This post is in response to a question I was asked recently. “I’m so busy and only have 30 minutes to spend on LinkedIn each day – what are the most effective things I can do in this time?” So the following are some primary areas and activities that I believe will make your time well spent.

1. Freshen up your profile

Is your current and past experience relevant and up to date? Do you have a link to your website and Twitter profile? Are your contact details correct? Include your email address, phone number, Skype details etc. Have you uploaded a photo? Preferably a professional one of you smiling!

2. Connect with more people

Do you have a large pile of business cards you haven’t done anything with? Invite these contacts to connect with you on LinkedIn and use LinkedIn as your business database – when the time comes to contact someone from a specific company or industry, you can easily get in touch.  TIP: Always personalise the invitation message.

3. Write a recommendation

Have you worked with someone fabulous?  Surprise them with a glowing recommendation.

4. Ask for a recommendation

Hover over the Profile tab within your account and select ‘Recommendations’. Choose ‘Request Recommendations’ in the top centre of the page. Keep your request short and let the person know if there is anything specific you would like to be recommended for. Don’t hesitate to remind them if they forget.

5. Join a group (and connect without the need for an email address!)

Search for groups of interest in the ‘Groups’ area.  TIP: If you would like to connect with someone outside of your network – join a group they belong to.  Once you both belong to the same group you can send them an invite to connect without having to provide their email address.

6. Ask or Answer a question

LinkedIn has a special section for people to get their questions answered, called Answers.  Hover over the ‘More’ tab in your account and select ‘Answers’.  Ask a question or find great questions that you can answer.  TIP: This is great for adding value to others, attracting new clients and positioning as an expert in your field.

7. Connect LinkedIn with your Twitter account

Hover on the Profile tab and select ‘Edit Profile’.  Towards the bottom of the main blue box click ‘+ Add a Twitter account’.  Connect with Twitter and your Tweets will automatically appear on your LinkedIn account.

8. Reconnect with an old contact

Click on the ‘Contacts’ tab and send a message to someone you would like to reconnect with.

As always, I welcome your comments, feedback, ideas and suggestions!