If you are reading this blog chances are you are a professional – and if you are a professional of any sort my recommendation to you is - YOU NEED TO BE ON LINKEDIN.COM.

Stop leaving your career to chance and get out there and make things happen for yourself. One of the best ways to do this is to keep yourself networked both on- and off-line.

LinkedIn.com is a way to showcase your skills and work experience online, in a unique and creative way that is accessible 24/7. You can easily keep this online resume up-to-snuff by simply updating your profile as life experiences happen. Example: I was recently published in a book and I added this new experience to my job history on my LinkedIn profile – what would have taken me months to share with my network in the past took just a few seconds online updating my profile and it can be removed just as easily. I can also drive users to the website where they can learn more or purchase this book!

Stop waiting for the right opportunities to cross your path, get out there, create your profile and take active control of your career and your personal networks (on and offline).

Here are just a few of my favorite things about connecting with others and using LinkedIn.

The Search Feature - Easily identify people, jobs, companies and groups that you are looking for on LinkedIn. In fact, the search results will populate those in closest relation to you at the top of the search result listing (which is adjustable).

Groups - Personally, I am involved with over 40 groups on LinkedIn and that is probably a little excessive. You can search for Groups that interest you. In my case, administrative professional related groups are a key focus for me. For fun, I like wine focused groups. Other groups I am interested in are my local chamber, young professional organizations, working mom groups and so on – look for Groups that interest YOU.

Jobs - Not only does LinkedIn give the chance to tell others you are looking, it helps you in your search with job postings and even jobs that would be a good fit for you – posted on the right hand column when you are viewing your home page as “Jobs you may be interested in.” Note: you can get a “Job Seeker Badge” which will help you to stand out and you are 50% more likely to be found by a future employer in search results.

Easily Understanding Your Reach - As I write this post I checked out my recent ‘stats’ on LinkedIn. Currently I have 680+ connections and within my network I have over 6,805,117 people – that’s huge. I am a young professional, early enough in my career and I have a reach of over half a million people! These numbers are easily accessible to you within your LinkedIn account.

I look forward to connecting with you on and offline at the next mixer! I invite you to connect with me today. View my profile.