Internet-based social networking and professional networking have added a new dimension to how we connect with friends and family, colleagues, clients, and potential employers or employees.
Are you on LinkedIn? LinkedIn should be one part of your overall strategy in creating connections with others.
Are you looking to improve your visibility, credibility, and the quality of your connections? Read on for a few easy tips that will make a difference.
#1 - Improve visibility with your profile.

• Create a compelling professional headline.
  It's that section right under your name, where you tell the world what you do in 120 characters.
  Mine used to read "Owner, Amy Franko Consulting.
  " Boring - and it didn't tell anyone what I do.
  Now it reads "Instructional designer helping people connect, engage, learn; Book Yourself Solid coach for self-employed women.
  " Much more descriptive, and people can easily decide if they want to know more about me.
  
• Use the update box.
  It's the section right under your headline.
  It works when you use it regularly! Once a week, tell the world what you're up to - but keep it to business.
  Anything else is distracting.
  
• Create a conversational summary.
   Your summary should tell your story in a way that's conversational and professional, reflect your personality, and invite people to get to know you.
  It shouldn't be a reiteration of your resume, or a bullet list of your skills.
  Have fun with it!

#2 - Improve credibility by connecting others and showcasing your expertise.

• Connect people in your LinkedIn network with one another.
  Review your LinkedIn connections and find common ground between them; then connect two people via email a few times per week.
  This is a simple way to share your network with others, provide value, and ultimately be remembered for it.
  People appreciate it when you connect them to others within their industry or that share similar interests.
  
• Give recommendations.
  Find two people in your first degree connections and write an unsolicited recommendation for them, without expecting anything in return.
  Be specific and keep it to a professional level.
  For example, did that person outperform on a project or help you solve a problem?
• Request recommendations.
  When making requests, be sure that person is specific in their recommendation of you.
  For example, did you complete a project for a client that just exceeded all their expectations? Did you do a stellar job managing a high-profile situation for your boss or colleague? The more specific your recommendations, whether giving or receiving, the better they showcase your true self and talent.
  
• Use Groups and Answers.
    Groups are communities centered around professional or personal interests.
  Find several that you intend to actively participate in; it's even better if those groups are well moderated.
  Post questions and add comments to showcase your expertise in a way that isn't blatant self-promotion.
  The same rules apply for Answers.
  Search topics that you find interesting or that reflect your expertise.
  Many times the person asking the question will rate the answers and you can achieve expert status on that topic over time.
  Always look to provide value.
  

One final tip - relationship building it takes time, consistency, and patience.
Use LinkedIn on a regular basis and incorporate these ideas a little at a time.
It will make a difference in your networking experience!