From Z. Kelly Queijo:

Greek tragedy playwright Euripides is noted as saying, “Every man is like the company he is wont to keep.” If true, then business men and women need look no further than LinkedIn to be in very good company.

With 30 million professionals from different 150 industries including all 500 of the Fortune 500, there is, perhaps, no better business-oriented social networking organization.

With over 400 LinkedIn connections of her own, Social Media Strategist for Optimized Strategies,  Patsy Stewart concurs.  “I've been on LinkedIn for several years--shortly after its conception. I realized the value of a strong network throughout the country.”

Unlike many other social networking sites, LinkedIn is all business. Profile pages offer a resume-like format including a feature where colleagues and former co-workers or clients can recommend your work. Other tools include a job search database, in-network-mail, professional groups, and, of course, search tools to help you seek out the contacts you want to make.

As stated in the About LinkedIn page, “It isn't networking – it's what networking should be.”

Stewart  agrees, “If you are a professional in business and you're not on LinkedIn, you are missing a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded people as well as to network with other professionals. You can search for services and employment opportunities, as well as provide and receive testimonials. Connecting is the key to referrals and business success. LinkedIn is the vehicle.”

Stewart regularly uses LinkedIn to connect people to one another. Recently, one of her connections posted a question seeking a Buyers Agent in Floyd County. She immediately thought of Jeremy Hart of the NRV Living Real Estate Group, and, using LinkedIn, she put both of her contacts in touch with each other.

While it's important to have a presence on LinkedIn, you'll gain more from being an active member. Stewart advises using it regularly.  “I feel it is necessary to visit frequently, join groups and participate in discussions to establish yourself as a thought leader in your field of expertise.”

Not to do so might be a tragedy.

Z. Kelly Queijo writes about people and their passions for business and technology.  She is one of the 105,243 LinkedIn users living within a 100-mile radius of the Roanoke and New River Valleys - the RNR.