LinkedIn announced on October 29, 2015 that it had reached 400 million members worldwide—yet only 25% of the users are active. What does it mean to be active in LinkedIn?  How do you determine whether a member is an active user?  Let’s start with the definition of active, which simply means engaging or ready to engage.  According to this definition, all LinkedIn members would be active, but those who use LinkedIn regularly know that isn’t true. (Why or how do they know it’s not true? Maybe:...

For job seekers words are key—on their resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and even personal websites. Why? Gone are the days when a handshake, a smile, and a conversation determined your job eligibility or compatibility with a company. Today, your first impression is made online—often through an impersonal computer program—and that impression is made solely with words. The right words unlock networking contacts, job interviews, and business opportunities. Unfortunately, the English...

LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool; but many of us do not know how to contact others or use its features to connect with colleagues or make new associations to grow our network. Joining LinkedIn is a little like moving to a new city. You may know a few people, but there are thousands of others out there who can help you further your career. The question is how do you meet them?

When venturing into any new territory, you start making associations by contacting the people you know. They...