By Brenda Krueger Huffman

(AXcess News) Chicago - In reality, every day networking is the most successful employment agency and new client-marketing tool in today's challenging work environment.  Internet technology, social media, and people are the networking tools that lead to success.  LinkedIn members know no matter what industry or business you are in, having a profile on LinkedIn is an advantage in networking - and not having one on LinkedIn is a disadvantage.

I recently interviewed Mark Stelzner, Founder of the JobAngels Network.   He describes the power of networking best, "Today, through the power of social media, each of us is just a few connections away from someone who may be able to help you by opening up their network, offering real-world advice from experts in their industry or field, connecting with individuals inside organizations who are hiring; and ultimately putting people back to work."  Mark knows the value in utilizing LinkedIn.  He has both a LinkedIn personal profile as well as a JobAngels Network Group.  His LinkedIn Group has over 17,000 members and continues to grow.

It's tough out there in this recession, and one necessity for success is being visible and easily accessible for those looking for talent whether to hire as an employee, consultant, product provider, or business partner.  LinkedIn is recognized as the largest and most influential referral network, and it is the jobs tool for the 2010's. 

Recruiters generously use LinkedIn as a tool to recruit both active and passive talent for open positions with their clients.  LinkedIn touts its trademarked Talent Advantage, "Over 900 companies are already hiring hard-to-find passive candidates with LinkedIn Talent Advantage."  This LinkedIn product offers companies "widest search available and ultra-precise targeting" among other features.

LinkedIn's reputation for enhancing its members' success has earned respect and notice in the press with numerous recent articles by big-name media:
* LinkedIn the top tool for marketers, Marketing Vox, August 19, 2010
* How to Use LinkedIn to Get Hired, Fins/The Wall Street Journal, August 19, 2010
* How to Network Effectively, Inc. Magazine, August 11, 2010

In their Resources Section, LinkedIn records a sampling of their member success stories with titles, "After a Layoff LinkedIn Member Lands New Job with Better Hours and More Money" and "Jobseeker Snags a Job One Week After Layoff Because of LinkedIn."   LinkedIn reflects the level of diversity of success its members can have with "LinkedIn Helps Member Get Closer to Outerspace."  "Oracle's CFO Landed His Post Through His LinkedIn Profile" highlights LinkedIn's acceptance in the C-Suite.

All three of the experts, referred by LinkedIn for this article series, agree that the more you participate in your LinkedIn membership, the more success you will see.  If you do not personally have success from your LinkedIn membership; more than likely, you are not using it to its fullest potential - and to yours.

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Part 1 - Why Use LinkedIn?
Part 2 - Getting the Most Out of LinkedIn
Part 3 - LinkedIn Member Success
Part 4 - LinkedIn Features & Statistics
Part 5 - International Focus in a Global Economy