Everyone knows that you only receive one chance to make a first impression. This principle is the same when you are networking on LinkedIn. You want to make sure that you are putting your best foot forward from your first meeting; this sets the stage for future communications with your new network contact.

LinkedIn is used for professional networking. It should not be confused with sites such as Facebook or MySpace, where people tend to be a bit more casual and relaxed. If you don't make a good first impression, some people will not take the opportunity to get to know you. So how can one accomplish this task? The following steps will provide tips on how you can make a great first impression on LinkedIn.

Step 1 LinkedIn Profile

Recruiters and hiring managers often use LinkedIn to search for new candidates, so it is important that you have a professional profile. Your profile should not be an exact duplicate of your resume, but it should include enough information to prompt people to request to see your resume. If people don't like what they see on your LinkedIn profile, chances are they will not want to see your resume either. Since your LinkedIn profile is just as important as your resume, you want to make sure that it does not contain any typing, punctuation or grammatical errors.

Make sure your profile is engaging and interesting. Here is a tip, do a LinkedIn search for "LinkedIn expert or LinkedIn Profile expert." These people usually have great profiles that you can emulate. You also have the option to pay for their services and they can create a profile for you. It is totally up to you.

Step 2 Business appropriate photo

Some people choose not to include a picture on their profiles and that is their personal choice. Some will debate that you have to have one and others will say you don't need it. Either way, if you do decide to add a picture, make sure that it is business appropriate (you would be surprised at all the interesting pictures that are currently on LinkedIn). You don't want to add the same picture that you use on Facebook; you know the one with you holding the glass of wine or wearing your favorite costume. Avatars are great for social networking sites, but should not be used on LinkedIn. You also want to make sure that your picture does not come across as if you are scantily dressed or this might give the wrong impression.

Did you know that LinkedIn has a photo policy? Here is an excerpt from LinkedIn on their picture policy: "The photo is an optional feature but if you choose to use it, it should be a photo of yourself. You cannot upload a cartoon, symbol, drawing or any content other than a photograph of yourself as your profile photo. A photograph that is not a current image of you is considered inappropriate."

You don't have to pay for professional pictures just to use on Linkedin. You can have a family member or friend take a picture of you in front of a background that is not too busy. Whatever picture you use, think job or business interview when it comes to LinkedIn.

Step 3 Personalize invitations to connect

Do send personalized messages when you want to connect to someone new. It is very easy to send the default "I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn" but if you take the time to personalize, you will make a better impression. Take time to let the new contact know why you would like to connect and what about their profile prompted you to contact them. Most people respond very favorably when you do.

Step 4 Respond to messages in a timely manner

If someone sends you a message, it is important to respond within a reasonable amount of time. Everyone is busy and it is understandable if you cannot reply immediately, but try to respond in a few days when possible. The longer you take to respond, people will gradually lose interest. If it takes you several weeks to several months to reply, be sure to briefly apologize for taking so long (it is not necessary to give details as to why). Responding in a timely manner shows that you are considerate of the other person's time.

Step 5 Be professional and courteous

When joining in group discussions on Linkedin, always keep conversations professional and be courteous to others. If someone posts something that you do not like or disagree with, you can agree to disagree without being rude or combative. Do not resort to name calling or flaming (hostile and insulting interaction between Internet users); your future employer or business client might be watching and news has a way of traveling quickly on the Internet. You always have the option to say nothing at all if you choose to do so.

Step 6 Be positive

Negativity makes for a very bad first impression, so make sure you keep it positive. If you start in a negative manner, conversations might not go any further and people will not want to network with you. People like to associate with positive, helpful and encouraging people, not people who are always negative. By being positive, people will be more attracted to you.

This was just a short list of things that you can do to make a great first impression on LinkedIn. The more that you network, the more ways you will discover how to make a great first impression.

Copyright 2010 Marleen Graham
http://www.linkedin.com/in/marleengraham