Not many people realize that LinkedIn was started over seven years ago.
It was in existence before Facebook was launched; however, LinkedIn did not start becoming mainstream until several years ago.
LinkedIn offers some great tools to share your expertise with other as you network.
HR professionals are beginning to look more and more into profiles like LinkedIn to assist in finding quality candidates.
Have you taken the time to seriously use LinkedIn to your full advantage? Merely creating an account does not cut it.
Here are a few tips to help guide you into optimizing your account.
5 Tips for Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile (+ a Bonus!)

1. Fill in major categories.
   You must at least fill in your employment history and education.
   If you are not willing to take the time to do this, you should not be on LinkedIn.
   Also, it is a good idea to add your expertise and websites if applicable.
   
2. Include a picture: The whole point of social media is to be -- Social.
   A picture adds more personality to your profile.
   While LinkedIn is mainly about networking, it is good to have a personal side to your profile as well.
   
3. Get involved with groups: It is important to get involved with two kind of groups.
   First, you want to be involved with groups associated with your industry.
   If you are in construction, join a group about construction.
   The second type of group are local groups.
   If you are in Indianapolis, join LinkedIn Indianapolis.
   I just started doing this, and I am amazed how good of a resource it has been.
   Local groups keep you informed about events and networking opportunities.
   They also allow you to start discussions, which can be a great tool to promote your blog.
   
4. Get recommendations: Asking for recommendations is important, but this must be handled correctly.
   Do not ask people to recommend you for services, if they do not know you and have not worked with you.
   It is easy to locate recommendations that are not genuine, so please use them correctly.
   Recommendations used correctly, can be great for adding credibility and should be present on your LinkedIn profile.
   
5. Update: While not as essential, you should update your status at least on a weekly basis.
   Share a helpful link or blog post.
   Show people that you are actually engaged online with your profile.
   
6. Bonus! Participate in "LinkedIn Answers.
   " You can participate in asking a question or answering a question.
   This is a great way for small business owners and consultants to share expertise and gain visibility online.
   

Many timespeople create a profile on LinkedIn because they hear that it is important.
However, they never do anything with it.
LinkedIn offers an array of tools to help professionals connect and engage each other in helpful discussion and groups.
This article only scratches the surface of the potential that LinkedIn offers.