I feel so fortunate to be attending the Social Media Success Summit 2009 over the next four weeks. I am learning so much about the importance of using social media as part of a successful marketing campaign. Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are so much more than just socializing. They are sites that can and should be utilized to generate business success.

I had the opportunity to listen to LinkedIn expert Jason Alba, who is the author of the bestselling book; I’m on LinkedIn – Now What??? and founder of www.jibberjobber.com. Listening to the information Jason provided opened my eyes to the countless opportunities we business owners have on LinkedIn to get ourselves in front of contacts who can help our businesses grow as well as attract potential clients.

Jason brought up excellent points and suggestions to help attract business and get noticed on LinkedIn. I’d like to share these points with you:

Your Profile Matters!

Don’t think you can skimp on your profile. Pay attention to what it says about you and your business. Put yourself in other people’s shoes and ask yourself, “would I hire me?”

Set up a Poll

Through the use of online polls, LinkedIn has come up with more ways to get you noticed. These polls will notify your direct contacts and ask them your question. You can then rate the answer.

Start up a Group

Choose a topic and start up your own group. Be sure to use your logo in the group name and include a link to your business. Members of this group will attract users to you as your logo will appear on their profiles when they join the group.

Be Active in Groups

In addition to starting your own, join other people’s groups! Participate and get your advice and opinions heard! Just remember not to be too intrusive as you may risk turning people off.

Recommend People

If you give, you may receive. Provide a recommendation for someone on their LinkedIn profile and you may get one back. If not, at least you have placed yourself and your business on someone else’s profile, creating more opportunity for you to be noticed.

Practice “Six Degrees of Separation”

You know the phrase, six degrees of separation? Well this phrase is true and more apparent than ever in the world of social networking. LinkedIn allows you to easily view who your connections are connected to and therefore provides you with the opportunity to contact prospects you are interested in and who may be interested in what you have to offer!

Take Advantage of LinkedIn Answers

LinkedIn Answers is such a simple way to get recognized. Not only does asking questions and answering questions get you noticed, but it helps you to establish yourself as a professional.

Want to learn more tips on how to use LinkedIn to your full benefit? Read my article, LinkedIn Strategies for Business Success.