Tip #1 – Build a strong profile FIRST
Although you might want to hit the ground running strong on LinkedIn to grab as many connections as possible, the truth is that you first want to ensure you are presentable. This begins by carefully monitoring your LinkedIn profile, editing it for any errors and continually updating your page – before you begin to connect with others. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression – so you want to ensure that when you start to network; you're putting your best foot forward.

Tip #2 – Join a few Smaller Groups in your Field of Vocation
After you've created a very strong personal profile, the next step for networking with others is to join smaller groups that are in fields that you currently work or your own area of expertise on LinkedIn. The reason for this is to start small and interact personally with individuals on LinkedIn – as opposed to trying to impress people with how many 'friends' you have. Remember, LinkedIn is not Facebook or Twitter. It doesn't matter how many followers or 'Likes' you have. It's all about connecting with quality individuals. So – start small, and then build your network.

Tip #3 – Don't be Aggressive on LinkedIn
Being a go-getter in business is a solid attribute. Being aggressive and trying to connect with tons of people at first is a bad thing. When you're beginning to network with individuals within your vocational industry, get to know those with whom you've connected before networking with others. You'll find out that when you take time to build relationships in business, that has a bigger impact than simply trying to connect with multiple people. Remember – building business relationships take time; but most importantly, it takes effort on your part to connect with others.

Tip #4 – Don't ask for Recommendations
One of the biggest mistakes that people make on LinkedIn is they tend to ask people they've just connected with for 'recommendations' or endorsements about their skills. Not only is this extremely arrogant, but it's also unprofessional. If you're good at doing something, people will offer to endorse you. Work on being good at what you do as opposed to asking people to help you build a phony LinkedIn profile. Remember again – this isn't Facebook; so 'status' does not apply on LinkedIn.

Tip #5 – Be Honest
Finally, whenever you are networking with people that will hopefully help you grow within the business sector; it's always critical to begin and end every conversation and interaction with honesty and transparency. Nobody wants to work with somebody that is false or fake. So start off your networking with honesty – as more people will respect that quality above anything else.

When you're looking to network on LinkedIn, simply follow these five easy tips and you'll quickly build a strong network of qualified business connections, leads and relationships that will help you advance in your field of study.

Whether you continue to be employed or have become a part of the heart wrenching statistics by downsizing or rightsizing, you need to continue to “own your career”. What does it mean to “own your career”? It means you are ultimately the person who is responsible for making things happen when it comes to your career and you have to expect the unexpected and plan for it. There may be limited positions in your area, but there are things you should constantly being doing whether you are gainfully employed or looking. Consider the following:

1. Reassess your career map: You say you do not have a career map, sure you do (at least I hope so). A career map is simply your career goals and objectives with associated timeframes. You may have an “official” career map you created through a paid service or you may simply have your objectives listed in a journal. The important step is that you should have one and if you do not, it’s time to create one. You cannot get where you want to go without clear directions. Reassessing means evaluating whether you are where you want to be in your career and if you are not, are there other avenues or experiences you can seek to help you get there. One thing to remember as you reassess your career map, there is nothing wrong with taking a detour along the way as long as you know you are working toward your final destination.

2. Engage your network: I know many of you have said, “I have and I do engage my network.” My question to you is how often. Chances are that you have contacted people in your network periodically and say “I am looking for my next opportunity, please let me know if know or hear of anything.” That is a good start, but engaging your network should go beyond the “hi and call me” platitude, you must ask specifically what you want. I suggest you say, “you may not be aware, but I am looking for my next opportunity in xyz, in this particular industry/company. Do you know of anyone I can contact or would you mind introducing me to xyz as I seek my next opportunity?” This is actively engaging your network.

3. Obtain mentors and coaches: Great mentors and coaches are invaluable resources throughout your career. Mentors and coaches are your sounding board and your career advocates and cheerleaders. It is not always who you know, but who knows you. Not only should you have at least one mentor and/or coach, you should also be a mentor or coach to someone else. Karma is a great thing, which leads me to tip #4.

4. Contribute to your profession. Charles W. Eliot said, “Be unselfish. That is the first and final commandment for those who would be useful and happy in their usefulness. If you think of yourself only, you cannot develop because you are choking the source of development, which is spiritual expansion through thought for others.” The unspoken gift of service is that you receive so much in return when you give of yourself to a specific situation or cause. Contributing to your profession can take on many forms, volunteering at a conference, serving on a regional leadership board, mentoring, publishing case studies or teaching to name a few. When you give to your profession, you are connecting on so many levels, not to mention contributing to advancing the profession as a whole – how cool is that!

5. Continue to learn: Being a student of knowledge is essential in our technology-on-demand age. Knowledge is power and there is always something new to learn or relearn in order to stay current, effective and competitive. There are so many avenues to stay on top of new developments, best practices and innovation. If you are not signed up to receive industry newsletters, podcasts, webinars or webcasts, you are doing yourself and your career a disservice – the majority of these resources are free. I recommend you start today.

You can never put a price on experience. This is a statement of truth no matter what career segment you are in. However, when you lack experience – and can't seem to find a job to provide you with said experience – how can you receive this valuable career asset? The answer is simple, get a mentor. Mentors provide great advice and can help you network with decision makers; this will in turn help you along your career journey.

A mentor in life is somebody who you can rely upon to provide you some tips, share experience or guide you a path to success. Sometimes the most valuable lessons or tips they can pass on are examples where they failed and offer suggestions that will help you avoid the same pitfalls. There are many ways that career mentors can provide you with tremendous value – both in the workplace and in life too. Some of the best values that career mentors can provide include:

On-Hands Job Experience

A great career mentor tends to be somebody you can rely upon that has experience in the same career as you are beginning. However, receiving input from any career mentor doesn't always have to come from somebody in the same vocation. In fact, some of the best career mentors are ones who speak from an opposing point of view.
Case in point: let's say for the sake of argument that you are beginning a career in sales. When you show up for work, you'll most likely be introduced to an experienced sales associate who will 'show you the ropes'. Having the input of not only somebody in sales, but also the input of an experienced product trainers and engineers from the organization can give you great tools to learning the entire industry quicker.
Invaluable experience like the input from a great mentor outside of your direct industry is counterintuitive, but invaluable to gaining a leg on the competition by providing new and different perspectives to consider.

Time and Change Management

Career mentors also are wonderful assets to learn good time management skills – and more importantly, how to juggle changes in workload requirements. One of the biggest hurdles for new employees entering the workforce is learning to adapt to change. However, a good career mentor can help you with this matriculation. Don't be afraid to ask a career mentor how they handle change in the workplace, or how they keep on track as many career mentors are happy to share what has worked for them in the past.
Career mentors provide tremendous value to anybody entering a new career. But in order to receive their expert advice – you have to take the first step. Steve Jobs once said, "The best way to develop a strong career path is to take the advice from people who've been there and done that." If that method worked for Steve, we're certain it will work for you as well.