LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network with over 55 million members and growing rapidly. LinkedIn connects you to your trusted contacts and helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals.

We suggest that all adult members of the church consider joining LinkedIn for their own professional development as well as being able to help others who are seeking employment. For those who are seeking employment or business connections joining LinkedIn may seem obvious. What is less obvious is why the rest of us should join.

Spend 5 minutes and change someone's life

Upon hearing that "so-and-so is out of work" how often have you wished there was something you could do?

70% to 85% of all jobs are found through networking.

It could be that your brother-in-law is seeking a position at the same company that your former college roommate works at. By taking 5 minutes to make an introduction you may literally change someone's life.

How do I get started with this?

• If you want to learn more about LinkedIn spend 10-15 minutes understanding it.
• You can get a free LinkedIn account by going to www.linkedin.com.
• Complete your personal profile. Try to get it at least 80% complete.
• Join groups that seem relevant to you including LDS Connected and LDS Michigan MITTEN (if you are in the Metro Detroit area).
• Invite family, friends, coworkers, old college roomates, etc. to connect to you on LinkedIn and to be part of your network. Connect to everyone you know at church.
• Wait for (or look for) that opportunity to bless someone's life by helping them get to know someone who can help them.

Is that it?

Once you have set up your profile been completed, you're in a position for your connections to contact you if they need an introduction or other assistance.

When you learn someone you know is looking for work make a connection with them on LinkedIn, find out what type of job they're looking for and what companies they're interested in working for... maybe you're connected to someone in their field who could help.

Someday the person looking for work might be you. Should that ever happen you'll be a step ahead with your own networking efforts by having your profile complete and by being connected to those you know.