Ashton Tweed has created the first Executive Talent Bank for the Life Sciences.

Networking Tips: 5 Tips for Using LinkedIn
as a Networking Tool

With over 70 million members worldwide, LinkedIn is one of the largest and most popular business-centered social networking sites today. If you’re not already a LinkedIn member, you should consider joining. It’s a great tool for strengthening and growing your current network of professional contacts. Here we share five tips for getting the most out of your LinkedIn network:

1. Fill in Your Profile Completely. Completing your profile is an important way to increase your search page rank and help people find you. Follow the profile tips located on the right side of your LinkedIn Profile. As a minimum, for example, you should include your photo, current position, past two positions, education, and summary.
2. Add a Personal Touch. As you create your profile, think about how to best market yourself. Make your descriptions interesting—don’t just cut and paste your resume. Engage readers by talking in first person, and describe your experience and skills as you would to someone you meet for the first time.
3. Nurture Your Network. Begin by searching for people you know who are on LinkedIn, and invite people who aren’t on LinkedIn to join. Another way to grow your LinkedIn connections is by requesting introductions through your network. Just don’t wait until you need a new job to start building your network!
4. Get LinkedIn Recommendations. Ask colleagues, co-workers, and clients to write you a recommendation. Such testimonials help highlight your strengths and show your value as an employee.
5. Use the Q&A Function to Help Build Your Reputation as an Expert. Search for questions related to your field and answer them to help boost your visibility and demonstrate your industry expertise.