looking for your skills. Best face forward, everybody.

Recommendations

The neat thing about Linkedin is the interactive endorsement system. You can gather recommendations from colleagues in each skill you’ve chosen. Seek these endorsements from past employers, people you’ve worked with, or family you’ve worked with directly.

If you search for a media mogul on Linkedin, you’ll be amazed at the endorsements they’ve achieved. These are active respondents to your skills and expertise so don’t underestimate them.

Endorsing back isn’t necessary, but paying it forward is always a good idea.

Connect

Find connections through recommendations. Search hashtags or keywords and connect your other social profiles. Add your blogs or websites and input your email addresses to search for additional connections. You can reach out to your connections and ask for leads or advice.

As with any other social media, connections are key. Join online discussion groups to get connected with other business professionals and create dialogue in your field.

“Friending” the Unknown

While connections are important, don’t be the annoying Linkedin person who tries to connect with people they don’t know.

Linkedin will tell you this firsthand. The site is for professionals who work together, know each other, and can stand by recommendations on skills. Linkedin is NOT a free for all to connect with anybody and their mother to get your word out there. Keep it professional.

Download the Linkedin app on your smartphone and tablet and take it where you go. As with any social media, timing is key on your posts so make sure you’re reaching peak.

Have you marketed yourself on Linkedin? How will you use this social media to grow your business?