LinkedIn has become a popular social media site for conducting business. With its popularity, users have brought business to the social bookmarking arena. Like many of the social network sites, LinkedIn is free for basic users.

With the site, users set up their profile and develop a network. Rather than it being a collection of friends, the network consists of business connections. The service allows users to make introductions and referrals. Besides this feature, there is a section containing questions and answers on business related topics.

There are some paid memberships available. Paid memberships provide the user with additional introductions. Additional services are available to those who pay the premium rates.

Like most social media sites, the user defines who has access to their material and who can view their profile. They also decide whether or not to include a photograph with their profile. Since it is a business oriented site, there are fewer pen names, aliases and avatars. The profile provides detailed employment history, information on positions you have held, and groups you are a member of. There are also places to post the URL’s to your business website. There are also options for educational background as well. It many ways, the profile is an online resume.

The user has the option of using the profile as a resume and sending it out to people they develop connections with. This allows potential employees to reach companies and connections they may not have ad access to before. This feature also allows potential employers to know more about potential applicants. It is well known that many companies check social networking sites as part of the screening of applicants.

There are also some handy features that allow the user to define searches by name, employer, business size, type of business and education establishment. This search capability allows users to find former classmates, former employers and old work mates. Although the search features provides several options concerning how they search, the results are capped at 500.

New users soon recognize the potential of the information available on the website. Once connections are established or re-established, further action is needed to make use of these connections. Such connections can be used to develop a mailing list, or maintain on-going connection. Business relationships, like other relationships require work. The work in this case consists of making time for those people, addressing their needs, sharing their accomplishments and their sorrows.