LinkedIn is the most meaningful social networking site on the internet. Here are 5 tips to to help you successfully build your brand and network using LinkedIn.

1. Join Groups. One of the more unique aspects of LinkedIn is the ability to communicate with other professionals in an open forum. No matter what your target interest is (Human Resources, District Management, Teaching, Coaching, etc) you can find a group of like minded people open for discussion and feedback. Using the Groups is a great way to meet new people, have a meaningful debate, and learn new practices and behaviors. Engage in conversation!

2. Use a tasteful picture in your profile. If you’ve got a picture holding a beer, shirtless, wearing a hat, etc – keep that picture with your personal collection on Facebook, Flickr, or whatever photo sharing site you use. If you wouldn’t wear it to work, you shouldn’t use it on your LinkedIn.

3. Talk about YOU, not the company that you work for. When filling out your job history and experience, make sure that you are talking about your highlights and accomplishments – not your job description and company mission statement. This is your opportunity to brag about yourself and show your professional worth.

4. Connect with people who matter. LinkedIn gives you a real opportunity to connect with people who make business, hiring, and executive decisions. Do you want a new job with a specific company? Try connecting to human resource and/or recruiting professionals from within that company. Are you trying to build your client base as an outside sales person? Connect with executives who are in charge of making purchasing decisions. LinkedIn is like an open worldwide company directory – take advantage!

5. Regularly update your profile status. Again, let me remind you that this is not Facebook. You shouldn’t update your LinkedIn status with what your plans are for the day, or how many miles you jogged from your workout this morning. Update your profile status with news articles related to your industry, work related headlines, positive messages, etc. You want to engage conversation, and most importantly, show your professional connections what’s happening in the industry and world around you.