So how do you become a recognized expert in your target market?  This comes down to two areas on Linkedin "Groups"  and  "Answers &  Questions".  With Groups you are able to join specific groups related to such things as industry, professional groups, networking groups, alumni groups, and more on Linkedin.  This allows you to position yourself in front of the right groups on Linkedin and its members in what I call a value added position.  This is done by offering continual group specific resources and quality post to the group and overtime you can grow into a recognized expert within the group. 

As dialogue grows and members benefit from your participation you will find times that members will write a recommendation on your behalf.  In other instances you will find that a member will reach out to you and express gratitude for your help and insight.  This too is an opportunity to for a recommendation.  When I find that someone has significantly benefited from my post or answer, I will from time to time ask for a brief recommendation if it falls in line with my Linkedin goals.  These recommendations are able to be shown on your profile and by targeted participation most recommendations can in turn fall in line with your Linkedin goals.

Learn more about the power of Linkedin groups, read my recent article on "Are you a  believer in Linkedin Groups", Next and most importantly, participate in the Answers section of Linkedin. You can participate in target specific categories that you have working knowledge of. You can also participate in areas that you may not have the best knowledge of, but you believe are targets you want to get in front of. You will just need to put some quality research into your answer. Every question is usually rated by the one who posts it. I say usually in that when the question closes you may have to remind from time to time the one who post it, to rate it. In each question one  answer to every question is rated as "the best" answer. This is a Kudo towards becoming a recognized expert that in turn shows on your profile.

You will see that some members participate a lot, some lend crazy amounts of time to this area of Linkedin, which drives amazing exposure for themselves and their brand!  Just be careful not to get sucked into the Social Media Space without any defined goals are action steps to measure your success. As an added resource, here is a no cost Social Media Power Users Webinar.   In addition we will have a Q/A time at the end of the webinar.  Be sure to sign up today as space is limited and  filling up fast. Tuesday 3pm EST.