LinkedIn isn’t just for people who need a job; the key is in the name: Linked In. This often-overlooked social media site can help you build a strong network of like-minded professionals. Perhaps the biggest difference between LinkedIn and Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest is the tone. Where the other social media sites take on a more ‘after-work drinks’ vibe, LinkedIn is strictly office hours. This is a place to showcase your specialist business knowledge and connect with people who can help you succeed.

5 Ways to LinkedIn Success

1. Participate in groups and give thoughtful feedback to discussions

Join groups that relate to your business niche and participate in the discussions. Treat them like real conversations, not opportunities to make yourself known. It’s important to stay as authentic as possible, even online. Start by participating in two or three groups, then expand if you have time and feel comfortable. You could even consider starting your own groups, which could contribute to your networking and growth potential.

2. Post a daily status update

It’s not enough to simply join LinkedIn and create a profile. You need to be active as well. Posting a status update is simple and takes little time, but shows your connections that you are serious about remaining up to date with your business. If you’re looking for a specialized employer, post a question saying so. If you’ve come across a link that was interesting to you as a business owner, share it with others in your status. Avoid getting too personal – if you wouldn’t share it with colleagues, don’t share it here.

3. Keep your profile current and eye-catching

At first, creating a complete LinkedIn profile can feel overwhelming. So many fields to fill out! So many questions to answer! Do yourself a favor and fully complete your profile from the get-go, and make sure to add current information as it comes up. This is what people look at to learn more about your brand and if it’s incomplete, that reflects on your company.

4. Actively build a diversified network

As an artist, you might not walk into a tattoo parlor and attempt to network. But online? All bets are off. Reach out to people and businesses, even if they don’t directly appear to relate to your brand. When LinkedIn suggests that you connect with others, do it. The more people you know, the more opportunities can come your way. This doesn’t mean connecting with all of LinkedIn’s 225 million users, but don’t be shy about connecting with businesses who could help you.

5. Give recommendations when relevant

Let’s say that you’re a wedding photographer and worked at the same wedding as a new caterer. If you were impressed with their efforts, recommend them on LinkedIn. Cross-promotion, not self-promotion, is the way to success. Recommend people honestly and in good faith, and the favor is likely to be returned. You can even request that others give you a recommendation, but be tactful when doing this. Remember that all recommendations you give and receive appear on your profile.