Carol McManus

This is a simple straight-forward tip on how to use LinkedIn to expand your network and create new business opportunities regardless of the business you are in.

The secret is groups. Most people stick a toe in the water by reaching out to people in their immediate sphere whose email addresses are in the Outlook account. This is absolutely a great place to start, but the success of LinkedIn shouldn't stop there.

Step One: After you have built your preliminary network with the people you know, take time to peruse all of their contacts to see who they know that you don't. If there is someone you would like to be connected to, ask you direct contact for an introduction.

Step Two: Look at the groups that your contacts belong to. Chances are the groups they joined will have interest to you also. Send a request to join and follow it up with an email to the group manager telling them why you think you should belong to this group. This will help the group manager respond to you quickly.

Step Three: Once you have joined a group, take the time to scan through the members. You may be surprised right off the bat by finding names you know; often people you forgot about or lost contact with. This might be your alumni association, a former company you worked for, or an association that you belong to. Reach out to those people and ask to be connected. This is much easier to do when you are part of the same group because you now have a legitimate connection even though you might not know their new email address. Because you are in the same group, LinkedIn will allow you to invite them to connect.

Step Four: Spend some quality time on the Discussion Forums in each group you join. Respond to what other people have posted. This will establish you as an expert and draw attention to you profile. Better yet, post your own question or comment on the Discussion Forum. It is an easy and effective way to engage people in conversation.

Step Five: As you read other people's comments in the discussion threads, look at their profiles to see if you have anything in common. If you do, send them an invitation to connect, but make sure to add a personal comment about why you are sending them a request. You will find very quickly that your network expands the globe with new associates.

LinkedIn only works if you work LinkedIn. Spend 20 minutes a day and in a few weeks you will double, triple or even quadruple your network. Don't be afraid to offer your services or offer your help. This is a very giving community.

In the coming weeks, we'll be reviewing other social networking sites. If you have experiences to share, please email me with you insights. I would love to share your wisdom with our ever-expanding audience.

Have a great week and remember to network!